Study in Canada without IELTS for International Students 2024

Study in Canada without IELTS for International Students 2024

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on May 10, 2024 12:55 PM IST

Canada is one of the popular study-abroad destinations for students. Cultural diversity, top programmes, modern technology, and living conditions are the popular reasons why students choose Canada for their higher studies. For international students who are non-native English speakers, Canadian universities require evidence of their English proficiency test. Canada's most common English language tests are IELTS, PTE and TOEFL. Primarily, the IELTS exam is in high demand among all other exams, whether applying for visas, job opportunities, scholarships or study options.

Many students find the IELTS exams quite tougher than other English language tests. However, there are many universities where international candidates can easily apply to study in Canada without IELTS.

Although international students have many other reasons to study in Canada without IELTS, such as the fact that IELTS exam fees are generally higher and vary depending on the test locations, being a popular English language test, applicants may face challenges while finding the preferred dates, and the exam is time taking and requires a lot of effort.

How to Study in Canada without IELTS?

Many universities in Canada offer various educational programmes for international students to study without the IELTS exam. Therefore, aspiring students who are willing to study in Canada and are not given the IELTS exam or are stressed about their IELTS score can look for alternative methods and English Language exams.

Study in Ireland

Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses

Study in Canada without IELTS - Alternative Ways

International students who want to study in Canada without IELTS can have various alternative ways, although these alternative ways depend on the university and the institute they are applying to. The alternate ways are:

  • Any other English language test: English proficiency exams such as CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program), TOEFL, PTE (academics), Duolingo, CAE, TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), CPE, CAEL, and many more, are widely accepted for international students who are looking for colleges in Canada without IELTS.

  • Numerous universities in Canada provide many English language courses or allow students to pursue language certificate courses before enrolling in the desired programmes if they want to study in Canada without IELTS.

  • Candidates can also submit a certificate or document proof if they have completed their previous qualification in the English language.

Alternative Language Proficiency Tests to Study in Canada without IELTS

English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge, CELPIP and CAEL are among the more commonly accepted than IELTS in most of the universities in Canada. Here is the score band and the minimum score requirement of these English language exams to study in Canada.

English Language Test Requirements

Exams

Score Band

Minimum Score required

TOEFL iBT

0-120

80

PTE (academics)

10-90

60

CAEL

10-90

50-60

CELPIP

On levels 1-12

Level 7

Duolingo

10-160

120

CAE

160-210

169

CPE

180-230

180

Students who score below 180 in CPE will only receive a score report while others will receive the Cambridge C2 proficiency certificate, which is equivalent to C2 level in English on the CEFR.

Universities to Study in Canada without IELTS

Studying in Canada without IELTS is not easy, but students need to do a lot of research and know about the other possible ways to apply to study in Canada without IELTS. here are some of the top universities to study for international students, along with their QS ranking for 2024 for reference:

Top universities to study in Canada without IELTS

Universities

QS Ranking (2024)

University of Guelph

486

Brandon University

N/A

Carleton University

671-680

McGill University

30

University of Winnipeg

N/A

University of Regina

1001-1200

Concordia University

387

The University of Canada West

N/A

University of Saskatchewan

345

Brock University

1201-1400

University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is a prominent university established in 1964 in Ontario, Canada. The university offers a wide range of courses. For international students, the University of Guelph English requirements, apart from IELTS, are the Advanced Level of the English Language Certificate Program (ELCP), Cambridge English: C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, Canadian Academic English (CAEL), Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English (PTE) and TOEFL.

Brandon University

Brandon University is a top-notch university in the world, located in Manitoba, Canada. The English language requirements of the university other than IELTS are PTE, CanTest, CAEL, CAE, CPE, CAEL CE, EAP and TOEFL iBT. The university offers a huge range of courses.

Carleton University

Carleton University is a well-recognised university in Canada, established in 1942. It is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. For non-native English speakers, the university requires certain proof of their English proficiency test. The English language tests at Carleton University other than IELTS are CAEL, TOEFL, PTE, and DET.

McGill University

McGill University is a public research university established in 1821 in Montreal City, Canada. The university requires evidence of English language tests such as TOEFL and Duolingo besides IELTS. McGill University is among the top Canadian universities without IELTS-specific requirements.

University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg is one of the universities in Canada without IELTS. International candidates need to meet the English language requirements to secure admission to the university. The University of Winnipeg accepts the IELTS score but has other available options to replace it. Such as Duolingo, TOEFL, Heartland International English School’s Pathway Programme of Level 5, International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC), Grade B in International Baccalaureate Higher Level English course/ Advanced Placement English examination or the applicant can attend the English Language programme at the university.

