Do you need IELTS to study in Canada – Many international students will want to know if they need IELTS to study in Canada. You are not the only one on this. So take your time and go through this article for more comprehensive information.

Arguably, studying in Canada without taking IELTS is very advantageous. It will aid you to save money for the usually expensive exam and then channel your spending to your primary needs as a student. 

The amount for the exam is currently around 319 Canadian dollars. Imagine spending that whole amount on examination, how much would you be left with? It will put you on a tight budget. Now the question is, is the IELTS compulsory for international students studying in Canada?

No. But that is if you are coming from a country with English language proficiency. 

So, taking the exam is a way of conducting language tests for Canadian immigration. Truth be told, 60% of students do not fancy the exam due to their language background. Although it can be seen as an additional way to make the admission process complex. However, some students see it as easier and less burdensome as it reduces probable stress during the admission process.

However, to pass Canadian universities’ English requirements without taking the IELTS exam, you must have a strong background in English. If you don’t have one, you must take it to simplify your application process.  Testing System (IELTS).

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System, shortened as IELTS, is an English language proficiency test for students who want to study in Canada. It is included in the world’s most famous English language test for work, study, and migration. The IELTS is owned by Australia and Cambridge Assessment English (the British Council, IDP). 

Canada is one of the English-speaking countries. On that note, every student must pass to be considered eligible unless they are from English-dominated countries. The reason for the exam is to check your English-language ability across the four skills namely Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Other countries require IELTS as one of their basic requirements for admission. Countries like the UK, the USA, New Zealand, and Australia are not left out. Every student must be up to 16 years old to be permitted to partake in the exam. 

Why Should I Take the IELTS Test to Study in Canada? 

Taking the IELTS is very important because of the following reasons:

• It is one of the Canadian universities’ English requirements which show your proficiency in the language. 
• It simplifies Canadian immigration. 
• It enhances your employment prospects. 
• IELTS reflects communication in Canada. 
• It makes your application look professional. 

What are the English-dominant countries? 

To avoid taking the IELTS exam to study in Canada, you must have come from a country where English is the main language. 

Those countries include the following : 

• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• British West Indies
• Canada
• Denmark
• Dominica
• England
• Eire
• Germany
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Isle of Man
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Uganda
• United Kingdom (UK)
• United States of America (USA)
• Wales
• Zimbabwe
• Zambia, etc.

If you are a citizen of the above countries, you may not need to take the IELTS exam to pursue your education in Canada.  

But if you are from the following English non-dominant countries, getting a good Minimum IELTS score for Canadian universities is mandatory.

• China
• Gambia
• Malawi
• Colombia
• Swaziland
• Brazil
• Russia
• Argentina
• Algeria
• Uganda
• Yemen
• Chile
• Tanzania

IELTS alternative for Canada immigration

It is possible to study in Canada without having to submit your IELTS results. As an alternative to the IELTS, there are a few options available that are recognized by certain Canadian schools and universities. 

They are; 

• Being a graduate of an English medium university for at least five years. 
• Prove being a citizen of an English-dominant country. 
• Finalizing five years of education has an option for English language test scores.
•  Enrolling in an English language exam course, such as ESL or English as a Second Language, that is offered by a Canadian university. 
• Submit your English language competency certificate. 

Do you want to know the alternative English language tests and their full meaning, check the table below: 

1. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
2. Can’Test – Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees
3. DET – Duo lingo English Test
4. CAEL – Canadian Assessment English Language
5. PTE – Pearson English Language Test
6. CELPIP – Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program

The Universities in Canada that admit students without IELTS

• McGill University
• Concordia University
• Carleton University
• Cambrian College
• University of Saskatchewan
• University of Winnipeg
• University of Regina
• Algoma University
• Brock University
• Seneca College
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Brandon University
• University of Guelph
• Okanagan College

Do you Need IELTS to Study in Canada?

The answer depends on the country you are coming from. If you’re a citizen of a country that has English as its main language, you don’t necessarily need it unless your country is included in the non-dominant English countries. Regardless, you can still study in Canada without taking the IELTS exam.

You can achieve that by doing the following:

Obtain your English Proficiency Certificate

If you have taken English classes in your previous institution, request a letter from your prior institution attesting to the fact that you did so. This can be used as a language certificate. Although not all Canadian universities require your IELTS exam results. But some universities will.

Look for Canadian Universities that don’t Require the IELTS

You can locate these Canadian universities by using Google or any other search engine on your browser. We have included their names in the List of Canadian Colleges Without IELTS above to assist you with this. International applicants are admitted to these universities even in the absence of their IELTS exam results.

Finish your English Language studies in Canada.

Do you lack evidence of English certificates like TOEFL or IELTS? Not to worry! You can continue your studies in Canada by applying to the English as a Second Language (ESL) program. After completing this six-month program, you can easily continue your education in Canada.

Conclusion

Finally, you have seen that you don’t need the IELTS to Study in Canada. But it is under a condition. However, if you are from Canada and offer countries that speak English, taking IELTS is not required unless otherwise. 

In this article, you’ve known some countries eligible for being admitted without submitting their IELTS result, to your success.