Do you intend to continue your study in some of the world’s leading countries? Does the thought of taking the IELTS and passing it seem like a nightmare to you?
We all are well aware that for admission and immigration procedures, students usually need to submit their results from English proficiency exams like the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
IELTS, specifically, is one of the leading language competency tests that is widely acknowledged by some major English-speaking nations, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and others.
Furthermore, for students wishing to study in Canada, many academic institutions demand IELTS scores for entrance into their prospective programs.
So, does this mean that your dreams of flying to another nation and receiving the most unparalleled education experiences should take a setback?
Well, we don’t think so!
If you are a student all set to immigrate to Canada for higher education and the thought of IELTS makes it all seem impossible to you, then you’ve come to the right place!
There are some colleges and universities in Canada that do not require IELTS and other English proficiency examinations.
Let’s talk about how people generally perceive IELTS and then show you the truth.
Is IELTS mandatory For Canada?
To study in Canada, you are not mandated to have an IELTS score.
In recent times, owing to the pandemic and the lockdown IELTS communication centres were closed, thus certain countries like the UK and Canada changed their Student Visa Rules.
This means that many Canadian Universities may consider your application without IELTS and admit you if you meet one of the following criteria:
- You’ve shown up and managed to score up to the mark in alternative English Proficiency tests like (TOEFL).
- You’ve completed your school education through English Medium for four or more years.
- You are a native of any English country or you have appeared for a university or college’s English course for a minimum of one semester or a year.
- Recently, most Canadian universities have started accepting the DUOLINGO English proficiency test for admission into their universities.
Where can I study in Canada without IELTS?
With all the good news stated above, let’s now come to the cherry on the cake! Let’s talk about the best colleges that provide you with admissions without the IELTS.
Please refer to this list of the most popular Universities that provide admissions in Canada without IELTS:
- University of Regina
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Winnipeg
- Carleton University
- Concordia University
- Cambrian University
- Brock University
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
University of Regina
This university is situated in Canada’s Saskatchewan province. Apart from IELTS, it accepts the scores of various tests like CAEL, TOEFL iBT, PTE, MELAB, TOEFL, and Duolingo. Students can also take the ESL Test at the institution and qualify for it with a minimum of 050 scores.
University of Saskatchewan
Every year, this public university welcomes students from all over the world. The IELTS test is not essential for entrance into its programs. But students need to show their English language skills by presenting the following documents:
1. Certificates of Higher Secondary education and higher education studies.
2. Taking and passing standardized exams like the TOEFL iBT, CAEL, MELAB, PTE Academic, CAE, and Duolingo English Test.
3. Completion of an authorized English Language Proficiency (ELP) program by the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre and the University of Regina.
4. Completion of one of the following courses:
- Advanced Placement (AP) English
- English A1 or A2 Higher Level for the International Baccalaureate (IB)
- International Baccalaureate (IB) English B Higher Level
- English Language, English as a Second Language, or GCSE/IGCSE/GCE O-Level
University of Winnipeg
IELTS certification qualifications are not required by the University of Winnipeg while demonstrating English competence is a requirement.
You only need to submit the English language competence certificate to enrol at this university. You can enrol in the University of Winnipeg’s specialized ELP or English Language Program before submitting an application or starting your degree.
Carleton University
To enrol in Carleton University without taking the IELTS exam you need to present the official certificates for the last three years of English-language high school, college, or university studies.
Various papers are necessary in proving your command of the English language. These consist of:
- 70 total points on the Canadian Academic English Language Test
- The average score of 86 for TOEFL iBT
- 60 points total on the Pearson Test of English
Concordia University
To get admitted to Concordia University you don’t need to submit your IELTS results. You must, however, fulfil some requirements to demonstrate your command of the English language.
Cambrian College
Cambrian College also recognizes scores from the TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo as proof of English skills, if you do not have an IELTS score.
Additionally, you also have the option of enrolling in the 4–10month long English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP), depending on your level of proficiency. Upon successful execution of the EAPP, you will be admitted into the diploma or certificate programs.
Brock University
This prestigious public university in Canada permits you to study without an IELTS score.
You can enrol in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) if you do not want to take the IELTS exam. Additionally, the CAEL Assessment, CAE (A1 Advanced), CPE (C2 Proficiency), Duolingo, TOEFL, and PTE scores are also accepted by this university.
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
This university is one of Canada’s largest, offering more than 300 academic programs.
This university offers a variety of programs in subjects like economics, computer science, engineering, international business, and more. More than 18,000 learners from various countries are enrolled at the university.
Four main campuses and two satellite campuses make up Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Along with IELTS, various other exams, like the TOEFL and CAEL, are also accepted.
Alternative English proficiency tests except for IELTS
Canadian institutions also accept other English proficiency assessments if you don’t want to take the IELTS exam. These are:
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
- Academic English Program for University and College Entry (AEPUCE)
- Cambridge Assessment English (C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency)
- Duolingo
- Pearson Tests of English (PTE)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Canadian Academic English language Assessment – CAEL, CAEL- CE, CAEL Online
What Are Other Countries That Do Not Require IELTS for immigration?
The following nations provide study abroad opportunities without the IELTS or TOEFL:
- Australia
- Canada
- The United Kingdom
- The EU Nations
- Norway
- Germany
- Holland
- Malaysia
- The USA
- India
Can I go to Canada without IELTS for a job?
Even if you have two years of job experience, working in Canada without a strong IELTS score can be next to impossible.
IELTS testing is required for anyone requesting a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa. Your IELTS score will have a considerable impact on the CRS score you receive for Express Entry. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a Canada Work Visa without first qualifying for the IELTS test with the necessary bands.
The only option to become a permanent resident of Canada without having taken the IELTS test is temporary, such as on a visiting or work visa. Because you must be able to communicate in English at your workplace, with neighbours, doctors, and other people as a permanent resident.
How to apply for a PR Visa without IELTS in Canada?
Although it is difficult to immigrate to Canada without a valid IELTS score, some provincial nominee programs for skilled immigrants have lower IELTS score requirements.
Here are a few of them:
1. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Every Canadian province and territory has its immigration policy, which is referred to as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is the name of Saskatchewan’s PNP program.
One of its key characteristics is its low IELTS score requirement. An applicant is qualified to be nominated by SINP for a permanent resident of the province if they meet the minimum CLB level of 4.5. If you have a basic command of the English language then you can easily achieve the minimal IELTS score required for the SINP.
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador provinces make up the Atlantic region of Canada. Through the relatively new Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), you can live there as permanent residents. Employers in the Atlantic can use this system to fill positions with eligible applicants.
Before applying for this program, you must already have a job offer. A very low IELTS score with a CLB of 4 or higher is required for the program. You can certainly choose the provincial nominee route if you want to study or work in Canada without having an IELTS score that is at least CLB 7.
IELTS Or No IELTS, Nothing Can Stop You From Achieving Your Dreams!
Get in touch with A2W, Dubai’s most reliable visa and immigration consultants, to choose the ideal visa and immigration solutions for your profile and learn about the essential requirements, steps, and processes for your immigration needs.
We are a group of experienced ICCRC-registered consultants and advisors who are qualified to advise you on the various immigration routes as well as help you during your entire immigration process.
Contacting us means contacting the best there is, for any visa or immigration-related queries in Dubai. We are Dubai’s most trusted choice for immigration services, we are A2W Consultants!
Get in Touch Now!