Study in Canada Without IELTS: Alternatives & Universities (2024)

To study in Canada without IELTS as an international student, you must take an alternative exam, and certain terms and conditions should be met. You can apply for admission to universities in Canada without IELTS. More than 20 Canadian universities and colleges admit students without an IELTS score. Canadian universities do not particularly rely on IELTS tests to evaluate student English language skills. However, if you do not have an IELTS score, do not worry; there are alternatives.

Canadian universities have many IELTS alternatives. Many universities also accept English proficiency from previous institutions in Canada. Moreover, most applicants are not required to have IELTS proof before filling out the application based on their nationalities. If your university or institute name falls under the WHED Portal category, many universities in Canada provide an English test exemption . Based on these details, you will find the list of Canadian universities without IELTS and admission without IELTS in Canada.

List of Universities to Study in Canada Without IELTS

Here is a list of universities in Canada that do not require IELTS for admission:

1. The University of Alberta (Faculty-wise requirements may vary)
2. University of Winnipeg
3. University of Saskatchewan
4. Cambrian College
5. Seneca College
6. Brock University
7. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
8. Okanagan College
9. University of Guelph
10. McGill University
11. Algoma University
12. Brandon University
13. Carleton University
14. University of Regina
15. Concordia University
16. University of Prince Edward Island

Process No. 1 to Study Without IELTS in Canada

First: If your previous University can provide you English Language Proficiency proof, that is an alternative for IELTS. This document will help you get certified that you previous degree from an English Medium Institute.

Second: If you are from an English-speaking country such as the UK, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada, and many other officially recognized English-speaking countries. Then you can do not need to take any IELTS or any other alternative.

Process No. 2 (Use WHED Portal)

You do not need to take the IELTS if your university’s language of instruction is English and it is already on the WHED Portal. WHED Portal stands for World Higher Education Database . The World Higher Education Database is online and more secure source of information about official higher education authorities and school systems in a total of 196 countries. Canadian immigration authorities recognize these universities as having English language proficiency standards that meet their requirements. Many Universities in Canada allow English Test exemption if your previous University/Institute’s name falls in the WHED Portal. Here are a few Canadian Universities available in WHED Portal . So you can apply them without IELTS.

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia
• McMaster University
• University of Alberta
• University of Montreal
• Queen’s University
• University of Waterloo
• Western University
• University of Calgary

How to Find Your University in the WHED Portal:

1. Go to: WHED Portal website
2. Use the search bar on the right side.
3. Choose a country and/or enter a keyword (e.g., select your country “Pakistan” and then select your University, such as LUMS).
4. If the language of instruction is listed as “English,” then you are exempted from taking the IELTS.

Current English Test Scores Set by Selected Universities

University of Winnipeg

• Duolingo English Test: Minimum score 120
• TOEFL iBT Test: Minimum score of 86 with no less than 20 in each section.
• Cambridge Assessment English (CAE): C1 Advanced – Minimum score 180
• Cambridge Assessment English (CAE): C2 Proficiency – Minimum score 180
• Cambridge Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum score 60
• CAEL CE – Minimum score 60
• CAEL Online – Minimum score 70
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) – Minimum score 58
• English Language Program (ELP) – Completion of Academic Level 5
• ELP Part-time Evening Program – Minimum C+ in Academic Writing 1 and 2
• Academic English Program from University and College Entrance (AEPUCE) – Successful Completion

University of Saskatchewan

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based): Overall score is 86 with minimum scores of 19 in each section
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score is 176
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Overall score is 115 with minimum scores of 95 in each area
• PTE Academic: Overall score of 63 with minimum scores of 59 in each area
• CAEL: Minimum score is 70% with minimum individual scores of 60 or MELAB
• University of Saskatchewan Language Centre Level 4 (graduate bridging): Successful completion
• University of Regina Intensive ESL Advanced Level (ESL 50): Successful completion
• General Certificate of Education of A/AS/AICE Level English
• Completion of any one of the following:
  • GCSE/IGCSE/GCE O-Level English
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English A1 or A2 Higher Level
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English B Higher Level
  • Advanced Placement (AP) English

Cambrian College

• TOEFL (Internet-based test): 80 score for Diploma/Certificate; 84 score for Grad Certificate; 88 for Degrees.
• TOEFL (Paper-based test): 550 score for Diploma/Certificate; 570 score for Grad Certificate
• PTE: 58 score for Diploma Certificate; 61 score for Grad Certificate; 58 for Degrees
• Duolingo: Between 105 and 115 for Diploma/Certificate; above 120 score for Grad Certificate.

Seneca College

• CAEL CE and CAEL Online: Minimum 60
• Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE): Minimum 169 with no skill below 162
• PTE Academic: Minimum score is 58
• TOEFL iBT (including MyBest TOEFL and Home Edition): Minimum 80 with no section below 20
• TOEFL Revised Paper Delivered: No skill below 20

Algoma University

• CAEL: 60
• Cambridge English Qualifications: Overall 176 with no band less than 169
• Duolingo: Overall 110 (no individual band below 90)
• TOEFL: 550 (paper-based) or 79 (Computer or Home Edition)
• PTE: 60
• ENG4U (OSSD) or ENGL12 (BC Curriculum): 3 years of full-time course with a minimum grade of 70%
• Students successfully completing the International Baccalaureate may take a variety of English language courses.

Conclusion:

Do not let IELTS become an obstacle for you. There are always alternative ways. Research, explore, and find the best possible option for your study journey.