Important update: SDS now included in the regular study permit process.
Effective November 8, 2024, Canada has withdrawal the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express programs for fair access to study permits. With IELTS, you’re on the right track! Stay focused—we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Minimum IELTS Score to Study in Canada Universities in 2025
Summary: Understand the 2025 minimum IELTS score requirements for Canadian universities, visa eligibility, and programs, with a full university-wise breakdown.
If you’re planning to study in Canada as an international student in 2025, knowing the minimum IELTS score requirements is crucial for your university admission and student visa.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely accepted language proficiency tests for Canadian study permit applications.
In this updated 2025 guide, you’ll learn:
Minimum IELTS score for Canadian student visa
University-wise IELTS band requirements (UG & PG)
Why IELTS is the preferred choice for Canada-bound students
Help me with the IELTS Registration
Minimum IELTS Score for Canada in 2025
From 2025, students applying to a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) must provide a provincial attestation letter before applying for a study permit.
General University Requirements
Undergraduate & Postgraduate: Minimum overall 6.5 on IELTS Academic.
SDS (Student Direct Stream): Minimum overall 6.0, each band no less than 6.0. SDS is available in 14 countries including India, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Minimum IELTS Scores – Top Canadian Universities (THE Rankings 2025)
One of the world’s most established metrics, the Times Higher Education world rankings assesses universities based on the following five key performance indicators: teaching, research quality, research environment, international outlook, and industry income.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Toronto | 21 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
2 | University of British Columbia | 41 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
3 | McGill University | 49 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
4 | McMaster University | 103 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
5 | University of Alberta | 109 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
6 | University of Montreal | 111 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | University of Waterloo | 158 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
8 | University of Ottawa | 177 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
9 | University of Calgary | 201 – 250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
10 | Western University | 201 – 250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
11 | UniversitéLaval | 251 – 300 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
12 | Queen’s University | 251 – 300 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
13 | Simon Fraser University | 251 – 300 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
14 | Dalhousie University | 301 – 350 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
15 | University of Manitoba | 351 – 400 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
16 | University of Saskatchewan | 351 – 400 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
17 | University of Victoria | 351 – 400 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
18 | York University | 351 – 400 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
19 | University of Guelph | 401 – 500 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | Université du Québec | 401 – 500 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Minimum IELTS Scores – Top Canadian Universities (QS Rankings 2024)
The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world rankings is another global premier ranking system that rates universities by institution and subject through academic reputation, citation, faculty-to-student ratio, employer, international, and sustainability indicators.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Toronto | 21 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
2 | McGill University | 30 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
3 | University of British Columbia | 34 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
4 | University of Alberta | 111 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
5 | University of Waterloo | 112 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
6 | Western University | 114 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | University of Montreal | 141 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
8 | University of Calgary | 182 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
9 | McMaster University | 189 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
10 | University of Ottawa | 203 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
11 | Queen’s University | 209 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
12 | Dalhousie University | 298 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
13 | Simon Fraser University | 318 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
14 | University of Victoria (UVic) | 322 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
15 | University of Saskatchewan | 345 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
16 | York University | 353 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
17 | Concordia University | 387 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
18 | UniversitéLaval | 441 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
19 | University of Guelph | 486 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | Memorial University of Newfoundland | 641 – 650 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
*Minimum IELTS score accepted, the requirement varies with the course, hence, do check when applying.
Canada student visa IELTS band requirements
The language proficiency requirements for obtaining a Canada student visa, also known as a study permit, typically include demonstrating proficiency in English. IELTS is one of the most commonly accepted language proficiency tests for Canadian study permit applications. The minimum IELTS band score requirements may vary depending on the program, institution, or level of study.
However, as a general guideline, most Canadian educational institutions require an overall IELTS band score of 6.0 or 6.5 for undergraduate programs and a higher score of 6.5 or 7.0 for postgraduate programs. It's important to note that the specific IELTS band requirements can vary, and it's recommended to check the official website of the Canadian immigration authorities or the educational institution you plan to apply to for the most up-to-date and accurate information on IELTS score requirements for a Canada student visa.
Minimum IELTS score for Canada based on level of study
To meet the eligibility criteria for a student visa to Canada, it is generally required to achieve a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 in each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) and an overall score of 6.0. However, it's important to note that the specific IELTS requirement may vary depending on the educational institution or program of study.
It's recommended to check the official website of the Canadian immigration authorities or the institution you plan to apply to for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the minimum IELTS score required to study in Canada.
Undergraduate Courses in Canada (Bachelor’s, Diploma, or Short-term) | Overall: Minimum 6 IELTS Each Band: No less than 5.5 |
Postgraduate Courses in Canada (PG Diploma/Masters) | Overall: Minimum of 6.5 IELTS Each Band: No less than 5.5 or 6.0 depending on the institution |
Student Direct Stream (SDS) | Overall: Minimum of 6.0 Each Band: No less than 6.0 |
Why do international students choose IELTS for studying in Canada?
IELTS has consistently remained a popular choice for students seeking to study in Canada for several reasons:
Flexible formats – IELTS on Computer or IELTS on Paper
Face-to-face speaking test with an examiner
Frequent test dates – up to 7 days/week for IELTS on Computer
Fast results – within 2 days for IELTS on Computer
Take Your IELTS Test with IDP
If you’re ready to study in Canada, start with IELTS by IDP:
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