Do you know you can study in Canada without IELTS?
Yes!
We bet you’re surprised. Not all international students know they can study in Canada without taking the IELTS exam. Ideally, as an international student studying in an English-speaking country, you must show proof of English proficiency. Usually, pursuing a Bachelor/Diploma/Certificate requires a minimum IELTS score of 6 to 6.5, while studying a Master/Doctoral program requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
However, Canada is continuously seeking ways to ease the process for its international student community. Thus, the option to study with IELTS. First off, what is IELTS all about?
What is the IELTS Test?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognised English language assessment examination used by foreign universities to assess the language mastery of potential international students, especially those from non-English-speaking countries. This exam is divided into four sections; reading, writing, listening and speaking.
READ: IELTS Exam vs. TOEFL: Which Should You Take?
Alternatives for IELTS in Canadian Universities
There are a few alternative routes you can follow to bypass that rule, legitimately, of course. There are two options you can choose from;
1. Search and apply to Canadian universities where IELTS is not a mandatory requirement. Some Canadian universities offer admission without IELTS to international students who have previously studied in an English-medium school. In this case, you will submit an English proficiency certificate from your former university, proving that you were taught in English.
2. Some universities in Canada accept other English language certifications asides from IELTS. You can take an online English language course and submit your certificate to the school. You can take any of the following alternative English proficiency certifications;
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Pearson Tests of English (PTE)
- Duolingo
- Canadian Academic English Language ▪︎Assessment–CAEL, CAEL-CE, CAEL online
- Cambridge Assessment English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency)
- CanTest by the University of Ottawa
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Academic English Program for University and College Entry (AEPUCE)
READ: Tips and Strategies on How to Ace the TOEFL Test
3. Apply to a University where you can submit proof you belong to an English-speaking country. You can also enrol for the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) the Canadian university offers. Upon completing this program, your result can be used as an alternative for IELTS.
Now you know your options, the next question is, “where can I study in Canada without IELTS?”
You don’t need to look too far to find the answer. This article will show you some Canadian universities that offer admission without IELTS.
Are you ready?
Let’s dive in!
13 Canadian Universities that Offer Admission Without IELTS
Here’s a list of Canadian universities offering international students admission without IELTS.
1. University of Winnipeg
When applying to study at the University of Winnipeg, you are required to show proof of your English Proficiency. However, unlike other universities, it must not be IELTS. You can submit any English language proficiency certificate. Even Duolingo test results are accepted.
The school also has its own proprietary English Language Program (ELP), which you can enrol in. You can check their website for more details on their language program exemptions and requirements.
The options available for you to be admitted into the University of Winnipeg including;
- Duolingo English Test
- Cambridge Assessment English: C1 Advanced
- Cambridge Assessment English: C2 Proficiency
- CanTest
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment
- Pearson Test of English (Academic)
- Academic English Program for University and College Entrance
- English Language Program at The University of Winnipeg
- English Language Program – Part-time Evening Program at The University of Winnipeg
2. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is located in the heart of Saskatoon, Canada. According to their admission requirements, TOEFL is accepted as a substitute for IELTS. With as low as 19 in your TOEFL exam, you can get admission to study here.
Another acceptable alternative is the CanTEST (Canadian English test for Scholars and Trainees) or enrolling in the university’s English Language Training program. CanTEST can be compared to IELTS as they both assess your English proficiency in four sub-skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
To be admitted into the University of Saskatchewan, you can submit any of the following documents;
- Certificates of Higher Secondary education and higher education studies.
- Completion of standardised tests like TOEFL iBT, CanTEST, CAEL, MELAB, PTE Academic, CAE, and Duolingo English Test.
- Completion of an approved English Language Proficiency (ELP) program by the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre and the University of Regina.
- General Certificate of Education of A/AS/AICE Level English
- Completion of one of the following qualifications: Advanced Placement (AP) English
- Completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) English A1 or A2 Higher Level or B Higher Level
- Completion of GCSE/IGCSE/GCE O-Level English, English Language, or English as a Second Language.
READ: All You Need to Know About TOEFL
3. Brock University
IELTS is part of the requirements for admission into Brock University, but it is not mandatory. You can submit your TOEFL result in place of IELTS. However, it would be best if you had a high score of 88 iBT points, with a minimum of 21 in speaking and writing. Participating in the Brock Intensive English Language Program can also brush up on your English language. The program is designed to help international students improve their mastery of the English language. Another alternative is enrolling for the International Baccalaureate Diploma or its equivalent in English.
4. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
To get admitted into the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, you must submit official transcripts from your previous university where you were taught in English. Don’t get too excited yet. This exemption happens rarely, so you must contact the school to verify if you are eligible for the exemption.
The school also accepts TOEFL, CanTEST, and CAEL results. You must have a minimum TOEFL score of 90, at least 20 in reading and listening, and 25 in speaking and writing. Your CanTEST band score should be at least 4.5 in the hearing comprehension and reading comprehension subtests and 4 in writing. The acceptable CAEL score is 70, with at least 60 in each band and a minimum of 70 in writing and speaking.
READ: Travelling to Canada For the First Time? Things You Should Know!
5. Carleton University
Carleton University offers a wide range of courses with good teaching and research facilities. If you want to study at Carleton University without IELTS, you must submit official transcripts from your former university showing you were taught in English will be required. You can also take the TOEFL, CAEL, or Pearson Test of English.
6. University of Regina
The University of Regina is a reputable Canadian University that offers international students admission without IELTS. The university is in the capital city of Saskatchewan and has a large campus with world-class teaching and research facilities. You can enrol in the school with alternatives like TOEFL, CAEL, PTE, CanTEST, MELAB, and even Duolingo.
READ: How to Secure Scholarships for Masters Program in Canada
7. Cambrian College
Cambrian College is one of the Canadian Universities where you can enrol for a short course without IELTS. It is one of the cheapest schools with options for both full-time and part-time courses. Submitting your IELTS results is not compulsory in Cambrian, but you must meet their minimum standard of English proficiency. If your command of the English language is not satisfactory, you will be required to attend extra English classes before beginning your chosen course of study.
8. Concordia University
Concordia University is located in the vibrant city of Montreal. At Concordia University, international students who studied a three-year course or above in an English-medium University in their home country can enrol for a master’s degree without IELTS.
9. Okanagan College
Okanagan College offers hands-on learning led by industry-experienced professors with opportunities for co-op and field projects. The language requirement at Okanagan College is specific to your course of study. They also accept Duolingo test scores in place of IELTS.
10. Seneca College
Seneca College offers over 160 degree programs and 500 career options for international students. You can enrol at Seneca College with CAEL, Cambridge English Exams, Duolingo, PTE Academic, and TOEFL results. Alternatively, you can take an Intensive English language program or show proof that you have completed at least three years of study at an English-language academic institution.
READ: List of Schools with Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
11. University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba is a research-intensive university open to international students from different parts of the world. To enrol in this school without IELTS, you can use these alternatives:
- Intensive Academic English Program (IAEP) with a minimum score of Pass Level 5.
- Academic English Program for University and College Entrance (AEPUCE)
- Canadian Academic English Assessment (CAEL) with a minimum score of 60%.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
- Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
- Cambridge Assessment English: C1 Advanced
- Cambridge Assessment English: C2 Proficiency
- Pearson Test of English
12. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is known for its excellence in arts and sciences. The school gives international students without IELTS the opportunity to enrol as long as they can submit any of the following;
- Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- The University of Guelph English Language Certificate
To be eligible, you must score a minimum of 21 in all four categories of the TOEFL exam; listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
13. Brandon University
Brandon University is another top Canadian University that offers international students admission without IELTS. Their undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs comprise Arts, Education, Music, Health Studies and Science. Alternatives for IELTS Score at the University include:
- C1 Advanced (The Cambridge English Advanced exam)
- C2 Proficiency (The Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
- CAEL CE (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
- EAP (English for Academic Purposes at Brandon University)
- PTEA (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
READ: Universities Offering Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Canada
How to Get a Canadian Study Permit Without IELTS?
After getting an offer of admission into the university, the next step is to apply for your visa. To apply for a Canadian Study Permit without IELTS, you will be required to submit the following documents:
1. Proof of English Language Proof
You can provide any of these alternative English language test scores; TOEFL, CAEL, or Duolingo test or proof of English from your previous university.
2. Proof of Individuality
You must submit a valid passport or travel document and two recent passport-size photographs with your name and date of birth written on the back.
READ: How to Migrate to Canada With a Study Visa
3. Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS)
Submit proof of your offer of admission into the university.
4. Proof of Funds
As expected, you will be required to provide relevant documents that show your Provide of financial support to study in Canada. You can submit a bank statement, student loan, or scholarship.
There you go! That’s all you need to know about Canadian Universities that offer international students admission without IELTS. Now, armed with this information, you can start your school search. Remember to do your due diligence and adhere to the admission guidelines before submitting your application. Schedule a call with our career advisors today if you need further guidance. They will give you all the help and support you need to achieve your dream of studying abroad. We wish you the best of luck!