Latest Minimum IELTS Score for Canada Study Abroad and Immigration

So, you've decided tostudy in Canada, a stable and affordable destination for international students. With lower tuition and living expenses compared to the US, it’s a great choice. However, to get into Canadian universities, you need to meet the IELTS requirements. In this blog, we will explore the minimum IELTS band scores needed for Canadian universities, student visas, and immigration.

Is IELTS Compulsory for Studying in Canada?

IELTS is often a compulsory requirement for Canadian universities, but some may accept other English proficiency tests or your previous education in English-speaking institutions. Be sure to check the specific requirements of the university you're applying to.

Let’s take a look at the Canada student visa IELTS band requirements.

IELTS Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees in Canada

For undergraduate programs, you typically need an overall IELTS band score of 6.0, with no individual section scoring below 5.5. However, some institutions may have higher band requirements for specific programs.

IELTS Requirements for Postgraduate Degrees in Canada

For postgraduate study in Canada, the general IELTS requirement is an overall band score of 6.5, with no section score lower than 6.0. For certain competitive programs, such as engineering or education, a higher band score of 7.0 may be required.

Minimum IELTS score for Canada (or) Minimum band requirement for Canada

Having said that, don’t worry if you’ve scored below 6. The good news is that there are Canadian universities that accept band 5.5. The minimum IELTS band required for Canada is 5.5 (overall) with no individual band less than 5.5.

IELTS Requirements for Top Canadian Universities

Here is a detailed list of some of the top universities in Canada and their IELTS score requirements:

Western University

• Overall Score: 7.0
• Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking: 6.5 each

Located in London, Ontario, Western University has an international student enrollment of nearly 4,000 and is ranked 75th globally.

University of Waterloo

• Overall Score: 7.0
• Writing, Speaking: 6.5

This university, founded in 1956, offers over 100 undergraduate degrees and is ranked 173rd globally.

University of Toronto

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking: 6.0 each

A prestigious institution in Toronto, U of T is ranked 29th worldwide and has over 93,000 students, with a significant international student population.

University of British Columbia

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking: 6.0 each

UBC is ranked 51st globally and is known for its strong academic programs and over 17,000 international students.

McGill University

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking: 6.0 each

McGill University, located in Montreal, Quebec, ranks 35th globally and has over 41,000 students, with a large international student base.

McMaster University

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking: 5.0 each

This university, located in Ontario, offers diverse programs and ranks 144th globally. It has around 5,000 international students.

University of Calgary

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking: 6.0 each

The University of Calgary is ranked 246th globally and has a student population of over 31,000.

University of Alberta

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Listening, Reading, Writing: 5.0 each
• Speaking: 7.5

Ranked 113th globally, the University of Alberta has over 33,000 students, including 9,000 international students.

Queen’s University

• Overall Score: 6.5
• Listening: 6.5
• Reading, Writing, Speaking: 6.0 each

This university, founded in 1841, has over 25,000 students and is ranked 239th in the world.

University of Montreal

• Overall Score: 6.0
• Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking: 6.0 each

Located in Montreal, the University of Montreal ranks 137th globally and has over 67,000 students.

Conclusion

Achieving the required IELTS band score is crucial for securing admission to top Canadian universities or obtaining a student visa. Whether you’re aiming for a postgraduate program or planning to immigrate, ensure you meet the specific IELTS score requirements for your chosen university or program.

To help you succeed, we've created resources such as the Grammar Workbook and Vocabulary for IELTS, which can assist in boosting your language skills and improving your IELTS score.

Also check :

• Universities in Canada accepting IELTS Score 6
• Universities in Australia accepting IELTS Score 6
• Universities in UK accepting IELTS Score 6
• Universities in Canada accepting IELTS Score for MBA
• Universities in Australia accepting IELTS Score for MBA
• Universities in UK accepting IELTS Score for MBA