Minimum IELTS Score for Canada: Universities & Study Visa
If you are interested in pursuing higher education in Canada, then you should know about the minimum IELTS score requirement. Depending on the university, an IELTS score can be an important part of the application process.
Also, you are required to attach the IELTS band score to the study permit applications. In this blog, we have discussed the minimum IELTS score for Canadian universities and student visas.
- Importance of IELTS Scores for Canada
- Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities: Study-Level Wise
- Relation between IELTS Score and Availability of Universities
- Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities: Institute-Wise List
- Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Study Visa
- Study in Canada without IELTS
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Importance of IELTS Scores for Canada
- IELTS is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test.
- It is also preferred by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Immigration Quebec as proof of English language proficiency for its immigration and citizenship programs.
- Almost all of the Canadian universities accept IELTS scores.
- It offers several advantages, including faster result processing, a face-to-face speaking test, and the availability of more frequent test dates.
Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities: Study-Level Wise
- Like any other country, there is also a minimum threshold of IELTS scores for Canada, which international students have to follow, depending on their preferred university.
- The minimum IELTS scores for Canadian universities also depend on the study level and programs they offer.
- Most Canadian universities prefer to accept applications on a minimum IELTS score ranging between 6.5 and 7.0.
| Level of Study | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| Diploma programs/pathway courses | 5.0-5.5 |
| Undergraduate degree | 6.5-7.0 |
| Postgraduate degree | 6.0-7.0 |
IELTS Score for Canada for Diploma/Pathway/Bridge Programs
- The minimum IELTS score to study a diploma/pathway/bridge course in Canada is 5.0-5.5, depending on the institution.
- The pathway and bridge courses allow students to cover the gap of language proficiency and academic requirements before joining the regular study programs.
For Undergraduate Level
The minimum IELTS score for Canada to get entry into the bachelor’s degree program is 6.0.
For Post-Graduate Level
- To pursue postgraduate courses in Canada, applicants must have an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
- However, if you have a score of 7.0 or above, then you have the opportunity to secure admission to the top universities.
Relation between IELTS Score and Availability of Universities
IELTS scores between the range of 0-9 are generally perceived as the degree of proficiency in the English language. The higher your IELTS band score, the greater your chances of gaining admission to a top university.
| Range of IELTS Score | Availability of Canadian Universities |
|---|---|
| 5.0-5.5 | Diploma/pathway courses are available |
| 6.0 | Institutions ranking between 150-300 (QS Ranking) |
| 6.5 | Tier-2 universities ranking between 80-150 (QS Ranking) |
| 7.0-7.5 | Top universities ranking between 1-100 (QS Ranking) |
Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities: Institute-Wise List
The requirements for minimum IELTS scores for Canadian universities are different, depending on the programs and study level, as tabulated below.
| University | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| University of Fraser Valley | 5.5 |
| University of Lethbridge | 6.0 |
| University of Toronto | 6.5 |
| McGill University | 6.5 |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5 |
| University of Alberta | 6.5 |
| University of Waterloo | 6.5/7.0 |
| Western University | 6.5 |
| McMaster University | 6.5 |
| University of Ottawa | 6.5/7.0 |
| Queen's University at Kingston | 6.5 |
| University of Calgary | 6.5 |
| Dalhousie University | 6.5/7.0 |
Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Study Visa
The minimum IELTS score required to apply for a Canadian study visa is 6.0 overall, with no band less than 5.5.
Study in Canada without IELTS
Depending on the university, several alternatives are available if you want to study in Canada without IELTS. Some of the most common options are listed below.
- Instead of taking the IELTS exam, you can attempt the following language proficiency tests.
- TOEFL iBT’
- Duolingo
- PTE
- CAEL
- Cambridge Test
- If you have previously completed at least 4 years of a bachelor’s program in academic settings where the English language was the only mode of instruction and examinations, then you can submit a medium of instruction (MOI) certificate.
- Many Canadian universities also offer certain English language pathway programs intended to improve the student’s language and communication skills, which you can also consider.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Canadian universities prefer the IELTS test to evaluate the English language skills of the Indian students applying for admission. A good IELTS score demonstrates the ability of the students to communicate in academic and social settings effectively.
The IELTS requirements for Canadian universities differ. However, most Canadian universities require students to have a minimum overall score of 6.5-7.0, with no less than 6.0-6.5 in each section.
FAQs
What are the IELTS score requirements for business management programs in Canadian universities
The required IELTS score for Canadian universities to pursue business management programs such as MBA is 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each section.
Is IELTS 5.5 accepted in Canada?
For most of the pathways and bridge courses, an IELTS band score of 5.5 is generally accepted in Canada.
Is getting a score of 7.0 in IELTS easy?
Getting a score of 7.0 in IELTS is possible with the right preparation strategy. By planning your study schedule effectively and practising mock tests under real test conditions, you can achieve your dream of getting a good IELTS score.
You can enroll in AdmitX’s IELTS Bootcamp, which will help you comprehensively prepare for this exam.
Why is IELTS required to study in Canada if I can apply for a waiver?
IELTS is required to obtain a study permit for Canada. This rule was brought up by IRCC or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Although you can apply for an IELTS waiver through the medium of instruction certificate, ultimately, you have to submit its score to obtain a study visa.
Which IELTS is required to study in Canada?
Canadian universities require Indian students to have IELTS academic scores. They don’t accept the scores for the IELTS General Training.
