Many students keep asking if they can study in Canada with IELTS 5.5 band. The short answer is yes, you can, but there are few things you should know. Most top universities in Canada usually want IELTS 6.0 or even 6.5 score.
Canada is one of the top choices for international students because of its good education system, safe environment, and strong job market. Every year, many students from different countries apply to Canadian colleges and universities. However, not all students are able to score high in the IELTS exam. Many students get a band score of 5.5 and feel worried about their study plans. Because of this, they often look for a list of IELTS 5.5 band colleges in Canada.
An IELTS score of 5.5 is considered average, and some universities in Canada are ready to accept students with this score. These colleges usually offer diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates, and some undergraduate programs. In some cases, students may also be asked to join English support classes along with their main course. This helps them improve their language skills while studying.
Choosing the right college is important because each institution has different rules and entry requirements. Students should always check the course details, language conditions, and visa rules before applying. By knowing which colleges accept 5.5 band scores, students can plan their education in Canada in a more practical and confident way.
- List of IELTS Accepting Colleges in Canada
- Sectional Cut-off for IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada
- Minimum IELTS Band Requirement for Top Colleges in Canada
- Admission Procedure for IELTS 5.5 Band Universities in Canada
- Documents Requirements for Admission in Universities in Canada
- Canada Immigration and IELTS
List of IELTS Accepting Colleges in Canada
Most colleges and universities in Canada ask for an IELTS score above 6.0, but don’t worry if you got less. Even if your score is below 6.0, you can still apply to some Canada colleges that accept 5.5 bands in IELTS exam. Few of these colleges are really good and known for giving quality education.
Some known IELTS 5.5 band colleges in Canada are Brock University, Concordia University, Capilano University, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Below you can see the list of IELTS 5.5 band colleges in Canada that you can apply to and start your study journey.
IELTS 5.5 Band Universities in Canada
- University of Alberta
- Concordia University
- Brock University
- University of Winnipeg
- Capilano University
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Royal Roads University
- Charles Sturt University
List of IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada
- Algonquin College
- Canadore College
- Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Lethbridge College
- St. Clair College for Applied Arts and Technology
- Camosun College
- Niagara College Canada, Welland Campus
Sectional Cut-off for IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada
The table below shows the section-wise IELTS cut-off for 5.5 band colleges in Canada so you can get a clear idea before applying.
| University |
Overall IELTS |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brock University |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
| Athabasca University |
6.5 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
| 6.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
|
| Lethbridge College |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
| St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
| Charles Sturt University |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
| Camosun College |
6.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
| Campion College |
6.5 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
| 6.5 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
IELTS scores for Canadian universities and colleges vary on the basis of courses. For instance, language or linguistic courses might require a higher IELTS cut-off. Hence, students need to research the English language requirements for their particular course as well.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Minimum IELTS Band Requirement for Top Colleges in Canada
| University |
QS 2026 Rank |
IELTS Score Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 29 |
Minimum 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in each section |
|
| McGill University |
27 |
Minimum 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in each section |
| 40 |
Minimum 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in each section |
|
| University of Waterloo |
119 |
Minimum 6.5 overall; 6.5 in writing, 6.5 in speaking, 6.0 in reading and listening |
| 151 |
Minimum 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in each section |
|
| McMaster University |
173 |
Minimum 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in each section |
| 211 |
At least 6.0 overall |
|
| Queen’s University |
191 |
Minimum 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in each section |
| 219 |
Minimum 6.5 overall, at least 6.5 in writing |
|
| Dalhousie University |
283 |
Minimum 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in each section |
Admission Procedure for IELTS 5.5 Band Universities in Canada
If you got a 5.5 band in IELTS, you can still apply for many colleges and universities in Canada. Students who score below 6.0 in IELTS have few other ways to show their English language proficiency.
CanTEST:
Some universities and 5.5 band colleges in Canada accept the CanTEST. It’s a test made to check your English level and can be used instead of IELTS for higher studies in Canada.
MOI (Medium of Instruction) Certificate:
An MOI certificate is given by your old college or university. It tells that your past education was in English. Some 5.5 band colleges and universities in Canada take this as proof of English. Always check with the college before applying.
Documents Requirements for Admission in Universities in Canada
If you plan to study in Canada at 5.5 band colleges or universities, you have to give a few documents for admission. Below is what you mostly need:
- Your school certificates or proof of past study.
- Bachelor’s degree with a certain CGPA if you are going for a Master’s or PG Diploma.
- Some courses need academic or job experience, so check that.
- CV
- SOP
- LORs
- Admission Essays
- GRE/GMAT scores of the candidates
- IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo scores of the candidates
Canada Immigration and IELTS
Let us now look at how your IELTS score and Canada PR are connected through the Express Entry route. Your IELTS score is connected to a certain CLB level, which in turn is connected to certain scores that are added to your CRS points, which are considered for your Canada PR application. Consider the following points:
- On the CRS, you are ranked amongst a pool of applications on the basis of your score out of 1200.
- The following tables will help you understand how your IELTS scores are linked to your CRS score.
First, your CLB level is determined on the basis of your IELTS scores:
| CLB Level |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 or Above |
8.5-9.0 |
8.0-9.0 |
7.5-9.0 |
7.5-9.0 |
| 9 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
| 8 |
7.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
| 7 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
| 6 |
5.5 |
5.0 |
5.5 |
5.5 |
| 5 |
5.0 |
4.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
| 4 |
4.5 |
3.5 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
Next, based on your CLB level, you receive your score on the CRS:
| CLB Level |
Language Scores Without Spouse |
Language Scores With Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 4 |
0 |
0 |
| CLB 4 or 5 |
24 |
24 |
| CLB 6 |
32 |
32 |
| CLB 7 |
68 |
64 |
| CLB 8 |
92 |
88 |
| CLB 9 |
124 |
116 |
| CLB 10 or More |
136 |
128 |
For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Vancouver Community College is a premier and one of the oldest community colleges in Canada. VCC does not officially publish data on the acceptance rate. However as per some unofficial sources, Vancouver Community College acceptance rate ranges between 50% - 75%. VCC is one of the most sought-after and popular college among international students. Please note, that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
International students must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements to study at Prince Edward Island. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 1.7 in the major subject requirements for Prince Edward Island University admission.
Read about the Canada Grading System
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application
Earlier, if a test taker was unable to get the targeted score in any module of IELTS then he/she was required to appear for the entire exam again. But as per a recent update, a 'One Skill Retake' provision will be provided where test takers will be allowed to appear only for the module in which they scored less.