Study in Canada without IELTS 2024: Alternative Exams & Top Universities

Canadian universities consider various factors when measuring your English proficiency. Although IELTS is one of the world's most popular language proficiency tests, some alternate options will allow you to study in Canada without IELTS.

There are several ways to study in Canada without IELTS, ranging from alternative exam results to letters of recommendation from prior academic institutions. In addition, several Canadian colleges are considering excluding students from English-speaking nations from the IELTS rule. This is because English is their native language, and it is feasible to determine their language proficiency from this exam.

Canadian universities accept various English proficiency tests other than IELTS. Some of the different proficiency tests are mentioned below:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): This is an English proficiency test that measures language skills based on four academic modules: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. There are no passing criteria for the exam; the score required for admission varies from university to university and course to course. However, the minimum TOEFL score needed to study in Canada is 79 to 93.

PTE (Pearson Test of English): PTE is a standardised computer-based test that measures a student's English proficiency. It has two versions: Academic and General. To gain admission to universities, students must appear for the academic version of the PTE test. Students can score a minimum of 10 and 90 on the PTE test. However, the minimum score required in PTE to enrol in Canadian universities is between 58 and 63.

Duolingo: The Duolingo English Test is a computer-adaptive English proficiency test that assesses four primary language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It employs an adaptive algorithm that tailors questions to the test-taker's demonstrated proficiency level. Further, as the test progresses, the algorithm adjusts question difficulty based on the accuracy of prior replies. The minimum Duolingo score required to study in Canada is 115.

CAL EPT (CAL English Proficiency Tests): The CAL EPT measures the English language proficiency of English language learners at two levels: primary school and secondary school. The test measures students' English language ability in four skills (reading, listening, writing, and speaking). Various Canadian universities accept the scores of the CAL EPT to enrol students.

We have discussed above that there are different requirements for admission to Canada without IELTS. Let's examine the best universities in Canada that do not require IELTS.  Here is a list of the top universities offering admission without IELTS and their tuition fees:

All the universities mentioned above provide an option to study in Canada without IELTS. However, their admission criteria vary from one another. Moreover, check out the requirements of the top 5 universites below before applying to any of these colleges in Canada without IELTS.

Brock University is a public university in the historic Niagara region of Saint Catharines. It is officially affiliated with the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the International Association of Universities, and the Canadian University Press. In 2024, it holds a QS world ranking between 1201 and 1400.

Admission Requirements:

• 12 years of exemplary academic grades

• TOEFL with an overall score of 88, with no band having a score below 21

• Duolingo test score of a minimum of 100

• IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6

• CAEL score of 70 with no band having scored less than 60

• PTE score of 58

• A minimum grade of B

• High school or senior secondary education proof for admission eligibility

Note- You may choose the language proficiency test that best suits you.

Cambrian is a college offering specialisations in applied arts and technology. It is instituted in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. It offers over 80 full-time bachelor's and master's degrees.

It also offers over 900 part-time courses on accommodation and human rights, business analytics, cybersecurity, human resources management, international business management, information technology business analysis, and mobile application development.

Admission Requirements:

• TOEFL/PTE/ IELTS scores based on the college under Cambrian University

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent diploma

• Passport Copy

• Interview

• Birth certificate

Okanagan is a well-known public university in British Columbia, Canada. It has four campuses, the largest one in Kelowna and the other three in Penticton, Vernon, and Salmon Arm. It is an ideal option for students who want to study in Canada without IELTS. As a result, you will receive a high-quality education with more individualised attention for your degree and master's program.

Admission Requirements:

• English language proficiency test scores of TOEFL, Duolingo, and others

• Application form with all documents and fees

• Secondary or high school transcripts

• Copy of valid passport and visa

Concordia University is a university in Montreal, Quebec. It has multiple campuses, including the Sir George Williams and Loyola campuses, with distinct features and facilities. Concordia University offers over 107 undergraduate and 93 postgraduate degrees.

Admission Requirements:

• Alternative test proofs such as TOEFL, DET, CAEL, CAE, CPE, and PTE are accepted.

• Students must show proof of completing four years of study at an English-medium secondary or post-secondary school.

• An intensive English Language program is offered at the university upon conditional admission.

To study at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, you must demonstrate your English proficiency with one of the following standardised tests. Aside from IELTS, you can take Cambridge Assessment English (176 minutes), CAEL (50-60 minutes), the Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees or CanTEST (4.5 minutes), Duolingo (115 minutes), MET (59 minutes), PTE (58 minutes), or TOEFL (79 minutes). Applicants who do not meet minimum scores can enrol in Memorial University's English as a Second Language Program.

