IELTS score requirements vary according to the university and program of study, be it a foundation course, undergraduate, or postgraduate studies. In this article, we will cover the IELTS requirements for Canadian Universities according to the Times Higher Education ranking.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) trusts IELTS for all visas that require you to provide proof of English language proficiency.
IELTS requirements for Canada
Language requirements to enter a top Canadian University are sometimes strict. In addition, for most universities you would need to meet both an overall score and per-section prerequisites. For example, for good universities, you generally need a total score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6 per section. By preparing well for your IELTS test, you can achieve this.
Here are the minimum IELTS requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Canadian universities in the world’s top 200.
IELTS required scores for admission to the top 10 universities in Canada
The Times Higher Education World Rankings is one of the world's most established metrics. For example, it judges universities based on five key performance indicators: teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and industry income. Here's a list of Canada's top 10 universities and their IELTS requirements.
Canadian University or College | IELTS Overall | IELTS Writing | IELTS Reading | IELTS Listening | IELTS Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
*(note) | - | - | - | - | |
6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | |
6.5 | 6.5 | - | - | - | |
6.5 | - | - | - | - | |
6.5 | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6.5 | |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
* At this university, the language of instruction is French.
View the video below or read the video transcript for more reasons to choose Canada as your study destination.
So, are you looking to study abroad? Do you want to go to a country that will offer a wide variety of experiences and exciting work opportunities? Well, Canada might just be the perfect place for you. With breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and lively cultures, Canadians enjoy a quality of life that is one of the best in the world.
Canada is renowned for its competitive and entrepreneurial economy. It has a safe and multicultural society, which makes Canada the perfect study destination no matter who you are, or where you’re from. Plus, it has one of the best education systems in the world.
Did you know that 5% of Canadian universities rank in the top 200 universities worldwide? Since Canada’s institutions are publicly funded, high-quality education is consistent across the country. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered in Canadian universities, as well as professional degree programs and certificates.
IELTS for Working in Canada
If you want to hit the labour market quickly, you’ll also find a wide range of hands-on programs that will help you do just that. Not sure about your career path? Canada’s educational institutions make it easy for students to switch between study programs. To top that, Canada offers unmatched working opportunities.
As a study permit holder, you must be enrolled at a designated learning institution, and show that you’re actively pursuing your studies by:
Enrolling full-time or part-time during each academic semester (excluding regularly scheduled breaks)
Making progress towards completing the courses on your program, and not taking authorised leaves longer than 150 days from your study program
Letting the government know any time you change post-secondary schools
Ending your studies if you no longer meet the requirements of being a student
Leaving Canada when your permit expires
You must also follow the other specific conditions listed on your study permit, which could include:
The academic level of studies you can attend
If you’re allowed to work as a student in Canada
If you can work on or off-campus
If you can complete a co-op work term or internship
If you need to report for medical procedures
If you’re allowed to travel within Canada
The date you must stop studying
Many of the fields that accept the IELTS test for working in Canada represent health professions. This would include the nursing, medicine, and pharmacy industries where English language skills are crucial.
Other professional sectors that require IELTS scores may include engineering, accounting, veterinary medicine, and law.
Many other employers from industries such as construction, finance, energy, government, aviation, and tourism also require IELTS scores.
IELTS for Migration to Canada
Looking to stay in Canada after your studies? You should know that Canada provides a variety of work permits and immigration programs only available to international graduates, making it easier for you to work and stay in Canada after graduation. Now I hear you saying, “That’s awesome! But how can I find the right educational institution for me?” It’s simple! Just visit EduCanada.ca and browse the list of college and university programs to find the program that’s right for you. A bright future is at your fingertips!
So, what if you haven’t met the IELTS requirement for your desired university? There are a few options. First, your application is assessed “holistically.” This allows you to make up for your low IELTS score with other academic and professional achievements. Alternatively, you can retake the test if you’re not satisfied with your overall score or you can book IELTS One Skill Retake to focus on your weaker section, noting that IELTS One Skill Retake is only eligible for IELTS on Computer and allows you to retake only one section per test. IELTS has lots of free test preparation support.
What’s it like to migrate to Canada?
Students from all over the world choose to study in Canada. And Canada provides various work opportunities to students and working professionals. In fact, many people who arrive as students choose to settle down permanently in Canada. So, what's it like to find work in Canada?
Canada’s changing job market: An opportunity for IELTS test takers
Experts believe that Canada’s economy is recovering from the effects of COVID-19, which is welcome news for those who have taken the IELTS test for the purpose of migrating to Canada for work.
Employers and employees have entered the new normal in 2021 and have experienced a rapid digital transformation. As a result, the way people collaborate, where they work, how they manage their time, and how they commute have evolved. The job market has also been through big transformations, and this has impacted which industries have the most demand for new workers. If you want to take advantage of these exciting employment opportunities in Canada, it makes sense to understand the best jobs in Canada for 2021.