Study in Canada without IELTS : List With Details

Do you aspire to pursue your higher education in one of the best study destinations like USA, UK, Canada and Australia? Next, you will need to provide English proficiency test results from IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc. for admission and visa procedures. Among these language proficiency exams, IELTS is globally recognized and widely accepted by major English speaking countries especially USA, Canada, UK, and Australia among others. Especially for those considering studying in Canada, a wide range of academic institutions require IELTS scores for admission into their prospective programs. But there are several universities and colleges in Canada that offer admission with alternatives for IELTS and other English proficiency tests. This blog brings you a detailed guide on how to study in Canada without IELTS from major universities!

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally standardized language assessment exam used by universities to assess the language skills of prospective international students. This test is divided into four main skills sections:

• Reading Task in IELTS

• Writing Task in IELTS

• Listening Task in IELTS and

• Speaking Task in IELTS

After completing the three-hour test, students will get an overall score for all of their fundamental English skills. Exams like this are used to assess your language skills in English-speaking countries like Canada. However, this is not always the case. It is also possible to study in country like Canada without taking the IELTS test. To learn more, keep reading.

Universities in Canada offer three main entry points or admissions for applicants to study. Autumn, winter and summer are the three seasons. The most renowned intake in the nation is fall, followed by winter and summer. Due to restricted classes and people applying to colleges, summer admission is the least popular.

Intakes in Canada - Applications Begin and Starting Month

Canada Intakes in fall

• Applications Begin - June    

• Starting Month - September

Canada Intakes in winter

• Applications Begin - November    

• Starting Month - January

Canada Intakes in summer

• Applications Begin - February    

• Starting Month - April- May

Is it Possible to Study in Canada without IELTS?

Canadian universities adopt a variety of factors to assess the English proficiency of applicants for admission. It is possible to study in Canada without IELTS provided you meet the alternative language proficiency requirements specified by the University of your Choice. Many universities in Canada also require applicants to provide a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from one of their previous academic institutions. In addition, several international students of certain nationalities are also allowed to be exempted from providing English proficiency scores. Additionally, Canadian academic institutions also readily accept English proficiency tests other than IELTS that you can submit during the admissions process.

There are different options available for those who cannot provide IELTS scores when applying for admission to Canadian universities. Here are the best university-prescribed alternatives for those planning to study in Canada without IELTS:

• You can provide scores from other English proficiency tests like TOEFL, Duolingo English Test and PTE.

• You can submit proof that you have studied in an English-speaking school for at least 4 years in lieu of English proficiency scores.

• Applicants from an English-speaking country are also exempt from providing IELTS scores in Canada.

• You can also opt for the English course offered by the university for those who are unable to provide English proficiency marks.

Alternative English Proficiency Tests Except for IELTS

As mentioned above, applicants can provide English proficiency scores other than IELTS to apply for a study program in Canada. These alternative English proficiency tests to study in Canada without IELTS are:

• CAEL Assessment (Canadian English Language Assessment) - TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)

• Duolingo English test

• PTE (Pearson English Language Test) - CanTest (Canadian Test of English for Academics and Trainees)

Colleges in Canada without IELTS

Now that you are familiar with the main requirements and alternatives for IELTS and English proficiency scores, you should explore popular Canadian universities that accept applications without IELTS scores. Here is a list of top universities and colleges you can choose from to study in Canada without IELTS:

1. University of Winnipeg

2. Brock University

3. University of Saskatchewan

4. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

5. Cambrian University

6. Okanagan College

7. Concordia University

8. Seneca College

9. Carleton University

10. Algoma University

11. Brandon University

12. University of Guelph

13. McGill University

Requirements to Study in Canada

If you are going to study in Canada from India, keep the following things in mind:

• Transcripts or Marksheet of your previous degree or diploma

• GMAT or GRE Scores for MBA and Masters Programs in Canada

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

• Acceptable English Proficiency Tests:

  1. IELTS

  2. C1 Advanced

  3. TOEFL

If you are applying for a program taught in French, you must submit French proficiency tests such as the TCF, TEF, DELF and DALF.

• Proof that you have sufficient funds to study in Canada.

• An updated CV (if required)

• You may be required to provide two academic reference letters as well as previous employment letters if you are applying for a masters or doctoral program in Canada. You will also need an ECA if you have never studied in Canada before (educational credential assessment).

