IELTS is one of the most popular English proficiency tests for studying in Canada in 2025. Although other English test scores are acceptable in Canadian universities, we will be discussing the minimum IELTS score requirements for Canada universities, immigration, and permanent residency. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is highly recognised for study visa applications in Canada. International students seeking studies or work opportunities in Canada in 2025 must understand that IELTS scores are crucial for admissions, visas, and PR applications.
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Why is IELTS required for Canada?
Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities: QS WUR 2026
Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities For UG and PG Courses
What is CLB in IELTS?
Minimum IELTS Score for Canada Student Visa 2025
Minimum IELTS Score for Canada PGWP 2025
Minimum IELTS Score Requirements For Express Entry (PR in Canada)
IELTS Score Validity for Canada in 2025
Tips to Achieve the IELTS Required Score for Canada
IELTS Scores vs Other English Language Test Scores for Canada
IELTS for Immigration & Study in Canada: Key Points to Consider
Minimum IELTS Scores for Canada: Requirements & Guidelines
In this article, we have mentioned the minimum IELTS band requirements for Canada in 2025. Besides the IELTS test scores for Canadian study visa, Indian students are also required to submit a provincial letter, a letter of acceptance in DLI, financial documents and many more. Read further for a comprehensive guide on the minimum IELTS scores for top Canada universities as per QS 2026 rankings and many more.
IELTS is a crucial English language test for international students and other professionals seeking to migrate or study in Canada. Although other English language tests, such as PTE, DET, and TOEFL, are acceptable for Canadian visas, IELTS is one of the most popular and widely accepted choices. Hence, IELTS test in 2025 is an important step for all who want to migrate to Canada for study, work, or PR. A few of the other reasons why IELTS is required for Canada include its acceptance by Canadian immigration. It is recognised by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) as a trustworthy English language test.
Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities: QS WUR 2026
Applicants must attain a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 to generally gain admission to top Canada universities. We have provided the top universities in Canada according to QS World University Rankings 2026. The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is a global premier ranking system which ranks universities worldwide based on different criteria and reputation. Let us now check the top universities in Canada, including the minimum IELTS requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Minimum IELTS Score to Study in Canada Universities
Aspirants who are appearing for IELTS exam can download this eBook which have complete study material for academic writing task 1 (Data Interpretation) and academic writing task 2 (Essays) sections.
Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities For UG and PG Courses
We have already discussed the IELTS score required for top universities in Canada as per the QS ranking in 2026. However, the IELTS requirements can vary as on the university and the course of study level. We have mentioned the minimum IELTS band score for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in universities in Canada:
Level Of Study
Minimum IELTS Band Score
UG Courses in Canada
Overall: Minimum 6 IELTS
Each Section: No less than 5.5
PG Courses in Canada
Overall: Minimum 6.5 IELTS
Each Section: No less than 5.5 or 6.0
What is CLB in IELTS?
The Canadian Language Benchmark, commonly known as CLB, is the immigration system used to recognise English proficiency for students or professionals seeking to study and work in Canada. CLB assesses candidates' English skills across four components: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Generally, the majority of organisations and immigration requirements include a CLB 7 score, which is equivalent to an IELTS band score of 6.0 in each section. Here are the CLB scores in IELTS scores:
Students must understand the IELTS band score requirements before applying for a Canada student visa to obtain it without any problem. IELTS is one of the most popular English proficiency tests to be accepted for Canada student visa applications. The minimum IELTS score requirements can vary as per the chosen university, course of study, and the level of studies. Generally, Indian students are required to achieve a minimum score of 5.5 in each section of the exam (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) and an overall score of 6.0. It is essential to remember that the specific IELTS score requirements for Canada can differ in 2025. Therefore, it is advisable to check the official website of the Canadian immigration authorities or the chosen educational institution for the latest and correct information on IELTS scores for Canada requirements regarding a student visa. Generally, there are two types of study visa application processes known to students: SDS and Non-SDS visa.
SDS Visa IELTS Requirements
Students must note that SDS (Student Direct Stream) known for faster processing of study visa applications, is discontinued effective from November 8, 2024. Hence, they need not understand the SDS Visa IELTS Requirement for 2025 due to the non-availability of the programme.
Non-SDS Visa IELTS Requirement
For students looking for a non-SDS visa, they must understand that it is the regular study visa application process. The IELTS requirements for non-SDS visa applications from India in 2025 are an overall band score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in each skill section.
Students on complete their studies from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) in Canada can apply for a postgraduate work permit. It allows them to work in Canada for up to 3 years. Students must be eligible to apply for a Canada PGWP. Requirements include English proficiency, be at least 18 years of age, study full time for at least 8 months in Canadian universities on a valid study permit, and many more. Students studying non-degree courses in Canada who seek a PGWP must note that they need to complete a program in an eligible field of study as stated by the government.
