A direct entry program is a program (academic) that allows entry of students based on their completion of a high school curriculum. A direct entry program can be the first postsecondary program a student has taken.

The majority of undergraduate programs are direct entry programs. Professional programs, such as the juris doctor program are undergraduate programs that are not direct entry where students would be required to complete a certain number of credits first in order to be eligible to apply.

In the Faculty of Education, there are two models of teacher training. The concurrent model offers direct entry into a Bachelor of Education program because it is pursued concurrently with another degree. The consecutive model is not direct entry as the student enters the Bachelor of Education program after completing another degree.