Skip links
Study in Canada without IELTS

Study in Canada without IELTS in 2025: List of Top Institutes

If you’re figuring out how to study in Canada without IELTS, there are several worthwhile alternatives to consider. Institutes like Brock University, Concordia University, Carleton University, McGill University, University of Winnipeg, etc., offer an IELTS waiver, provided that you have fulfilled the alternative criteria of English language proficiency requirements.

In this blog, we have provided the list of universities in Canada without IELTS, along with alternative options to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Study in Canadian Universities without IELTS

IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is one of the major standardised tests that evaluate the English language proficiency of individuals planning to study abroad. However, most of the Canadian universities provide an IELTS waiver.

An IELTS waiver is a type of exemption provided to international students (outside the English-speaking countries) who have fulfilled the criteria for English language proficiency for studying in Canada through other means. Some of the general ways to study in Canadian universities without IELTS are discussed below.

How to Study in Canada without IELTS?

Some of the general alternative ways to study in Canadian universities without IELTS are discussed below.

Alternative Test Options

Apart from IELTS, a non-native English speaker can demonstrate their English language proficiency by attempting one of the following tests.

  • TOEFL iBT
  • PTE 
  • Duolingo
  • Canadian Academic English Language Test
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) & Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate

  • At the time of university application, a non-English-speaking candidate must have completed 3-4 years of full-time study in which English was the primary language of instruction and evaluation.
  • This alternative path is applicable to candidates who want to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
  • However, this might depend on the university in which you are going to apply.

Intensive English Language Program (IELP)

  • The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) helps international students (from non-English speaking countries) to improve their English language skills.
  • IELP is offered at many Canadian universities, such as Brock University, Concordia University, Carleton University, McGill University, University of Winnipeg, etc.

Required Documents for an IELTS Waiver in Canada

Depending on the conditions and university, any one of the documents can be submitted to apply for an IELTS waiver.

  • Proof of Other English Language Proficiency Test Score (TOEFL iBT/PTE/CAEL/Duolingo, etc.) OR
  • MOI Certificate OR
  • Certificate of Enrollment in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
English Language Proficiency TestMinimum Score
TOEFL iBT90-100
PTE50-70
CAEL50-70
Duolingo100-110
CAE & CPE169

List of Universities in Canada without IELTS

The following is a table highlighting the list of Canadian universities which provides an IELTS waiver.

  • Brock University
  • McGill University
  • University of Winnipeg
  • University of Regina
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Guelph
  • University of Saskatchewan
  • Concordia University
  • Carleton University

Applying for a Canadian Student Visa without IELTS

  • If a Canadian university has approved the candidate’s application by confirming that they have met the English language requirements through alternative means, they can proceed to apply for a study permit without IELTS.
  • It is important to know that applicants can prove their English language proficiency through other means, such as an MOI certificate, an IELP enrollment certificate, or TOEFL/Duolingo/PTE test scores. 

Key Takeaways by AdmitX

Studying at Canadian universities without IELTS is possible if applicants can demonstrate their English language proficiency through alternative methods, such as submitting a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, scores from other.

English proficiency tests, or an IELP (Intensive English Language Program) enrollment certificate. These universities include Brock University, McGill University, University of Winnipeg, University of Regina, etc.

Top 6 Countries Accepting IELTS Band Score of 6.0
IELTS Speaking Topics: Test Structure and Breakdown
IELTS Reading Practice Test: Passages With Questions and Answers
Top 5 Countries Accepting IELTS Band Score of 5.5
IELTS Writing Task 1:  Questions and Answers
IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions and Answers
IELTS One Skill Retake: Benefits, Differences and Cost of Taking Test
Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and More

FAQs

Do I need IELTS to study in Canada?

Providing an IELTS score is not mandatory for studying in Canada. Alternative methods can be used to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Universities such as Brock University, McGill University, University of Winnipeg, University of Regina, University of Alberta, University of Guelph, University of Saskatchewan, Concordia University, etc., provide alternatives to the IELTS exam.

The minimum IELTS score required to obtain a Canadian study permit is 6.0, with no band less than 5.5.

The minimum TOEFL iBT score that Canadian universities require varies between 100 and 120.

The minimum IELTS score required to study in Canadian universities is 6.5-7.0, depending on the institute, study level, and courses.

Your information could not be saved. Please check and try again.
You're on your way to become Borderless with AdmitX! Check your email!
6555d03034fe453dcc93a6b9

Want this in your inbox?

Join 5,000+ readers for expert guidance on international universities, application strategies and career tips. 


One email every week, free forever!

Cost of living Calculator - AdmitX

Free Cost of living Calculator

POP UP SOP - AdmitX

Free SOP Review

Pop up Image

Learn how you can study at a Global University

Home Page Lead Form (#4)

Join 200+ students who are pursuing their dream course.

CV POP UP - AdmitX

Free CV Review