Student Visa in Canada without IELTS 2022

Students who wish to study in Canada without IELTS can apply to Canadian universities. Those applying to Canadian universities without IELTS can obtain a student visa by submitting dozens of tests like the Duolingo English test or other alternative English tests like TOEFL iBT and CAEL. For the Canadian immigration process, applicants are required to submit scores from IELTS General or CELPIP.

If you are going to study in Canada from India, keep the following things in mind:

• Transcripts or Marksheet of your previous degree or diploma

• GMAT or GRE Scores for MBA and Masters Programs in Canada

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) & Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

• Acceptable English Proficiency Tests:

  1. IELTS

  2. C1 Advanced

  3. TOEFL

If you are applying for a program taught in French, you must submit French proficiency tests such as the TCF, TEF, DELF and DALF.

• Proof that you have sufficient funds to study in Canada.

• An updated CV (if required)

• You may be required to provide two academic reference letters as well as previous employment letters if you are applying for a masters or doctoral program in Canada. You will also need an ECA if you have never studied in Canada before (educational credential assessment).

Student Visa in Canada without IELTS 2022

Students who wish to study in Canada without IELTS can apply to Canadian universities. Those applying to Canadian universities without IELTS can obtain a student visa by submitting dozens of tests like the Duolingo English test or other alternative English tests like TOEFL iBT and CAEL. For the Canadian immigration process, applicants are required to submit scores from IELTS General or CELPIP.

Work in Canada without IELTS

For students who want to work in Canada without taking their IELTS, the only way is to study at a university that waives the IELTS exam requirement. After completing your studies, you have 180 days to apply for a work permit visa in Canada after completing the course. Also, the experience you gain while working can help you qualify for permanent residency.

Cost of Studying in Canada

The total cost of studying in Canada is mainly determined by several aspects such as the course chosen, the place of study and accommodation, among others.

• Vocational or Diploma Courses: 2,000 Canadian Dollar– 19,000 Canadian Dollar per year [1,09,000 INR- Rs 10,29,000 INR]

• Bachelors Courses: 1,800 Canadian Dollar – 20,000 Canadian Dollar per year [97,000 INR – Rs 10,82,000]

• Masters Courses: 2,000 Canadian Dollar – 18,000 Canadian Dollar per year [1,09,000 INR – 9,80,000 INR]

• MBA: 30,000 Canadian Dollar to 40,000 Canadian Dollar per year [17,05,000 INR – 22,73,000 INR]

• PhD: 2,000 Canadian Dollar – 17,000 Canadian Dollar [1,09,000 INR – 9,20,000 INR]

Cost of Living in Canada

• On-Campus: Varies from one college to another

• Off-Campus: 400 Canadian Dollar – 3,000 Canadian Dollar per month [21,000 INR – 1,62,000 INR]

• Travel Costs: 80 Canadian Dollar – 110  Canadian Dollar per month[4,000 INR- 5,000 INR]

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List of Scholarships

• The University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship for World Leaders (for International Students)

• University of Regina International Entrance Scholarship

• Guaranteed Entrance Scholarship

• Memorial University of Newfoundland International Entrance Scholarships

• Concordia University Entrance Scholarships

• Ontario Trillium Scholarship

• Erasmus Scholarship

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How can I immigrate to Canada without IELTS?

It mainly depends on the reason for migrating to Canada whether you can be exempted from IELTS or not. If you leave with a work permit, it will depend on company rules if you are allowed to immigrate to Canada without IELTS. In addition, you can apply for a visitor visa for Canada which does not necessarily require IELTS and with this visa; you can also look for work in the country. If you plan to study in Canada without IELTS, you can take alternative language tests such as TOEFL, PTE, CanTest, etc., or take the English program of the University of your Choice for international students.

Is IELTS compulsory for Canada?

No, you do not necessarily need IELTS to study in Canada or visit the country as a tourist on a visitor or tourist visa. But if you want to apply for permanent residency, IELTS will be required.
I hope you are clear with all the essential information related to studying in Canada without IELTS. Are you worried about how to apply for admission to these universities? Contact our Meridean Overseas and we will guide you through the admissions process for your chosen course and university ensuring you are successfully pre-screened. Register for an online meeting today!