How many CRS points does education give?
Education is worth up to 150 CRS points without a spouse (140 with), plus up to 50 more through skill transferability and up to 30 for a Canadian credential. A bachelor's degree earns 120 points, a master's 135 and a PhD 150.
| Education level | Without spouse | With spouse | Spouse's education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than secondary school | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Secondary diploma | 30 | 28 | 2 |
| One-year post-secondary program | 90 | 84 | 6 |
| Two-year post-secondary program | 98 | 91 | 7 |
| Bachelor's degree or 3+ year program | 120 | 112 | 8 |
| Two or more credentials, one of 3+ years | 128 | 119 | 9 |
| Master's or professional degree | 135 | 126 | 10 |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 150 | 140 | 10 |
Foreign education needs an ECA
Credentials earned outside Canada only count if an organization designated by IRCC (such as WES) assesses them in an Educational Credential Assessment. The ECA must be less than five years old when you receive your invitation.
Two or more credentials
"Two or more" means at least one credential of three years or longer plus another post-secondary credential. A bachelor's plus a one-year postgraduate diploma moves you from 120 to 128 points and into the top transferability column.
Canadian education bonus
A Canadian post-secondary credential adds 15 points (1-2 year program) or 30 points (3+ years) in section D. Study must have been full-time and in Canada for at least 8 months.
Frequently asked questions
How many CRS points is a master's degree?
135 without a spouse, 126 with one. With CLB 9 in all skills it also unlocks 50 transferability points.
How many points is a bachelor's degree?
120 without a spouse, 112 with one.
Does a diploma after a degree help?
Yes. A degree of 3+ years plus another post-secondary credential counts as 'two or more credentials': 128 points and the higher transferability column.
Want your own number? The CRS calculator applies every table on this page to your profile and shows the breakdown.