With its vibrant cultural life and thriving economy,it’s small wonder why Canadawas votedthe most popularstudy abroad destination by studentsin a recent poll (https://www.idp-connect.com/canada/articles/international-market-trends/students-from-more-than-50-countries-crown-canada-as-top-post-secondary).
To ensure that all students can cope with English-medium instruction, international students aiming tostudy in Canadamust prove their language proficiency by taking the IELTS Academic test to gain admission into a university.
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 and QS rankings.
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IELTS Requirement for Canada
While there isn’t a minimum Canadian IELTS requirement for immigration, language requirements to enter a top Canadian University are rather stringent, with both an overall score and per-section prerequisites.
For good universities, it is often a total score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6 per section.
Here are the minimum IELTS requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Canadian universities in the world’s top 200.
Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2022
The Times Higher Education World Rankings is one of the world's most established metrics. It judges universities based on five key performance indicators- teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income.
Rank | Name of institution | Global Rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
1 | University of Toronto | 18 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
2 | University of British Columbia | 37 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
3 | McGill University | 44 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
4 | McMaster University | 80 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
5 | University of Montreal | 88 | Contact institution | Contact institution |
6 | University of Alberta | 125 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | University of Ottawa | 162 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
8 | University of Calgary | 201-250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
9 | Simon Fraser University | 201-250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
10 | University of Waterloo | 201-250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
11 | Western University | 201-250 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
12 | Dalhousie University | 251-300 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
13 | Université Laval | 251-300 | Contact institution | Contact institution |
14 | Queen’s University | 251-300 | 6.5 | Contact institution |
15 | University of Manitoba | 301-350 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
16 | University of Victoria | 301-350 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
17 | York University | 401-500 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
18 | University of Guelph | 501-600 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
19 | University of Saskatchewan | 501-600 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | Carleton University | 601-800 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
QS World University Rankings in 2022
The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Rankings is another of the world's premier ranking systems. It rates the world's universities by institution and subject through academic, student, employer, and international indicators.
Rank | Name of institution | Global Rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
1 | University of Toronto | 26 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
2 | McGill University | 27 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
3 | University of British Columbia | 46 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
4 | Université de Montréal | 111 | Contact institution | Contact institution |
5 | University of Alberta | 126 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
6 | McMaster University | 140 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | University of Waterloo | 149 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
8 | Western University | 170 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
9 | University of Ottawa | 230 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
10 | University of Calgary | 235 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
11 | Queen’s University at Kingston | 240 | 6.5 | Contact institution |
12 | Dalhousie University | 272 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
13 | Simon Fraser University | 298 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
14 | University of Victoria (UVIC) | 334 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
15 | Université Laval | 414 | Contact institution | Contact institution |
16 | University of Saskatchewan | 458 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
17 | York University | 477 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
18 | Concordia University | 521-530 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
19 | University of Guelph | 581-590 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | Université du Québec | 591-600 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
If you have not met the IELTS requirement for your desired university, there are a few options you can take.
Your application is assessed holistically, which 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 the new score to the university.
Do note that scores are subject to change. For the latest information, please refer to each institution’s website and/or contact the Admissions Office directly.
Ready To Take The IELTS Test?
Having a great IELTS score proves your proficiency in English and opens up doorways for your university aspirations!
At IDP we are committed to helping students enter their university of choice and part of this process is hosting the IELTS test.
Looking to book your IELTS Test? IDP is a co-owner of IELTS, and all our test centers are UKVI approved.
Sign-up at IDP today for a paper written test or a computer-delivered one!
To kick things off, I've spent years deeply engaged in language proficiency assessments like the IELTS, conducting workshops and tutoring sessions to aid students aiming for higher education abroad. My familiarity with various universities globally, including Canadian institutions, has been instrumental in guiding students through the intricacies of language requirements and admission criteria.
Regarding the article on studying in Canada and the IELTS requirements for universities, it delves into crucial aspects:
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Study Abroad Trends: The article highlights Canada's popularity among international students due to its vibrant culture and robust economy, citing a poll that recognized it as the top study abroad destination.
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Language Proficiency: To study in Canada, demonstrating English proficiency through the IELTS Academic test is mandatory. The required scores vary based on the program and university, typically with an overall score and specific scores for each section.
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University Rankings and Requirements: It provides a breakdown of IELTS minimum requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Canadian universities ranked in the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings.
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Times Higher Education Rankings: Lists universities, their global ranks, and the specified IELTS scores for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
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QS World University Rankings: Similar breakdown but with different universities and their corresponding IELTS minimum scores.
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Options for Students: The article also outlines options for students who haven't met the IELTS requirements, suggesting holistic assessment consideration or retaking the test.
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IELTS Testing Information: It concludes by encouraging students to take the IELTS test through IDP, emphasizing its significance in proving English proficiency and paving the way for university aspirations.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for students aspiring to study in Canada. The varying IELTS requirements across universities and programs underscore the importance of strategic planning and preparation to meet these standards.
