Colleges in Canada without IELTS: Alternatives, Visa Process, Top Universities

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally recognised English proficiency exam that is generally approved by major English-speaking nations, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among others. For admission and immigration procedures, satisfactory result of standardized exams to study in Canada such as IELTS, and other equivalents are essential. A wide range of academic institutions, particularly for students wishing to study in Canada, demand IELTS scores for admittance into their future programmes.

• Many students find achieving the requisite IELTS score harder.
• One of the most likely causes for students not taking or failing the IELTS exam is a lack of knowledge of the test or probably didn't do their studies.
• The most prevalent reason for not taking the exam is the exorbitant cost of doing so.
• However, if you meet the alternative language competence standards indicated by your selected university, you may be able to study in Canada without taking the IELTS.

Alternatives to Study in Canada Without IELTS

Yes, it is possible to study in Canadian universities without taking the IELTS. Many colleges provide overseas students with certain options. Here are some more alternatives for getting into Canadian institutions without taking the IELTS exam.

• Applicants from English-speaking countries are not required to provide IELTS results in Canada.
• Other English proficiency exams, such as the TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, and PTE, can be submitted instead.
• As a substitute for English proficiency results, you can provide documentation of spending at least four years in an English medium school.
• Students who do not meet the English proficiency requirements might enrol in an English language course offered by the universities.

Alternative English Proficiency Assessment

If you don't satisfy the IELTS requirements or don't want to take the test, there are a few additional English language competence examinations that Canadian colleges accept. They are:

• Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Pearson Tests of English (PTE)
• Duolingo
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
• Academic English Program for University and College Entry (AEPUCE)
• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment – CAEL, CAEL-CE, CAEL online
• CanTest by University of Ottawa
• Cambridge Assessment English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency).

Study Visa in Canada without IELTS

According to Canada's new immigration requirements, you will not be denied a student visa if you do not have IELTS scores. To be qualified for a Canada student visa, international students must only show their admittance to a university in Canada, according to the most recent guidelines. Students without IELTS scores who apply for visas in Canada must produce documentation proving that their university does not need an IELTS score. The Canadian government enacted these rules to attract genuine overseas students who are serious about pursuing their education in Canada. It will also assist international students who wish to pursue higher education in Canada at world-class universities without having to take the IELTS exam.

Universities to Study in Canada without IELTS

Now that you know you may study in Canada without having to take the IELTS, here are some of the most well-known universities that accept foreign students without having to take the IELTS. The below table shows the list of universities that accept international students without IELTS.

Alternative criteria for Canadian universities and colleges that admit international students who do not have IELTS are as follows.

• University of Winnipeg: The University of Winnipeg is one of Canada's most well-known universities that accept students without an IELTS score; nonetheless, applicants must demonstrate proof of English language proficiency to be admitted. The university offers its own English language programme for such applicants. Students can apply for this programme in both full-time and part-time choices before being accepted or starting the course. On the university's official website, applicants may learn more about the programme and its prerequisites. Other English language exams, such as Duolingo, PTE, and Cambridge Assessment English, can also be submitted as proof.
• University of Saskatchewan: This is a public institution with a rising foreign student population. International students can also submit TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, and CanTest scores as an alternative to IELTS. Those who cannot demonstrate English competency can also enrol in the U-PREP programme at the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre (USLC) before starting their chosen course. Students can also submit proof of completion of:
  • Advanced Placement (AP) English
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English A1 or A2 Higher Level
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English B Higher Level
  • GCSE/IGCSE/GCE O-Level English, English Language, or English as a Second

• Brock University: Brock University, another well-known university to consider if you want to study in Canada without taking the IELTS, provides a variety of IELTS alternatives. For individuals who cannot submit English language competency scores, the institution provides the Intensive English Language Program (IELP). You are also exempt from the English proficiency score criteria if you have completed an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Degree course using English as the medium of instruction (though this differs as per the programme). CAEL Assessment, CAE (A1 Advanced), CPE (C2 Proficiency), Duolingo, TOEFL, and PTE results are also accepted by this university.
• Cambrian College: Apart from IELTS, Cambrian College accepts a variety of additional English proficiency exams such as TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo. Students' English language abilities are assessed upon arrival, and those who do not satisfy the qualifications must enrol in the English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP). Depending on their level of skill, the program can take anywhere from 4 to 10 months.
• University of Regina: For admission to UG and PG programs, the University of Regina accepts results from the TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, and CAEL. For a TOEFL Paper score of 525 or a TOEFL iBT score of 70, a Duolingo score of 95–105, and a CAEL score of 50. You can take the ESL Test at the university as well, but you must first finish ESL 050.

Several universities and colleges in Canada provide admission without IELTS. With prior experiences of studying in English or alternative test scores, the Canadian government will allow you to fulfill your dream to study in a reputed Canadian university.

FAQ’s

Is it mandatory to know the English language to study in Canada?

Ans: Yes, international students must take the English language proficiency test to prove their English language speaking, writing and listening skills. It helps universities to decide whether the student is capable of keeping up with the coursework and whether he/she will be able to adjust to the environment where English is the primary language.

Is IELTS compulsory to study in Canada?

Ans: No, IELTS is not required for studying in Canada or for visiting the country on a visitor or tourist visa.

Can I get a study visa in Canada without IELTS?

Ans: Yes, international students especially from India can get a study visa in Canada without IELTS, however, they won't be considered under the Student Direct Stream that allows students from India to avail their visa in 4-6 weeks.

Which country is best to study without IELTS?

Ans: There are several countries where you may study abroad without having to take the IELTS exam, and some of the most popular ones are:

• UK
• Singapore
• Germany
• USA
• Europe

Without IELTS, how can I move to Canada?

Ans: The ability to be excluded from IELTS is mostly dependent on the cause for your move to Canada. If you want to study in Canada but don't have IELTS, you can take other language exams like TOEFL, PTE, CanTest, or enrol in an English language program for foreign students at your selected university.