IELTS Score for Canada: Alternatives to IELTS, Band Requirements and More

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you study in Canada where English is the native language.

There will usually be an IELTS score for Canada set by the university. So, every university will demand a different score.

The test rates your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9.

There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General. For getting into colleges, you need to take the IELTS Academic. In this article we will cover all important information about IELTS Academic including:

• IELTS band guide
• Top 20 universities with 5.5 to 6.5 band requirement for Canada
• Universities in Canada Without IELTS
• Alternatives to IELTS score for Canada
• IELTS score for Canada Express Entry PR
• Tips to get the required IELTS score for Canada

Why Study in Canada?

Before we get into details about IELTS requirements for Canada, let’s find out why you should study in Canada.

Canada is home to some globally ranked universities, including the University of Alberta, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia, and McGill University. In 2023, Canada attracted approximately 900,000 international students (cumulative enrollment), though new arrivals from India have declined significantly in 2025 due to the study permit cap. More than 50% of these students were from China and India. Canada also offers ample career opportunities and handsome packages for graduates with an average initial salary of up to CAD 140,289 per annum.

Compared with other popular study-abroad destinations (like the UK and USA), Canada offers affordable higher education and living expenses. Depending on the location and your lifestyle, your monthly expenses in the country can be around CAD 1,000 to CAD 3,776.

The country also offers great PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) opportunities to international students. These opportunities let students work in Canada for up to three years after graduation. Students can also apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.

Canada offers an inclusive and multicultural environment to Indian students. Cities like Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto house large Indian communities. International students can also easily find cuisines from many cultures and countries.

Also Read: IELTS Exam Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Passport Rule and Who Can Apply

IELTS Band Guide for Canada

What IELTS Score Is Required to Study in Canada in 2026?

The IELTS score requirement to study in Canada varies for different universities and programs. Usually, the overall IELTS band required ranges from 6.0 to 7.0 at most universities.

Have a look at some of the top institutions in Canada and their IELTS score requirements for Indian students in 2026:

*Please note that the requirements may vary for specific programs. We advise you to check the program page on the relevant university’s website.

Universities with 5.5 to 6.5 Band Requirement for Canada

Here are the band requirements for Canada by different universities in the 6.5 to 5.5 range. These scores are fairly easy to get even if you only have a partial hold on English.

IELTS has four sections and you are expected to get the same IELTS minimum score in each section. The four sections are:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

10 Universities That Need 5.5 IELTS Score for Canada

• Charles Sturt University
• University of Alberta
• Brock University
• St. Clair College for Applied Arts and Technology
• Niagara College Canada, Welland Campus
• Canadore College
• Camosun College
• Lethbridge College
• Algonquin College
• Royal Roads University

10 Universities That Need 6.0 to 6.5 IELTS Score for Canada

• Brandon University
• Cape Breton University
• Capilano University
• Dalhousie University
• Grant MacEwan University
• McGill University
• McMaster University
• Memorial University
• Mount Allison University
• Mount Royal University

The above-mentioned universities may have different scores depending on the level of study (undergraduate, graduate) and the program. This information only serves as a general guide. Visit the official university website to find out more detailed information.

Universities in Canada Without IELTS

You can attend some universities in Canada without IELTS. However, you will have to fulfill a few alternative requirements. There are no universities that ask for no English proficiency whatsoever.

Here are the common alternatives to IELTS scores for Canada.

Language Proficiency Certificate

If you are from a specific country and you have completed your undergraduate studies in English as the language of instruction, you are eligible to study in Canada without IELTS.

India is not in this list. The countries in this list include Zimbabwe, Zambia, US Virgin Islands, Uganda, United States, United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Jamaica, Guyana, Ghana, Cayman Islands, Botswana, Bermuda, Belize, Barbados, Bahamas, Australia, and Antigua and Barbuda, among others.

However, as most Indian schools conduct education in English, you can email the university directly and make your case. Explain that you completed a minimum of three years of full-time study where the primary language of instruction and evaluation was English, with strong grades in English. Many universities consider this on a case-by-case basis. Your school or university can provide a certificate confirming English as the medium of instruction.

Non-Indian Residency

If you are from India or another country where English is not the first language, but you have spent more than four years in an English-speaking country, you can apply for an exemption.

An English Language Program

If you meet all of the admission requirements except the English language score, the university might offer an English language program.

Attending this program means that you will have to go to the university before your program starts and you will be admitted on a conditional basis.

