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Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Did you know around 1.3 to 1.4 million individuals sit for the IELTS exam annually? Students tend to favour IELTS (International English Language Testing System) over other language tests. It has gained recognition from 11,000 institutions globally and is accepted in 140 countries worldwide.
Table of contents
- What IELTS Score is Required for Canada in 2024?
- Why Study in Canada?
- IELTS Score for Canada 2024
- Alternatives if You Don’t Achieve Your Desired IELTS Score
- How to Get a Good IELTS Score for Canada
- Required IELTS Score for a Canadian Student Visa
- How to Send Your IELTS Score to Canadian Universities
- Conclusion
- Ready to take the next step?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Taking an English proficiency test for admission to universities in Canada is compulsory. IELTS evaluates your speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities on a scale of 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest score. Each Canadian university has its unique IELTS score requirement, so conducting thorough research and understanding the reasons behind the diverse IELTS scores for Canada requirements is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll discuss everything related to IELTS scores for Canada, including the universities and course requirements, especially for Indian students.
Why Study in Canada?
Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking a world-class education. According to the World University Rankings 2023, 7 Canadian universities are ranked among the top 200 in the world. With its high standard of living, affordable education, and welcoming environment, Canada offers a unique and enriching study experience.
Let’s explore the reasons to pursue your studies in Canada:
1. Outstanding Academic Standards
Enrolling in courses in Canada allows you to learn from experienced faculty and gain valuable skills. Canadian universities are recognized globally for their top-notch facilities and academic excellence. Canada is the world’s third-leading destination for higher education degrees.
2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
This permit enables international students to work in Canada for a duration equivalent to their study program, up to three years after completing their studies. The PGWP provides valuable work experience and potential permanent residency.
3. Affordable Education
Studying in Canada can be a cost-effective choice. The tuition fees in Canada are lower than in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, the UK, and the US. Many universities provide scholarships, work placements, or internships that can help pay for your education.
4. Abundant Career Prospects
Canada’s job market is diverse and lucrative, offering numerous student opportunities. Employers highly value graduates with Canadian education and work experience.
5. Networking Opportunities
Pursuing courses in Canada provides a platform to build a strong network of contacts. Universities often have good alumni networks and host various networking events.
6. Quality of Life
The country offers a secure and welcoming environment, excellent healthcare, and a high standard of living. You can easily maintain a healthy lifestyle while pursuing your studies in Canada. According to the U.S. News & World Report 2023, Canada is ranked second for best countries in the world based on quality of life.
IELTS Score for Canada 2024
SDS Canada New IRCC IELTS Requirement 2024
As of August 10, 2023, the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new requirement for IELTS in the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program. Indian students applying to universities and colleges in Canada can now expect faster visa processing through the SDS program. The new requirement states that you only need an overall IELTS Academic score of 6 bands, without having to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 in each module.
General IELTS Band Requirements for Canada
To gain admission to a leading Canadian university, meeting the language requirements is crucial. Specific criteria for each section and overall score must be satisfied.
- Undergraduate Courses:
- Overall: 6 Bands with no less than 6 in each module
- Postgraduate Courses:
- Overall: 6 Bands with no less than 5.5 in each module
- Study Direct Stream:
- Overall: 6.5 Bands with no less than 5.5-6.0 in each module (depending upon the institution)
IELTS Band Requirements for Undergraduate Courses
Understanding the required IELTS scores is crucial when pursuing undergraduate programmes. Below are some average IELTS scores for top undergraduate programs:
| Course | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business Administration | 6 |
| Bachelor of Arts | 6.5 |
| Bachelor of Engineering | 6.5 |
| Bachelor of Science | 6.5 |
| Bachelor of Psychology | 6.5 |
IELTS Band Requirements for Postgraduate Courses
The minimum score required for graduate courses may vary depending on the institution and the specific program of study:
| Course | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| Master of Architecture | 6.5-7 |
| Master of Computer Science | 6.5 |
| Master of Education (in Psychology) | 7 |
| MBA | 6.5-7 |
| Master of Arts | 6.5-7 |
| Master of Engineering | 6.5 |
Top 10 Canadian Universities and Their IELTS Requirements
Canadian universities offer courses across various disciplines and have specific IELTS requirements:
| Name of the College or University | QS World University Rankings 2024 | Overall IELTS Score for Canada |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 21 | 6.5 (6 in each module) |
| McGill University | 30 | 6.5 (6 in each module) |
| University of British Columbia | 34 | 6.5 (6 in each module) |
| University of Alberta | 111 | 6.5 (6 in each module) |
| University of Waterloo | 112 | 6.5 (6 in each module) |
| Western University | 114 | 6.5 (6 in each module) |
| University of Montreal | 141 | 6.5 (6 in each module) |
| University of Calgary | 182 | 6.5 (6 in each module) |
| McMaster University | 189 | 6.5 (6 in each module) |
| University of Ottawa | 182 | 6.5 (6.5 in writing) |
Alternatives if You Don’t Achieve Your Desired IELTS Score
Securing the ideal IELTS score for Canada can be challenging, but there are viable alternatives:
English Language Preparation Programs
Many universities offer English language preparation programs for international students who do not meet the minimum IELTS score. These programs typically cover English language skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking and may also include cultural orientation and academic support.