So, one such crucial requirement for a PGWP in Canada is IELTS scores. Students need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English to obtain a work permit in Canada. Basically, the IELTS score required for a post-graduation work permit in Canada depends on the study level. Here is the minimum required scores in IELTS for PGWP:
Minimum IELTS Score for Canada Work Permit
Study Level
CLB Requirements
IELTS Requirements
Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral Degree
CLB 7
IELTS score of 6.0 in each section
Any University Course
CLB 7
IELTS score of 6.0 in each section
Any College Course
CLB 5
Scores required are:
Reading: 4.0
Listening: 5.0
Speaking: 5.0
Writing: 5.0
Minimum IELTS Score Requirements For Express Entry (PR in Canada)
Express Entry is one of the fastest pathways for international students to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Generally, the majority of students apply for PR through the Express Entry online system. This system basically administers the international applications for 3 major Canadian economic immigration programs, which are FSWP, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Let us now discuss further in detail the IELTS requirements for the Express Entry applications.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
It is one of the popular immigration programs in Canada that allows international students with skills (classified as a part of skilled workers) to apply for permanent residency in Canada. They must be eligible in terms of educational qualification, work experience, English language proficiency, etc. Let us now check the minimum IELTS score band required for Federal Skilled Worker Program in Canada:
CLB Level
Points for each sub-category
Listening
Reading
Speaking
Writing
7
4
6.0 -7.0
6
6
6
8
5
7.5
6.5
6.5
6.5
9
6
8
7
7
7
10 and above
6
8.5-9.0
8.0 –
7.5-9.0
7.5-9.0
Federal Skilled Trades Program
It is one of the Express Entry immigration programmes for international students who qualify as skilled trade persons. Although the eligibility for FSTP in Canada is quite stringent, requiring around 2 years of full-time work experience, English proficiency, and more, it allows them to obtain permanent residency. Also, the government shortlists the categories for FSTP Express Entry, and your trade must be one of it.
Generally, students require a minimum IELTS band score equivalent to CLB 5 (Speaking and Listening skills) and CLB 4 (Reading and Writing skills. Let us now check the minimum IELTS score band required for Federal Skilled Trades Program in Canada in detail:
CLB Level
Listening
Reading
Speaking
Writing
4
4.5
3.5
4
4
5
5
4
5
5
6
5.5
5
5.5
5.5
7
6
6
6
6
8
7.5
6.5
6.5
6.5
9
8
7
7
7
10 and above
8.5-9.0
8.0-9.0
7.5-9.0
7.5-9.0
Canadian Experience Class
With the processing time of just 3 to 4 months, Canadian Experience Class is the fastest path for PR in Canada. The applications are accepted and administered through the Express Entry online system. Basically, this PR programme is available for students who have already completed 1 year of full time skilled work experience in Canada. As the job categories eligible for Canadian Experience Class are categorised in tiers, the English language proficiency requirements vary as per the TEER (Training, Education, Experience And Responsibilities). Check the TEERs below and the applicable job role in it:
TEER 0: Management job roles
TEER 1: Job roles with degree eligibility. (UG/PG/PhD)
TEER 2: Job roles with a college diploma, apprenticeship training or supervisory eligibility
TEER 3: Job roles with a college diploma, apprenticeship training or at least 6 months of on-the-job training eligibility
The minimum IELTS score requirements for PR in Canada for this programme vary as per the TEER and its associated NOC. Check the tables for more details:
English Proficiency Required For Canadian Experience Class
As discussed above, IELTS exam is one of the most popular and crucial tests for study, work, and permanent residency visa in Canada for international students and other professionals. The validity of IELTS exam in Canada is 2 years from the date of examination. For example, if IELTS test is taken on 1 September 2025. The score for such IELTS test is valid till 1 September 2027. It is important for candidates to apply for the visa before he expiry of IELTS. After the expiration of IELTS score, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) does not accept it.
Tips to Achieve the IELTS Required Score for Canada
It is crucial for candidates to achieve a good score in IELTS exam for Canada. Generally, the minimum IELTS requirements for Canada in 2025 are a band score of 6.0 in each section. However, one must note that different universities and colleges in Canada might require a competitive score in IELTS for admission. Same for study visas, work visas, and PR applications in Canada. A few of the tips to score well in IELTS exam for Canada include the following:
Tips to Get Good Scores in IELTS for Canada
Understand the exam structure efficiently.
Practice consistently.
Appear for mock tests and sample papers.
Listen to English podcasts, news, movies, etc.
Read newspapers, magazines, books, and other articles daily.
One can also consider IELTS coaching.
