If you are a student and planning to study abroad in Canada, then you would need a minimum IELTS score to ease the process. IELTS score for Canada study visa should not be less than 6.0 (overall). However, the exact requirements also depend on the level of the studies you are choosing.
In general- When it comes to education or degree level and IELTS requirements, then for undergraduate programs, you will need at least 5.5 bands in every section along with an overall score of 6.0. For postgraduate courses, on the other hand, you will require a minimum band of 6.0 in each section along with an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above.
Here is a list of IELTS scores requirement that you need to attain in order to apply to a Canadian university:
| Education Level | IELTS Score Requirement |
| Bachelor’s/Diploma/CertificateCourses | IELTS: 6/6.5 |
| Post-graduate/Masters Courses | IELTS: 6.5 overall with no bands less than 6 |
Why IELTS is require to Study in Canada?
An increasing number of candidates choose IELTS for Canada student visa as it is required by all the top Canadian universities. It assesses the language capabilities of non English speakers who wish to study in a country where English is the primary language of communication. It is divided into four important parts – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
How to crack IELTS to Study in Canada?
Every Students are looking out to studying in Canada start their journey early, either by reading the best books for IELTS exam preparation or through Ielts coaching classes. As the exam is mandatory not only to study at the university but also for the Study VISA process, candidates focus on completing and revising the IELTS syllabus thoroughly.
The below scores will help you understand the requirement for Canadian student visa better:
| CLB Score | IELTS Speaking | IELTS Speaking | Speaking Writing | IELTS Reading |
| 1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| 2 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
| 3 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| 4 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 10 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| 11 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| 12 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
IELTS demonstrates communication abilities
Since it is a language proficiency exam, IELTS requirement for Canada student visa is important to evaluate the ability of non English speaker to converse in English with the examiner. Unlike machine recordings, it gives the opportunity to sit in a comfortable environment and talk to the examiner face to face. This helps the examiner to evaluate speaking skills of the candidate.
IELTS develops relevant skills for education
Attempting IELTS is conceptual that does not require memorising vocabulary and grammar. It includes learning to communicate in real time situations that will be encountered in learning environment. This empowers the students to attain English language capabilities for life.
Why Studying in Canadian Universities
Canada is well- known for offering quality education which makes it one of the most desirable destinations for students. If you are planning to study in Canada, then IELTS Academic can help you get there. It is the world’s most popular and high staked English proficiency test. It is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)to assess the English proficiency of the immigrant.
If you are planning to apply for undergraduate or postgraduate level programmes, IELTS requirement for Canada student visa is mandatory.
Working in Canada
Canada offers exciting work opportunities with good quality of life. It provides fair work opportunities and decent salaries to the graduates who are dedicated and passionate about contributing to the economy of the country.
Candidates migrating to Canada for work or permanent residency must appear for IELTS General training. Those who plan to apply for work visa, professional registration or as a permanent resident must score a band that can satisfy the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The English language proficiency is measured as per the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) that will be required to fulfil the immigration criteria for work.
List of Canadian Top universities With the minimum overall IELTS score!
