Are you a student interested in studying in Canada without taking the IELTS exam? Wondering about the IELTS requirements for studying in Canada? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about studying in Canada without IELTS and the specific IELTS requirements you should be aware of. So, if you’re ready to explore your options and pursue your academic dreams in Canada, keep reading!
What is the IELTS?
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a widely recognized English language proficiency exam. It is often required for international students planning to study in Canada or other English-speaking countries. The test assesses your ability to understand and communicate effectively in English, covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. While IELTS is commonly used, it’s important to note that there are alternative tests available.
IELTS Requirements to Study in Canada
To be eligible for a student visa in Canada, you usually need to meet the IELTS requirements. This means achieving a minimum score of 5.5 in each band of the IELTS exam, which includes Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Additionally, you need to obtain an overall score of 6.0. This language proficiency requirement ensures that students have a solid foundation in English to succeed in their academic pursuits in Canada. So, make sure you prepare well and aim for the desired IELTS scores to open doors to studying in the great Canadian land!
How to Study in Canada without IELTS?
You can provide scores of other English Proficiency tests such as TOEFL (iBT), Duolingo English Test, CAEL, PTE, CELPIP, and CanTest. Or you can submit proof that you have studied in an English medium school for at least 4 years. If you’re from one of the English-speaking countries exempted from IELTS, you can submit proof of national identity. You can enroll in an English language course offered by the university and college. It is exclusively for students who are unable to submit English proficiency scores.
- TOEFL is another popular alternative to IELTS for studying in Canada. It requires a minimum score of 80 to 100, depending on the institution. TOEFL measures your English proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through an online test.
- PTE Academic is also accepted by many Canadian universities and colleges. It requires a score between 50 to 79. PTE Academic evaluates your English language skills through computer-based assessments, including speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
- The Duolingo English Test is gaining popularity as an alternative to IELTS. It requires a score between 85 and 120. This online test assesses your language skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- CanTEST is another proficiency test accepted by some Canadian institutions. It requires a minimum score of 4. CanTEST evaluates your English language skills in the areas of reading, listening, and writing.
These alternative English proficiency tests provide students with more options to demonstrate their language abilities and fulfill the admission requirements for studying in Canada.
Which Universities do not require IELTS in Canada?
While an IELTS score is commonly required for admission to Canadian universities, not all of them mandate it. Here is a compilation of universities in Canada without IELTS score.
1.University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg is one of the top public universities in Canada that offers courses without requiring an IELTS test for non-English-speaking students. If English is not your primary language and you are not from an English-speaking country, you need to demonstrate your language skills through alternative means. You can achieve this by meeting certain requirements, such as obtaining a minimum score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test, scoring at least 86 on the TOEFL iBT Test with no section score below 20, achieving a minimum score of 58 on the Pearson Test of English (Academic), completing the Academic Level 5 of the English Language Program (ELP), receiving a minimum grade of C+ in Academic Writing 1 and 2 in the ELP Part-time Evening Program, or successfully completing the Academic English Program from University and College Entrance (AEPUCE).
2.Cambrian College
Cambrian College is a leading post-secondary institution in Northern Ontario that offers exceptional courses for international students who don’t have an IELTS score. However, students are required to provide their TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English test scores as proof of their language proficiency. To meet the English language requirements, students can also enroll in the English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP). For the Internet-based TOEFL test, a score of 80 is required for Diploma/Certificate programs, 84 for Graduate Certificates, and 88 for Degree programs. A Paper-based TOEFL score of 550 is necessary for Diploma/Certificate programs, and 570 for Graduate Certificates. PTE scores of 58 are accepted for Diploma/Certificate programs, 61 for Graduate Certificates, and 58 for Degree programs. Duolingo scores should be between 105 and 115 for Diploma/Certificate programs, and above 120 for Graduate Certificates.
3.Brock University
At Brock University, English is the primary language of communication. If English is not your first language, you’ll need to demonstrate your English skills to study here. You can do this by taking tests like IELTS, CAEL Assessment, MELAB, YELT, Duolingo, or TOEFL. We also offer helpful ESL programs like the Intensive English Language Program (IELP). Here are the minimum scores needed for some of these tests:
- IELTS: 6.5 or higher, with no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT: 88 or higher, with a minimum of 21 on Speaking and Writing
- MELAB: 85 or higher, with no section below 80
- IELP: A score of 565, with a minimum composition score of 240
- PTE: 58 for undergraduate students, and 65 with a score not less than 62 for graduate students
- Duolingo English Test: A score of 120 or higher
If you’re looking to study in Canada without taking the IELTS, make sure to check out these options and meet the language requirements.
4.Seneca College
If you want to study in Canada without IELTS, Seneca College has some options for you. Instead of IELTS, you can submit an English proficiency test score from other recognized testing bodies. Here are the accepted minimum scores for different tests:
- CAEL CE and CAEL Online: Minimum 60
- Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE): Minimum 169 with no skill below 162
- PTE Academic: Minimum score is 58
- TOEFL iBT (including MyBest TOEFL and Home Edition): Minimum 80 with no section below 20
- TOEFL Revised Paper Delivered: No skill below 20.
So, if you’re well-prepared to study in English, you can meet Seneca College’s language requirements with these alternative tests.
5.Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador accepts various English language proficiency tests. The accepted tests include Cambridge Assessment English (minimum score of 176), CAEL (minimum score of 50-60), CanTEST (minimum score of 4.5), Duolingo (minimum score of 115), MET (minimum score of 59), PTE (minimum score of 58), and TOEFL (minimum score of 79). If an applicant does not meet the minimum scores required for these tests, they have the option to join Memorial University’s English as a Second Language Program. There are some additional requirements for specific tests. For CAEL CE and CAEL Online, the minimum score is 60. For Cambridge English Exams such as B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE, or C2 Proficiency/CPE, the minimum score is 169, with no skill below 162. PTE Academic requires a minimum score of 58, while TOEFL iBT (including MyBest TOEFL and Home Edition) requires a minimum score of 80, with no section below 20. Lastly, for TOEFL Revised Paper Delivered, there should be no skill below 20. If you are a student looking to study in Canada without IELTS, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador provides alternative English language proficiency test options.
If you’re looking to study in Canada without IELTS, make sure to check out these options and meet the language requirements.
With over a decade’s experience in International education with particular interest and commitment to international student experience, she is the brain behind the overseas programme wing and has steered the organization to a position where it figures among the prominent overseas education facilitators in India.