What is the IELTS score required to study in Canada?

Did you know that Toronto is regarded as one of the most diverse cities in the world? Almost half of its population are from outside Canada. Just like people harbouring the American dream, a lot of people dream of going to Canada. While many intend to get PR and migrate to this peaceful country, several others are looking to get quality education from Canadian institutions. 

If you are planning to go to Canada for studies, then you must possess a Canadian Study Permit. The study permit along with your travel visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation is required to enter Canada as an international student to pursue your studies that could take more than 6 months.

Requirements to get a Canadian Study Permit

There are several requirements to meet, to get a Canadian Study Permit. Broadly speaking, some of the crucial requirements are:

- Get yourself enrolled in a DLI or Designated Learning Institution in Canada

- Have enough funds to live in Canada and complete your studies

- Have a valid passport, of course!

We have dedicated this article to talk about the IELTS requirement for the study permit and also the requirement put forward by the different institutions in Canada, for different courses.

Check out our article on How to get a Canadian Study Permit for more detailed information regarding the requirements, documents to be submitted and the application process.

IELTS Requirement for Canadian Study Permit

The IELTS requirement is based on the requirement set by the institution you chose and the course. However, in general, you should score a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 for your undergraduate programme.

For postgraduate programmes, you need to score an overall of minimum of 6.5 with no individual band less than 6.0.

You can also apply through the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which is an expedited study permit processing program. 

After 10 August 2023, you can apply for a Canadian Study Permit through SDS with an overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. However, if you are applying before 10 August 2023, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 in each skill. 

Now let us see what the IELTS band requirement is, at different institutions and courses in Canada.

IELTS requirement at Canadian universities

Here are some of the popular institutions in Canada and their respective IELTS band requirement.

Please note that the IELTS band requirements mentioned below might vary for different courses and the level of study. Always check with the institution before you attempt the test.

1. The University of Alberta requires that students score an overall score of a minimum of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
2. The University of Ottawa requires its candidates to score an overall score of a minimum of 6.5 with 6.5 in writing.
3. At Centennial College, you will require an overall of a minimum of 6.5 for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
4. At Fanshawe College, if you had applied through the Study Direct Stream, you should score a minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. It is a bit lenient for certificate and diploma courses. The minimum score required is an overall of 6.0 with no individual band less than 5.5. For undergraduate programmes and postgraduate certificate programmes, an overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 is required.
5. At Conestoga College too, the requirement varies based on your level of study. Overall of a minimum of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 for diploma and certificate courses, overall of 6.5. with no band less than 6.0 for degree programmes and an overall of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 for the graduate certificate programmes.
6. Lambton College offers postgraduate programmes, for which the minimum IELTS band requirement is 6.5.
7. The University of Winnipeg requires you to score an overall of a minimum of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 for the writing and reading sections.
8. At Langara College, the minimum IELTS score required for postgraduate and undergraduate programmes are the same – A minimum overall score of 6.5.
9. Saskatchewan Polytechnic University also follows a similar IELTS requirement – a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
10. At Lakehead University, undergraduate programmes and postgraduate programmes require applicants to score a minimum of 6.5 with no individual band less than 6.0.

We hope this gives you a fairly good idea of the IELTS band that you should score, to be eligible for a particular course at a Canadian institution. If you have any questions in the meantime about studying abroad, you can reach out to our counsellors. Just fill in your responses to basic questions on the form on this page and our experts will get in touch with you.

Best wishes for an incredible study-abroad journey!

Note: Hotcourses India is part of IDP Connect, which is an IELTS partner.