Conditional Admission Programs
Some universities offer conditional admission programs for students who do not meet the minimum IELTS score but show potential for academic success. You may be admitted on a conditional basis, with the requirement to enroll in additional English language courses alongside your regular coursework.
Community Colleges
Community colleges, also known as junior colleges or two-year colleges, are an alternative option. They typically have lower admission requirements and offer a wide range of courses, including English language courses, at a more affordable cost than four-year universities.
Retake the IELTS Exam
If you did not achieve your ideal IELTS score, consider retaking the exam. Thorough preparation, practice tests, and seeking guidance from experienced instructors or tutors can help improve your score.
How to Get a Good IELTS Score for Canada
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the IELTS Exam:
- Know the Test Format: Review the different test sections, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Practice with sample test questions and know the time constraints of each section.
- Develop Strong English Language Skills: Read English newspapers, books, and articles, practice writing essays, listen to English podcasts, and converse with English speakers to enhance language proficiency.
- Take Practice Tests: Practice tests allow you to simulate the real test environment and know the types of questions and tasks you may encounter. Analyze your performance and identify areas that need improvement.
- Time Management: Learn to pace yourself and avoid spending too much time on a single question or section. Practice answering questions within the allotted time for each section.
- Seek Feedback and Guidance: Experienced instructors or tutors can provide valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses and offer strategies to score better on the test.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Confidence and a positive mindset can help you perform better on the test.
Required IELTS Score for a Canadian Student Visa
In 2024, if you are an international student seeking admission to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you will need to obtain a provincial attestation letter before applying for your study permit. This adds an additional step for students looking to study in Canada.
As a general guideline, most Canadian universities require an overall IELTS band score of 6.0 or 6.5 for undergraduate programs and a higher score of 6.5 or 7.0 for postgraduate programs.
How to Send Your IELTS Score to Canadian Universities
IELTS authorities allow you to submit your IELTS scores to at least five colleges of your choice during the IELTS registration process. Here’s how to register for IELTS and send your IELTS result to Canadian universities:
- Visit the official IELTS website.
- Select ‘Take an exam’ and ‘IELTS’ options and click on ‘IELTS registration.’
- Click the ‘Register for IELTS now’ button.
- Fill in the essential information to get the exam dates.
- Select one of the available dates and click ‘Apply.’
- Read the terms carefully and mark them in the text box next to ‘Continue.’
- Fill out your personal information on the following page.
- Choose whether to send your IELTS results to other universities.
- Specify the universities you want to send your IELTS scores.
- The test centre will send free copies of your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) to the top five universities you’ve chosen.
Conclusion
Obtaining a good IELTS score is crucial if you wish to study in Canada. It is necessary to demonstrate strong communication skills to obtain a student visa and gain admission to educational institutions in Canada.
Ready to take the next step?
At bluehawks, we understand that navigating the complexities of international education can be overwhelming. That’s why our expert team is here to support you every step of the way.
From personalized consultations to comprehensive test preparation resources, we offer a range of services designed to help you achieve your academic goals. Whether you’re facing challenges with language proficiency or need guidance on selecting the right university, our team is dedicated to providing you with invaluable advice and assistance.
Don’t let language barriers or financial concerns hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Contact bluehawks today and let us help you chart your course to a brighter, more fulfilling future. Together, we can turn your aspirations of studying in the Canada into a reality!
Frequently Asked Questions
For undergraduate courses, you need an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no less than 6.0 in each module. For postgraduate courses, an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each module is required. Under the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program, an overall score of 6.0 is sufficient without needing a minimum score of 6.0 in each module.
The new requirement for the SDS program, effective from August 2023, mandates an overall IELTS Academic score of 6.0. Unlike previous requirements, you no longer need to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 in each module, making it easier for students to qualify.
Top Canadian universities have varying IELTS score requirements. For instance, the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, and University of Waterloo each require an overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each module.
