IELTS or the International English Language Test System is widely accepted across over 150 universities worldwide. The same is required for both admission to the Universities in Canada and applying for Canada student visas as well. International students who belong to non-English speaking countries need to take an IELTS exam. The scores work as proof of their English language proficiency. While the requirements vary by university and chosen coursework, requirement of an IELTS score for Canada student visa is the same with a minimum of 6.0.
Required IELTS Score for Canada Student Visa
As most Canadian universities deliver courses in English medium, non-English speaking students have to submit an IELTS for Canada. This score is also required while applying for Canada Student Visa. A minimum of 6.0 in IELTS is generally required for student visas. The scores are evaluated by the Canadian Language Benchmarks or the CLB. The CLB score ranges from 1 to 12 and each band has an equivalent IELTS score. The table below contains both the CLB and IELTS.
| CLB | IELTS Listening | IELTS Speaking | IELTS Reading | IELTS Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| 2 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| 3 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 10 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 |
| 11 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 |
| 12 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
Read More About: Canada Student Visa
Minimum IELTS for Canada Immigration
Though Canada is mostly immigrant-friendly, the requirement of IELTS for Canada immigration is quite stringent. If any student is entering Canada with immigration status, he/she will be able to apply for a work visa or a resident visa after graduation. The IELTS scores submitted by the students should be according to the guidelines specified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or the IRCC.
The minimum IELTS score for Canada immigration is a band 7 of CLB or a 6.0 score in each section of IELTS. The visa process generally takes around 6 months and students can also apply under the SDS new student visa program for a faster process.
Check Out IELTS Preparation Tips for Canada Immigration!
Why Canada needs IELTS Scores?
IELTS exam is taken by non-English speaking students who wish to study abroad. The exam evaluates the listening, reading, writing and speaking skills of a student. Canada prefers IELTS rather than TOEFL and other English proficiency tests.
Minimum IELTS scores for Universities in Canada
Every university in Canada requires an IELTS score to admit international students. Minimum scores vary for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The minimum overall scores are mentioned here below.
- Undergraduate Courses: Minimum score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band.
- Post-graduate Courses: Minimum score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band.
The table below contains the minimum IELTS score to study at top universities in Canada.
| University | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 6.5 |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5 |
| McGill University | 6.5 |
| McMaster University | 6.5 |
| University of Calgary | 6.5 |
| University of Ottawa | 6.5 |
| York University | 6.5 |
| University of Montreal | 6.0 |
| Vancouver Island University | 6.0 |
| St. Clair College | 5.5 |
More Universities in Canada with IELTS 6.5
- Acadia University
- Brandon University
- Cape Breton University
- Dalhousie University
- Mount Royal University
- Ontario College of Art & Design
- St. Mary’s University
- Trent University
- University of Alberta
- University of Guelph
More Universities in Canada with IELTS 6.0
- Algoma University
- College of New Caledonia
- Concordia University
- Durham College of Applied Arts & Technology
- HEC Montreal
- Luther College
- Niagra College
- Nippissing University
- Oxford College
- University of Lethbridge
More Universities in Canada with IELTS 5.5
People Also Ask
Ques. Is 7.5 a good score in IELTS for Canada student visa?
Ans. Yes. Generally, a minimum of 6.0 score in IELTS is required for Canada student visa application. A minimum of 5.5 score is also needed for each band.
Ques. Does IELTS score affect visa?
Ans. Yes. The IELTS score can affect not only university applications but also visa application of a student. Students are advised to go through the requirements carefully before submitting the score.
Ques. Is Canada Visa possible without IELTS?
Ans. Yes. If any student has studied in an English-medium institution for 4 years or more, the colleges in Canada may accept him/her without an IELTS score. Check: Study in Canada without IELTS
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