Study in Canada without IELTS 2025

If you want to study in Canada without IELTS exam 2025 then you can try other alternatives to achieve your goal. PTE and Duolingo English Test are famous English proficiency exams. All these tests are based on similar patterns and consist of four sections; Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading.

Is it possible to study in Canada Without IELTS exam in 2025? What are the alternatives of IELTS to study in Canada? This is one of the most searched queries related to getting higher education Canada. While IELTS is often required to prove English proficiency, there are now ways to study in Canada without taking this test. 

The IRCC Canada asks IELTS score at the the time of offering a Canada Student Visa. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular English Language Proficiency Tests in the world. It is not only costly but needs a lot more effort to pass the exam. Now the question arises how and where to study in Canada without IELTS?

You can do this strategically by choosing to study in universities that do not consider IELTS as a mandatory criterion. To evaluate your proficiency in the English language, popular Canadian universities adopt alternative measures. In some universities, you can get enrolled by producing a letter of recommendation from your previous faculties regarding your English proficiency.

There is also an exemption for students of various nationalities regarding English language proficiency tests. Some of the top university without IELTS in Canada are University of Winnipeg, Brock University, University of Saskatchewan, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Concordia University. In this article, we will cover various aspects of studying in Canada without IELTS, including the universities to study in Canada without IELTS.

Is it Possible to Study in Canada without IELTS?

It is true that you can study in Canada without IELTS. Alternative English proficiency exams, like the TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test, might be accepted by some institutions or colleges. Additionally, if the applicant has achieved a specific level of English proficiency or has worked in an English-speaking nation for a predetermined period, some schools may waive the IELTS requirement for Canada. In addition to this, students who have scored low on the IELTS can also apply to IELTS 5.5 band universities in Canada.

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IELTS Alternative for Canada

As mentioned above, it is possible to study in Canada without IELTS. There are other tests, besides IELTS, that prove your proficiency in the English language. IELTS alternative for Canada are given below:

• You have qualified for other English Proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
• International Baccalaureate (IB) English
• English Language Diagnosis and Assessment/Certificate of Proficiency in English (ELDA/COPE)
• You have studied in an English-medium school for four or more four years
• You are a native of an English-speaking nation
• You have attended the university’s language school for a semester or for a year

If you meet one or more of these criteria, you are likely to be eligible to study in most universities in Canada without IELTS. 

Universities in Canada without IELTS

Here’s a list of five Canadian Universities where you can apply without an IELTS score:

• University of Winnipeg
• Brock University
• University of Saskatchewan
• Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Concordia University
• University of Regina
• Carleton University
• Seneca College, Toronto
• Okanagan College
• Cambrian College

Below we have explained the university-related information in detail

University of Winnipeg

University of Winnipeg does not consider IELTS certification as an essential requirement. However, it is compulsory to produce proof of your proficiency in the English language. The University of Winnipeg comes with various cheaper choices such as ELP or the English Language Program. One can avail of this program at the university itself.

Brock University

To get an enrolment at Brock University, IELTS is not necessary. However, it is good if you have it. This institution considers TOEFL or the university’s Intensive English Language Program (IELP) apart from IELTS. Moreover, if you have completed an International Baccalaureate Diploma where English has been the mode of instruction, then your probability of getting accepted is confirmed. Further, if you have carried out your studies for the past three years in English with decent grades, then those grades can be shown as a substitute for the IELTS.

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University of Saskatchewan

With more and more international students applying to the University of Saskatchewan, the university’s English proficiency requirement is not that lenient. The University of Saskatchewan accepts both IELTS and TOEFL. Besides, it also accepts the CanTEST, which is the Canadian Test of English meant for scholars and trainees of different geographic locations. If you do not have any certification regarding English language proficiency, the university’s English Language Training program is a good option for you. Moreover, if you have three years of full-time study with a school with a Canadian curriculum in English, whether in Canada or not, you are still eligible to apply.

Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

This is one of the top-ranked and reputed universities in Canada with approximately 18,000 students and a 66% acceptance rate. The Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador is well-known for offering excellent courses in business management, medicine, and engineering. This is the reason why many international students aspire to get enrolled in this university. If you are interested in studying at this university without IELTS. There is no need to worry as you can submit your TOEFL or CanTEST certification. Additionally, you can also undergo the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) proficiency test. You can also avail of the university’s English as a Second Language (ESL) or English Language Program (ELP) classes.

Cambrian College

Cambrian College is known for its broad focus on research and after-school employment. This college warmly accepts students from different nooks and corners of the globe. There is an agreement between Cambrian College and other universities in Canada as to which international students can continue their studies with other educational institutions. For getting admission to this college, IELTS and TOEFL are not needed. According to the university’s official website, once an international student enters their campus, the college will gauge their English spoken and written skills.

Canada Student Visa without IELTS

Students wanting to study in Canada need to provide proof of their English language proficiency if they belong to a non-English speaking country. Generally speaking, the minimum IELTS score for Canada is 6.0 to 6.5 depending on the level of education. Even though IELTS is the preferred language test for Canada immigration, students may provide scores of other English language tests as well. Students may provide the scores of TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, etc. in place of IELTS for Canada study visa. PTE Academic score is accepted in Canada for all Canada SDS applications.

Though IELTS is a preferred English language test for Canadian Universities, there are IELTS alternatives for Canada. These include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE), and Duolingo English Test (DET). All these tests are based on similar patterns and consist of four sections; viz. Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Reading. Moreover, in order to prepare for these tests, students usually require 2-4 months.

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