| Colleges and University | Overall IELTS | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
| Acadia University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Brandon University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Cape Breton University | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Capilano University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Dalhousie University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Grant MacEwan University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| McGill University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| McMaster University | 6.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Memorial University | 6.5 | - | 6 | 6 | - |
| Mount Allison University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Mount Royal University | 6.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Nipissing University | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Ontario College of Art and Design | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Ryerson University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Simon Fraser University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| St. Francis Xavier University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| St. Mary’s University | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| St.Thomas University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Thompson Rivers University | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Trent University | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Trinity Western University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| University of Alberta | 6.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 7.5 |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Guelph | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Lethbridge | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Manitobae | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| University of New Brunswick | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| University of Northern British Columbia | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Regina | 6.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| University of the Fraser Valley | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Toronto | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Victoria | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Windsor | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| University of Winnipeg | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Vancouver Island University | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Wilfrid Laurier University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| York University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Athabasca University | 6.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Lakehead University | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Laurentian University of Sudbury | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| University of Ottawa | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| University of Prince Edward Island | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| University of Western Ontario | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Bishop’s University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Brescia University College | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Canadian Mennonite University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Campion College | 6.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Algoma University | 6 | - | - | - | - |
| Concordia University College of Alberta | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Emily Carr University of Art + Design | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| HEC Montréal | 6 | - | - | - | - |
| sHuron Univerity College | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| King’s University College at The University of Western Ontario | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Laurentian University | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Luther College | 6 | - | - | - | - |
| MacEwan University | 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| NSCAD University | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| OCAD University | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Redeemer University College | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Royal Roads University | 5.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Saint Mary’s University | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| St. Thomas More College | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| The King’s University College | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| The University of British Columbia | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Ontario Institute of Technology | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of St. Michael’s College | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| University of Sudbury | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| University of Trinity College | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Victoria University | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Camosun College | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Canadian National Institute of Health | 0.6 | - | - | - | - |
| Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| College of New Caledonia | 6 | - | - | - | - |
| Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology | 6 | - | - | - | - |
| Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology | 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology | 6.5 | - | - | - | - |
| Niagara College | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Oxford College | 6 | - | - | - | - |
| Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology | 6.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology | 5.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| The Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Community Sciences | 6 | - | - | - | - |
| Charles Sturn University | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Niagara University in Ontario | 6 | - | - | - | - |
| State University of New York : SUNY Potsdam | 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
For Bachelor’s degree courses, students need to score at least 5 in each category and an overall of band 6 to attain Canadian student visa. For Master’s degree and graduation courses, students need to score 6.0 in each category and an overall of 6.5 band.
International students who plan to study in Canada are required to obtain a study permit. Before applying for study permit, the following eligibility criteria need to be considered:
In the application process, IELTS requirement for Canada student visa is the first step towards obtaining study permits. It should be applied as soon as receiving the letter of acceptance. Since the time varies among visa offices, it is recommended to apply for it on an early basis.
As an expert in the field of studying abroad, particularly in Canada, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide aspiring students through the complexities of the application process. My expertise is underscored by a comprehensive understanding of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirements for Canadian universities and the significance of these scores in obtaining a study visa.
Firstly, the article accurately emphasizes the crucial role of IELTS scores in the Canadian student visa application process. The minimum overall score of 6.0 is a key benchmark, but the specific requirements vary based on the level of studies chosen. For undergraduate programs, a minimum of 5.5 bands in each section is necessary, with an overall score of 6.0. Postgraduate courses demand a higher proficiency, necessitating a minimum band of 6.0 in each section and an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above.
The article further delves into the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), providing a detailed breakdown of scores for each proficiency level. This information serves as a valuable resource for candidates aiming to gauge their language skills against the established benchmarks.
The articulation of why IELTS is required to study in Canada is insightful. The exam serves as a comprehensive assessment tool for language capabilities, covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The emphasis on face-to-face speaking assessments distinguishes IELTS from automated tests, allowing examiners to evaluate candidates' communication skills in a more nuanced manner.
Additionally, the article explores the broader benefits of IELTS, highlighting its role in developing essential language skills for educational purposes. It underscores that IELTS is not a mere test of memorization but a practical measure of one's ability to communicate effectively in real-life situations.
The article rightly promotes Canada as a premier destination for quality education, offering a list of top universities along with their respective IELTS score requirements. This information is instrumental for prospective students in making informed decisions about their academic pursuits.
Furthermore, the article acknowledges the significance of IELTS not only for university admissions but also for work opportunities in Canada. The IELTS General training is highlighted as a prerequisite for those seeking employment or permanent residency, aligning with the standards set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the IELTS requirements for studying in Canada, backed by a nuanced understanding of the application process, language benchmarks, and the broader educational landscape in the country. Prospective students can trust this information to navigate the intricate journey of studying abroad in Canada successfully.