IELTS Scores vs Other English Language Test Scores for Canada
Numerous English tests are acceptable in Canada for study visas, university admissions, work visas, and PR applications. Hence, students have an option to appear for any of the English tests to demonstrate their English command. Although IELTS is the most preferred English exam in Canada, different tests such as DET, TOEFL, and PTE are also recognised. Let us now check the basic acceptance of all these 4 English tests in Canadian DLIs and other organisations. We have also given he table showing the minimum IELTS requirements for Canada and its equivalent scores in PTE, TOEFL, and PTE.
Acceptance in Canada
Type of English test
Acceptance in Canadian Universities
IELTS
All universities in Canada
IRCC
PTE
Most universities in Canada accept PTE Academic
IRCC also accepts PTE Core
Duolingo
DET Scores are accepted in more than 150 educational institutions in Canada. Hence, students need to check the chosen university for confirmation about whether or not DET is acceptable as an English language test.
TOEFL iBT
Although most universities in Canada accept TOEFL iBT, confirming with the university is highly recommended.
IELTS Scores And Its Equivalents For Canada
IELTS Band Score
TOEFL Score
PTE Score
DET Scores
9
118-120
(Expert User)
89-90
160
8.5
115-117
(Very Good User)
83-85
160
8
110-114
(Very Good User)
78-82
150 - 155
7.5
102-109
(Good User)
73-77
140 - 145
7
94-101
(Good User)
64-72
130 - 135
6.5
79-93
(Competent User)
58-63
120 - 125
6
60-78
(Competent User)
50-57
105 - 115
5.5
46-59
(Modest User)
42-49
95 - 100
5
35-45
(Modest User)
35-41
80 - 90
4.5
32-34
(Limited User)
30-34
65 - 75
0-4
0-31
(Extremely limited User)
0-30
10 - 60
IELTS for Immigration & Study in Canada: Key Points to Consider
There are some important considerations to note while understanding the IELTS requirements for immigration and studies in Canada. Let us check the key points to remember for applying to Canadian universities and work visas:
IELTS Academic is required for university admission in Canada, whereas IELTS General Training is required for immigration purposes.
A higher score in the IELTS exam typically means more points for the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. A CRS is a point-based system in Canada that measures the eligibility of candidates, including international students, for immigration purposes under the Express Entry program. This increases your chances of getting an ITA for PR in Canada.
It is crucial for international students to confirm the exact IELTS score requirements for the chosen university, as each university has its own requirements for English proficiency.
As IELTS scores are valid for only 2 years, it is highly advised for international students and other professionals to appear for the exam before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many points do you need for Canada PR 2025?
A:
Students must aim for higher points to increase their chances of getting the PR in Canada. However, an average of 67 points is a minimum eligibility requirement to be considered for the Canada PR visa according to the Federal Skilled Worker program requirements. On the other hand, a total of 1200 points is required in CRS for Express Entry.
Q: Is it preferable to take the IELTS exam on a computer or on paper?
A:
The online IELTS offers the advantage of having more available dates for test-takers compared to the paper-based version. Additionally, individuals taking the test can choose their preferred time slot, and results are typically received within 3-5 days. It is important to note that the content, structure, and timing of the test are consistent across both modes.
Q: Is it possible to take the IELTS test again if my score falls below the minimum requirement for a Canadian student visa?
A:
It is possible to retake the IELTS test if your score falls below the minimum requirement. It is important to ensure that you have sufficient time to retake the test and obtain the results prior to the application deadline.
Q: What is the minimum score needed for each IELTS band in order to apply for a student visa in Canada?
A:
Most educational institutions usually ask for a minimum IELTS band score of 5.5 or 6.0 in each specific band (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) for undergraduate programs. However, for postgraduate programs, a higher score of 6.0 or 6.5 is usually required.
Q: What is an optimum IELTS score?
A:
Scoring high in the IELTS exam is crucial due to the intense competition. Meeting the specific IELTS score requirement of each university or institution is necessary for admission. Language experts from countries like the UK, the USA, Canada, etc., are responsible for designing the test questions.
Yes, admission to a German private university with 52% in bachelors, 6.0 IELTS band, and a 1-year gap is possible, but options are limited.
Private universities in Germany are more flexible than public ones. You can apply for courses in management, business, or IT fields. However, you must justify the gap year and ensure a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP).
It’s better to contact universities directly, as some may ask for additional documents or foundation courses before admission.
You are running short of time usually the ideal time would be 2–3 months prior,i advice that you start with your applications that you can quicky begin with your study abroad procedure.
It depends on the university you are applying to.
Most German universities do not require
GATE
for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the
GRE
, especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having
IELTS (or TOEFL)
and a
German language proficiency certificate
(if the course is in German) is enough.