Such a transition program can be anywhere from 8 weeks to 12 weeks long. You won’t get any credits for the course.

Also Read: Study in UK Without IELTS: Alternatives and Accepted Universities

Duolingo Test: The Quicker Alternative to IELTS

A lot of students are unable to take the IELTS test because of various reasons like the expensive investment you have to make, and unable to find a centre or dates.

If you are one of them, you can take the Duolingo test instead.

You can take this test from anywhere, anytime. It takes approximately 45-60 minutes to finish and results are available within 48 hours. The cost is $70 (approximately Rs. 6,510), updated from February 2025.

Most universities that accept IELTS scores for Canada also accept the Duolingo test scores.

TOEFL Instead of IELTS

Almost all colleges that accept IELTS, accept TOEFL. You need to score between 80-110 to get into the top universities in Canada.

Note: TOEFL introduced a new shorter format from January 2026 (approximately 2 hours, no long essay). If you are choosing between TOEFL and IELTS for Canada, factor in this format change when planning your preparation.

Why you would want to take TOEFL instead of IELTS:

• For IELTS in the reading and writing section, you have to write your own answer. However, for TOEFL, the steps are already given to you and you just have to arrange them. If you think you can perform better on multiple-choice questions go for TOEFL instead of IELTS.
• TOEFL and IELTS have several passages, each followed by a series of questions. However, the IELTS uses academic texts and passages from newspapers and magazines. The TOEFL only uses academic texts, which means its reading passages are often denser with more challenging vocabulary. If you are not comfortable with reading academic texts, take IELTS to increase your chances of scoring better.
• TOEFL’s speaking section is conducted over the computer. You’ll hear recorded questions and speak into a microphone to give your answer. While taking the IELTS, you’ll actually have to talk to a real human. If you think talking to a real person will give you cold feet, go for TOEFL.

Also Read: IELTS vs TOEFL: Which Is Better for Indian Students?

IELTS Score for Canada Express Entry (Permanent Residency)

This section covers IELTS requirements for Canadian PR — separate from university admissions.

If you plan to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency through Express Entry after your studies, you must take IELTS General Training (not IELTS Academic). IRCC does not accept IELTS Academic for immigration purposes.

The minimum English proficiency for Express Entry is CLB 7, which equals IELTS 6.0 in each of the four sections. However, scoring the minimum is rarely enough to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Most competitive Indian applicants target CLB 9 (approximately IELTS 7.0-8.0 per section) to maximize CRS points.

Key point: If you are planning to study in Canada and then apply for PR, you will likely need to take IELTS twice: IELTS Academic for university admissions, and IELTS General Training for Express Entry. Budget for both.

Source: IRCC Express Entry English requirements

IELTS Score for Canada Student Visa

None of this information is useful if you need a specific IELTS score to qualify for a student visa for Canada. But the good news is that you don’t.

The only thing that connects your IELTS score with your study permit is your proof of acceptance. You can only get proof of acceptance if you qualify the English language requirements.

How to Locate More Universities with Low IELTS Scores for Canada?

A simple Google search will go a long way. Check the requirements pages for the colleges. You can also reach out to the university and ask if there are any alternatives available.

To get additional help, visit SelectRight. SelectRight will connect you with mentors. These mentors are either current students or recent graduates of your matched programs/universities. They will help you on your journey on finding universities with low IELTS in Canada and alternatives to IELTS.

You also get access to a carefully curated directory of unbiased industry experts who can help you with various aspects of your application, including a review of your application, statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation (LoR) or anything else you need.

How to Get a Good IELTS Score for Canada?

If you are looking to get a good enough IELTS score for Canada, here are some tips that will help you score between 5.5 to 6.5 band.

• In the listening section, you need to get 26 out of 40 answers correct for IELTS 6.5. So, make sure to spell your answers correctly and follow the word limits strictly.
• In the reading section, you have to get 27 out of 40 answers correct for IELTS 6.5. If you don’t know any words, infer from context.
• To get 6.5 in the writing band, answer both questions adequately and organize your answers well. Attempt to use some higher-level vocabulary and try to make yourself understood if you have made grammatical errors.
• To get 6.5 in the speaking section, make sure that you use a range of linking words to connect ideas. If you can’t speak fluently, use both simple and complex sentences.

To find more details on scoring visit the official IELTS site.

Also Read: IELTS Preparation Books and Study Material 2026

IELTS: Complete Resource Guide (GradRight)