Admission Requirements:

• 30 credit hours for English at a secondary institution

• CAE with a minimum of 176 scores

• TOEFL with a minimum score of 79

• CAEL score of 50-60

• Minimum of 3 years of study in the English Medium school

• Successful completion of an in-house intensive English program

Also, Read: May Intake in Canada 

Various kinds of scholarships are offered in Canada without IELTS for international students. We have prepared a list of such scholarships to help you commence a hassle-free academic journey in Canada.

Obtaining a Canada study visa without IELTS is a primary step to studying abroad. Your test scores for various English proficiency tests will be required as part of your visa application. However, taking the IELTS as a language proficiency test is optional.

You have to submit the following documents to the immigration authority of Canada for a student visa without IELTS.

• Letter of Acceptance 

• Documents for a Canadian Bank Account

• Bank Statements

• Proof of tuition and accommodation fees payment

• A medical certificate or police verification

• A valid passport and visa

• Proof of financial backing (Enough funding to support your study)

• Acknowledgement letter for student loan

• Draft for convertible money from the bank

• Letter of acknowledgement from the scholarship organisation

Note- Students can also provide scores on alternate tests like TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE for a Canada study visa. 

Canada is an attractive choice for international students and job seekers owing to its inclusiveness immigration policies and multicultural environment. Students seeking to work in Canada must obtain a work visa or work permit.

There are two significant types of work permits that you can apply for

• Employer-specific work permit

• Openwork permit

With an employer-specific work permit, you can work for a specific organisation in Canada. However, with an Open Work Permit, you can work for any organisation or company in Canada.

However, if you want to avoid IELTS, there are a few alternatives. The first option is to be highly skilled and obtain express entry into Canada with a work permit. The second option is to choose a university that does not require IELTS. Furthermore, you will have 180 days after completing the university program to apply for a Canada work permit. The university option may be more efficient because it allows you to study while also providing you with the opportunity to obtain a work permit.

In conclusion, it is possible to study in Canada without IELTS in 2024, thanks to alternative exams and universities' understanding of the challenges students may face. Before applying, research the universities and their specific language proficiency requirements. With the proper preparation, you can fulfil your dream of studying in Canada and enjoying the benefits of a world-class education system.

 1. How can I immigrate to Canada without IELTS?

Answer: It mainly depends on the reason for migrating to Canada and whether you can be exempted from IELTS. If you leave with a work permit, it will depend on company rules if you are allowed to immigrate to Canada without IELTS. Plan to study in Canada without IELTS. You can take alternative language tests such as TOEFL, PTE, CanTest, etc., or take the University of your Choice English program for international students.

2. How can I prove my English language proficiency without IELTS?

Answer: You can demonstrate your English language skills without taking the IELTS by taking alternative language tests such as the TOEFL, PTE, or CAEL. Some colleges additionally consider your academic credentials or job experience in English-speaking environments.

3. Are there any English language preparation programs for students without IELTS scores?

Answer: Many universities provide English language preparation programmes for students without IELTS scores who wish to improve their language skills before beginning their significant programmes. These courses assist you in meeting the English language requirements for admission.

4. What if I’ve completed my education in English? Can I study without IELTS?

Answer: Some institutions may remove the IELTS requirement if you have finished your schooling in English or are from an English-speaking nation. Specific criteria, however, differ, so it's best to check with the universities directly.

5. Is IELTS compulsory in Canada?

Answer: No, IELTS is not required to study or visit Canada on a visiting or tourist visa. However, IELTS will be required if you want to apply for permanent residency.

6. Which universities in Canada allow students to study without the IELTS?

Answer: Numerous long-standing universities in Canada accept students without IELTS. Brock University, Cambrian University, Okanagan College, Concordia University, and Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador are among the universities that do not require IELTS.

7. Can I work in Canada on a student visa?

Answer: Yes, students can work in Canada. You can work on or off campus, but you must obtain a work permit to work outside campus. You can only work 20 hours per week during the semester, but you can work more during breaks.

8. What are the documentation requirements for studying in Canada without the IELTS?Answer: You must submit the following papers when applying for a student visa without IELTS.

• A valid passport and visa.

• To apply, students must provide a letter of admission from their college,

• Proof of financial support

• Documents for a Canadian bank account and an acknowledgement letter for their student loan.

• Bank statements

• Bank draft for convertible money 

• Proof of payment for tuition and lodging fees

• Letter of acknowledgement from scholarship organisation

• Medical certificate or police verification from home country

9. What are the best cities for students in Canada?

Answer: Some of Canada's top cities for international students are Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Toronto, Quebec City, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Saskatoon. As students, it is best to choose cities with solid educational institutions, more part-time jobs, and a cheaper cost of living.

10. Does Canada allow a study gap?

Answer: In Canada, study gaps are acceptable. Students sometimes have a few-year gap for a variety of reasons. For example, you might work between studies to prepare for the IELTS or other admission criteria. Canada recognises such study gaps, but the cause must be justified.