University of Regina

The University of Regina is a renowned public research university situated in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. For international applicants who are non-native English speakers, the university requires proof of their English language proficiency. The university accepts TOEFL, PTE, Can TEST, MELAB, Duolingo, and University ESL test scores apart from IELTS for admission into university courses, which allows students to study in Canada without IELTS

Concordia University

Concordia University is one of the universities that allows students to study in Canada without IELTS. Candidates need to provide the English language proficiency requirements for admission. Such as the need to have proof of their previous qualification in the English language for at least 3 years of study. Furthermore, Concordia University also provides the Intensive English Language Programme (IELP). Even if the student meets all the conditions, they are still required to attempt the placement exam and complete the ESL courses.

The University of Canada West

The University of Canada West is among the top private universities that allow international students to study in Canada without IELTS. The University of Canada West is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The university considered the IELTS test score. Moreover, the English language exams other than IELTS accepted at the university are PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, CAEL, Password, and CAE tests.

University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a prominent public university in Canada. It is a Canadian public research university that is located The university was established in 1907 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. International students who provide English proficiency other than IELT are required to take the Duolingo test, TOEFL, or PTE exam to study in Canada without IELTS at the University of Saskatchewan.

Brock University

Brock University is popularly known for its excellent academic courses and the university has an esteemed reputation for being the top university that allows international students to study in Canada without IELTS. The university is located in St. Catherines, Ontario, Niagara Region, Canada. The English language tests accepted at the university are TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge Assessment English, other than IELTS.

Study in Canada without IELTS: Scholarship

Everyone knows that Canada is a premium country to study in; most top universities in Canada have higher tuition fees. It becomes tough for the applicants to manage the tuition fees after all the costs of living in Canada, like personal expenses, transportation costs, food and meals. Also, the accommodation in Canada for internationalInternational students is higher than for domestic applicants. Therefore, students search for various options for scholarships in Canada or financial aid, which can be loans, funds, bursaries, and many more.

The English language test plays an important role in providing scholarships to international students. Additionally, there are many scholarships available for international students to study in Canada without IELTS. Some of the scholarships in Canada are mentioned below:

  • Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships

  • Canada Graduate Scholarships: Master's Programme (CGS-M)

  • IDRC Research Awards.

  • Ontario Graduate Scholarships

Scholarships are also offered at the university for international students as well.

Cheapest universities in Canada without IELTS for international students

Students can explore the cost-convenient options and cheapest universities to study in Canada without IELTS. The cheapest university does not mean that the quality of education will be affected in any way. The quality of education will be higher at these universities; only the tuition cost is cheaper than at other universities in Canada. Here is a list of some of the cheapest universities in Canada that offer a wide range of courses to study without IELTS

Cheapest Universities in Canada

  • University of Guelph

  • University of Regina

  • Brandon University

  • University of Calgary

  • Memorial University of Newfoundland and more.

Short-term Courses in Canada without IELTS

Apart from degree programmes, students who are looking for educational opportunities in Canada can also access short-term courses like certificates and diploma programmes. Short-term courses abroad generally do not make the English language subjective. Many universities have short-term programme lists that offer international students the opportunity to study in Canada without IELTS or have other alternative ways to prove the English proficiency of the candidate. Here is a list of a few short-term courses in Canada without IELTS for reference:

  • Language programmes: Canada has many schools and institutes that are language-specific and offer language courses as short-term courses for international students. These programmes do not ask for any English language tests.

  • Certificate Programmes: Numerous vocational and technical universities in Canada offer short-term courses without IELTS. These courses can be diploma programmes, certificate programmes, or skills development courses, such as in the fields of business, technology, healthcare, and hospitality. These programmes are generally used to enhance the skills and knowledge of the student in a particular field they want to further apply.

  • Summer or Intensive Programmes: Some Canadian universities and educational institutes provide short-term courses for international students, like the summer or intensive programmes that do not require any English language tests for admission purposes. These programmes primarily focus on specific subjects, cultural exposures and language enhancement for the students. Universities also provide these programmes before applying for the desired courses to develop the English skills of the students.

Student Visa for Canada without IELTS

Getting a student visa to study in Canada without IELTS is very calming and handy. However, the applicant needs to provide alternative ways and go through the certificate requirements for the immigration application process for a student visa for Canada. The other ways and documents that are necessary to complete the visa application to study in Canada without IELTS are the ELP tests, such as TOEFL, PTE, CAEL and Duolingo, which must be submitted along with the visa application and other documents.

Document requirements for student visa for Canada

  • Proof of acceptance: The proof of acceptance is shared from the university end.

  • A provincial attestation letter from the province or territory where you plan to study

  • A proof of identity: the proof of identification requires two passport-size photographs with the candidate's name and date of birth written on the back of them, along with a valid passport.

  • proof of financial support: A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) is required, a bank statement of at least 4 months; or, if the candidate applied for funds or loans, a letter from the organisation is required.

  • Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose states the reason to study in Canada.

  • A medical exam: The medical certificate or exam is required as a health declaration for the applicant.

other documents: the other document requirements depend on the country or origin of the particular student; the documents can be academic and transcript records, government certifications or identifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I study in Canada without IELTS?

