To pursue education in Canada, As an international student, you must complete additional requirements and an exam instead of IELTS.
It is feasible to apply to Canadian universities without taking the IELTS exam. Students without an IELTS score are already admitted to more than 20 Canadian universities and colleges. Canadian universities use several criteria to evaluate students’ proficiency in the English language.
Canadian universities have established many alternatives to the IELTS.
The Duolingo English Test, for instance. English language proficiency from prior academic institutions is a requirement for admission to several Canadian universities. Many applicants do not need to provide IELTS documentation due to their nationality.
Below are all these details, along with a list of Canadian universities that only require the IELTS and information on applying for admission in Canada by taking the test.
In the unlikely event that you’re unsure… The International English Language Testing System is referred to as IELTS. It is precisely what it claims to be: an assessment of your proficiency in English!
Many colleges and companies use it worldwide to ensure their staff or pupils are proficient in English. Although several English language assessments are available, this one is among the most well-known, as we have already discussed.
Even if immigration officials and Canadian colleges allow it, studying in Canada without an IELTS score was still feasible in 2023.
Even if the IELTS standards have decreased, admission to these programs still requires strong communication abilities in English.
Checking the university you wish to attend’s prerequisites for overseas students is a simple first step! While many prestigious colleges may accept other English language proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL or the recently released Duolingo English Test, some prefer the IELTS.
Additionally, you can study in Canada without taking the IELTS exam if you have already completed four or more years of study in an English-medium school, even at colleges that require it.
Here is a list of universities in Canada without IELTS:
The University of Alberta (Faculty wise vary)
University of Winnipeg
University of Saskatchewan
Cambrian College
Seneca College
Brock University
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Okanagan College
University of Guelph
McGill University
Algoma University
Brandon University
Carleton University
University of Regina
Concordia University
University of Prince Edward Island
IELTS is optional to obtain a student visa for Canada. You can study in Canada without taking the IELTS exam. However, international students wishing to apply for a student visa in Canada frequently need to bring the IELTS or another language competence exam.
Most Canadian universities and colleges employ English or French as their principal language of instruction. Therefore, language competency examinations are used to make sure students can communicate in these languages successfully. Certain institutions or schools may offer alternative language competency exams, such as the Duolingo English Test, CAEL, CELPIP, and TOEFL.
Yes, you can obtain a study permit for Canada without taking the IELTS exam. As you can see, Canada offers study permits, which come with a temporary resident’s visa by default, rather than study visas per se.
The university of your choice determines the English language proficiency test you require.
Almost all Canadian universities, therefore, recognise IELTS; nevertheless, if you don’t have it, you may still be able to study in Canada in 2023 with one of the other options listed below. Many of these are included in our comprehensive list of entrance tests for international studies.
However, keep in mind that admission standards for overseas students vary by university, so ALWAYS confirm with yours first:
The TOEFL is one of the world’s most well-known English language competency exams. Academic institutions in North America are its primary users.
The test evaluates students’ reading, listening, talking, and writing abilities through multiple-choice questions, speaking exercises, and essays.
A competitive TOEFL score for undergraduate admissions often falls between 80 and 100, while for graduate applications, it usually falls between 90 and 110.
The CAEL is an English language competency exam created especially for educational institutions in Canada. It assesses language proficiency in academic settings in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
A competitive score is often around 70, while the minimum score needed varies according to the university or program.
Worldwide, businesses and educational institutions accept the results of the Cambridge English tests, including the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) and Advanced English (CAE). They evaluate various linguistic abilities, such as speaking, listening, writing, and reading.
Intense proficiency levels are defined as a CPE score of 200 to 230 and a CAE score of 180 to 200.
Another English proficiency exam that is only used for Canadian citizenship and immigration is the CELPIP. It assesses reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language proficiency in authentic contexts.
The minimal score requirements change based on the test’s intended use, such as academic admission or immigration.
English language proficiency is assessed by the relatively new online Duolingo English Test, which consists of reading, writing, speaking, and listening exercises.
It is a convenient alternative for test-takers because it can be taken from the comfort of home.
The Duolingo English Test has varying minimum score criteria but often falls between 85 and 120.
The University of Toronto, one of the best universities in Canada, may waive language exam requirements for candidates who have finished their prior coursework at English-speaking universities or who have otherwise proven their ability.
The “International Foundation Program” is a gateway program offered by the Vancouver-based private university University of Canada West to students who do not fulfil the university’s English language proficiency criteria.
Students can continue to standard undergraduate or graduate programs upon successful program completion.
Some circumstances set forth by the University of Prince Edward Island may excuse applicants from submitting their IELTS results.
Students from English-speaking nations or those who have finished their prior education in English are typically eligible for these exemptions.
Thompson Rivers University offers a gateway program called “The English Language Center (ELC)” for students who need more language instruction before beginning their regular academic programs.
For applicants who have completed specific English language programs at accredited Canadian institutions, the University of Regina grants exemptions from the IELTS.
For applicants who have studied in an English-speaking nation for a set amount of time or who have finished particular English language programs, the University of Saskatchewan may waive the IELTS requirement.
International students can get language assistance from Brock University’s ESL Services, and depending on their language ability, some applicants may be given conditional admission consideration.
If an applicant demonstrates excellent academic promise but fails to meet the English language standards, the University of Winnipeg may consider offering them conditional admission.
The “English as a Second Language (ESL) Program” at Memorial University is available to students who need to get better at the language before starting regular academic courses.
Students with good academic credentials but still need to meet the English language requirements may be eligible for conditional admission to Concordia University in Montreal.
Here is a list of the Canadian universities accepting the MOI and providing a much easier application to international students.
McGill University
University of Manitoba
University of Waterloo
University of Saskatchewan
University of Regina
Cape Breton University
Brandon University
Laurentian University
At Edify, a presidential award-winning consultancy, we are committed to empowering Pakistani students to pursue higher education abroad.
Our dedicated team of counsellors provides comprehensive support and guidance, assisting students at every stage of their study abroad journey.
You do not need to take the IELTS to study in Canada. IELTS exemptions are available for programs at a few Canadian universities and colleges.
You can look at other English language competence exams to study in Canada without taking the IELTS.
No, you can obtain a student visa to Canada without taking the IELTS. IELTS is one of the commonly acknowledged tests for this reason.
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