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IELTS score requirements vary according to the programme of study: be it a foundation course, undergraduate or postgraduate studies and by the university. 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 is the world’s most popular test of English.

IELTS Requirements for Canada

There isn’t a minimum Canadian IELTS requirement for immigration. However, 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. With IELTS study, 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 Requirements for Canada’s Top 10 Universities

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

University of Toronto

6.5

6

6

6

6

University of British Columbia

6.5

6

6

6

6

McGill University

6.5

6

6

6

6

McMaster University

6.5

6

6

6

6

Université de Montréal

*(note)

-

-

-

-

University of Alberta

6.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

University of Ottawa

6.5

6.5

-

-

-

University of Calgary

6.5

-

-

-

-

University of Waterloo

6.5

6.5

6

6

6.5

Western University

6.5

6

6

6

6

* At this university, the language of instruction is French.

View the video below or read the video transcript 

So? You’re looking to study abroad? And 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 fit 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.

We are renowned for our competitive and entrepreneurial economy. Our society is safe and multicultural, which makes Canada the perfect study destination no matter who you are, or where you’re from. Plus, we have one of the best education systems in the world.

Did you know that 10% of Canadian universities rank in the top 200 universities worldwide? And, since our institutions are publicly funded, high quality education is consistent across the country. Canada offers more than 15,000 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across the country and over 8,000 college diplomas, post-graduate certificates, or applied degrees.

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? Our Canadian education institutions make it easy for students to switch between study programs. To top that, Canada offers unmatched working opportunities. While many study destinations don’t allow international students to work during their studies in Canada, you can work off campus for up to 20 hours per week and full-time during school breaks.

Migrate 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 you’re telling me, “That’s awesome!" "But how can I find the right education 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. Come study in Canada. A world of possibilities awaits.

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.” And, this allows you to make up for your low IELTS score with other academic and professional achievements. Otherwise, you can retake the test, focusing on your weaker sections, and submitting your new score to the university. IELTS has lots of free test preparation support.

What’s it like to migrate to Canada?

International students come to Canada from all over the world. 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

Experts believe that Canada’s economy is recovering from the effects of COVID-19. Employers and employees have entered the new normal in 2021 and have adopted to digital transformation faster. As a result, it has switched the way people collaborate, where they work, how they manage their time and how they commute.

The job market has also been through big transformations. It 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.