Required IELTS Scores for Admission to Canadian Universities and Colleges

IELTS is the abbreviation of the International English Language Testing System. The test result shows the student's listening, reading, writing, and speaking proficiency. Many institutions accept alternative proficiency tests for Canada, such as TOEFL and PTE. 

International students must showcase their language proficiency testing by providing test results to the concerned universities. The Canada IELTS Academic test is generally needed to secure admission to Canadian universities; the higher the score, the better the chance of getting admission. However, universities generally require a minimum 6.5 IELTS score for Canada, with at least 6 in each section. 

Canadian University IELTS requirement

The ideal IELTS requirement for Canada PR is a six band, making you eligible for PNPs and equivalent to CLB level 7. A Canadian university study permit generally requires 5.5 in each band, with an overall minimum score of 6.0. For Express Entry, candidates need a minimum IELTS score of 6 per band. However, you can work or study in Canada without an IELTS exam if you have a work permit or sponsorship.IELTS 4.5 is accepted in universities in Canada for candidates applying through AIPP, with a minimum CLB level of 4. 

Minimum IELTS Score for Canada Student Visa

The minimum IELTS Canada score required to apply for a student visa is 6.0 bands in all four IELTS test sections, equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7. This also applies to the Federal Skilled Worker program, where at least three years of work experience can grant additional points. Bangladeshi students who wish to pursue undergraduate or diploma studies in Canada must have at least 6.0 bands overall, with 5.5 bands in each module. 

Get PR in Canada with Low IELTS Scores: The Top Strategies

The minimum Canada IELTS score required for Canada PR is 6 per band or CLB level 7 to qualify through the Express Entry program. Specific occupations like nursing may require higher scores, like a minimum overall score of 6.5 and 7.0 for Speaking. Different programs, like Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class, have their own IELTS score requirements.

Without IELTS Study in Canada: A Comprehensive Overview

Bangladeshi students can study in some universities that offer admission without IELTS to study in Canada. The universities exempt international students from giving any language proficiency test. Instead, they allow them to submit alternative English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, CAEL, and Cambridge Assessment English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency). 

You can see more information on our website (or) speak with our expert study abroad counsellors if you wish to study in Canada without IELTS.  When applying through the Express Entry system, having a second official language with a minimum level of CLB or NCLC 5 may also be an option. Additionally, having at least one year of full-time work experience in a high-skilled occupation, not on the Excluded Occupation List can help bypass the IELTS requirement. 

Tips for Achieving a High IELTS Score for Study in Canada

The highest IELTS score required for Canada varies depending on the test's purpose, such as university admission, permanent residency, or citizenship. However, the minimum overall IELTS score for admissions to top Canadian universities is 6.5, with a writing score 6.0. 

If you wish to settle permanently in Canada through Express Entry, the minimum requirement for IELTS is 6.0 for each section of the test, equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7. For Canadian citizenship, applicants must score at least 4.0 and 4.5 on the speaking and listening portions of the test.