Yes, you can study in Canada without IELTS. Many top universities in Canada accept alternative tests like TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, or PTE to enrol international students. Many universities in Canada waive English tests entirely for students with prior English education. Research all the universities and their programme requirements carefully before applying. 

2. What are the new rules for student visa in Canada 2024?

The Canadian government has recently announced a two-year limit on international student visas. The number of new study visas will be reduced by 35% by 2024. Furthermore, as per the revised cost of living requirements in Canada, international students applying for study permits in Canada on or after January 1, 2024, must demonstrate adequate financial support to study in Canada.

3. Is it compulsory to pass IELTS for Canada?

No, getting into Canada does not require one to complete the IELTS exam or provide the test scores. International candidates who want to visit Canada for study or job purposes can prove their English proficiency by taking any other English language test or certificate course. The most common English language tests accepted in Canada are TOEFL, CAEL, Cambridge, PTE and Duolingo.

4. Is it possible to study in Canada without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible to study in Canada without IELTS, as many Canadian universities have alternative methods and other English proficiency tests for admission. Universities like the University of Guelph, the University of Regina, Brandon University, and many more are among the popular universities that allow international students to study without IELTS in Canada.

5. Is IELTS compulsory for Canada student visa?

No, IELTS is not compulsory for a student visa in Canada. Although the IELTS exam scores are considered by the immigration authority to process the visa application for Canada, international applicants can submit evidence of their other English language tests, such as TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, CAEL and many more, for consideration.

Articles

Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

Hello there,

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is primarily an entrance exam for medical courses in India. If you're considering studying medicine in Canada, here are some key points to consider:

NEET and Medical Studies in Canada:

  1. Not Required for Admission : NEET is not required for admission to medical schools in Canada. Canadian medical schools have their own admission criteria, which typically include undergraduate degree requirements and standardized tests like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

  2. Eligibility for International Students : To apply to medical schools in Canada, you usually need to complete a bachelor's degree (often with a focus on science) and achieve a good score on the MCAT.

  3. Application Process : Each Canadian medical school has specific admission requirements. It's important to research individual schools to understand their criteria, including GPA requirements, volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

  4. Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees : If you complete your medical studies in Canada, your degree will be recognized, but if you study medicine in India, you’ll need to go through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams to practice in Canada.

    Recommendations:

  • Research Canadian Medical Schools : Look into the specific requirements for the medical schools you are interested in.

  • Prepare for MCAT : If you're aiming for medical school in Canada, focus on preparing for the MCAT and meeting the prerequisite courses for admission.

    Conclusion:

NEET is not necessary for studying medicine in Canada. Instead, focus on completing an undergraduate degree, taking the MCAT, and meeting the admission requirements of Canadian medical schools.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello Aspirant

Foreign Universities require a candidate to have a 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized University/college with enough credits. The problem that many Indian students face is that they have a degree in bachelor's but in a 3-year course. This stops them from pursuing further studies at a foreign university. Still, some universities offer bridge courses for such students. For this, they need to reach their universities 2-3 months prior and do the Bridge course. But all of this depends on the university. This is why NEP introduced the new 4-year bachelor's course.

The best course of action is to go to the Canadian Universities' websites that you wish to join and contact their admissions office via mail and talk to them about your situation, they'll help you out with it. Also, when you sit for their interviews and have a valid answer for your gap year after your Bachelor's, it would be great if you have work experience for that duration.

Hope this helps.

The eligibility criteria for MHCET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) can be based on domicile rather than place of birth.

MHCET often considers domicile, not necessarily the place of birth, for exam eligibility. Since your son has completed his entire school education in Maharashtra, this might strengthen his case for domicile in the state.

Overall, while being born in Canada might not be a direct disqualifier, having completed his schooling in Maharashtra strengthens his case for domicile in the state. By gathering documents to prove his residence and referring to the official MHCET website or helpline, your son can get a clearer picture of his eligibility for the exam.

https://www.careers360.com/exams/mht-cet

I hope it helps!


Hello aspirant,

Canada offers ample opportunities in the field of radiology. With a B.Sc in Radiology, you can explore various career paths in Canadian healthcare institutions, including hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and clinics. It's advisable to research the specific requirements and licensing procedures for radiology professionals in the province where you plan to settle, as regulations may vary. Pursuing further certifications or examinations recognized by Canadian authorities can enhance your prospects in the field of radiology in Canada.

Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing good !!

Indian students must have an MBBS and clear USMLE tests to gain admission to post graduation after MBBS abroad in USA . It is important to understand that an MD/Doctor of Medicine (USA equivalent of MBBS in India) degree alone is not enough to practise medicine. A Medical PG in any specialisation is necessary..

Hope it helps you !!

Thanking you !!

View All
Back to top