Study in Canada Without IELTS 2025: Requirements & Top Universities

Did you know you can study in Canada without IELTS? Canada is a top choice for students worldwide, and many universities now offer options to study without taking the IELTS exam. Instead, they accept alternatives like TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, or proof of previous education in English. This makes Canada even more accessible for international students seeking quality education and global opportunities. So, if language tests feel overwhelming, you are at the right place. Here is all about how to study in Canada without IELTS for international students.

Can I Study in Canada Without IELTS?

Yes, you can study in Canada without IELTS! This is because many Canadian universities offer alternative ways to prove your English proficiency, such as through other tests like TOEFL, or by providing proof of previous education in English. Additionally, some universities may also allow you to take an English language course before starting your main program.

Alternative English Proficiency Tests for IELTS to Study in Canada

As mentioned, aspirants can provide English proficiency scores other than IELTS to apply for a study program in Canada. The following are alternative English proficiency tests to study in Canada:

• TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)
• CanTest (Canadian Test of English for scholars and Trainees)
• PTE (Pearson English Language Test)
• CAEL Assessment (Canadian assessment English language)
• Duolingo English Test

Universities to Study in Canada Without IELTS

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

• University of Winnipeg
• Brock University
• University of Saskatchewan
• Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Cambrian University
• Okanagan College 
• Concordia University
• Seneca College
• Carleton University
• Algoma University
• Brandon University
• University of Guelph
• McGill University

University of Winnipeg

Amongst the popular universities in Canada, the University of Winnipeg offers admissions to those candidates who are unable to provide IELTS scores. The university has its own English Language Program (ELP) which you need to qualify with the prescribed score. This program is available in both full-time and part-time courses for students to apply for before their admission or commencement of the term. 

Brock University

Brock University offers many alternatives for IELTS. The university offers the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for those who can’t provide English language proficiency scores. Furthermore, if you have completed an International Baccalaureate Diploma or Degree course with English as the language of instruction then you are also exempted from English proficiency score requirements (though this differs as per the program). Other than IELTS, the university accepts TOEFL, PTE, CAEL Assessment (Canadian assessment of English language), MELAB, and YELT scores.

University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan has provided varied alternatives for IELTS including, but not limited to TOEFL, CanTest, Duolingo English Test (DET), and CAEL Assessment, amongst others. Moreover, those who can’t prove their English proficiency can take up the U-PREP program at the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre (USLC) before beginning their chosen course.

University of Regina

To pursue higher studies in Canada without IELTS, the University of Regina accepts several alternatives like TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, and CAEL scores for admissions to UG and PG programs. For a TOEFL Paper score of 525 or a TOEFL iBT score of 70, a Duolingo score of 95 – 105, and a CAEL score of 50.

Apart from these, here are the alternatives for some other universities you can consider studying in Canada without IELTS.

University	Alternatives for IELTS Scores
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador	Duolingo English Test (DET); TOEFL; Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment; Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL); PTE Academic; Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST); Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) Or  Intensive English Programme (IEP) offered by the university.
Cambrian University	TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test (DET), etc. Or The language proficiency of students is evaluated upon arrival, and those who do not meet the prerequisites will have to take up English language courses before beginning their chosen program.
Okanagan College	Language requirements are program-specific and the alternative for IELTS is Duolingo scores.
Concordia University	TOEFL, DET, CAEL, CAE, CPE, PTE Or The candidate must provide proof that they have completed at least four years of study with English as the medium of instruction at a secondary or post-secondary institution. Or  International Baccalaureate in English Literature with specified levels. Or  Intensive English Language Program (IELP) offered by the university on conditional admission.
Seneca College	CAEL CE, Cambridge English Exams, Duolingo, PTE Academic, TOEFL  The candidate must complete an intensive English language program from an institute like English Language Institute. Or The candidate must have completed two years of study at an English-language academic institution
Carleton University	CAEL, TOEFL, PTE Or  The candidate must provide proof that they have completed three years (full-time) of study at a high school or university in Canada, the US, the UK, or any other country with English as the primary language as that of the institution. Note: There are many courses for which the admission process includes ESL requirements along with English proficiency scores.

Important: The aforementioned list includes universities in Canada and their prospective alternatives for IELTS scores. However, the actual course requirements might differ depending on the course and university. Students are advised to go through the university’s official website to know about language proficiency requirements in detail.

How to Study in Canada without IELTS?

Still wondering how to study in Canada without IELTS for international students? Well, it is possible. If you’re worried about the IELTS requirement, don’t fret! There are other ways to prove your English proficiency and gain admission to Canadian universities. Here is an overview of the entire process:

1. Research Canadian universities and colleges that offer admission into your desired courses without IELTS.
2. Next, review eligibility and documents to ensure that you meet the criteria. Check for the required TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo test scores.
3. If you’ve studied in an English medium school or university, provide proof to demonstrate your proficiency in the language.
4. Also check for university-specific language programs generally provided to improve students’ English before the course begins.
5. Prepare your application carefully, highlighting your academic strengths, relevant qualifications, and any alternative English tests you’ve taken.
6. Once admitted, apply for a study permit with the necessary documents, including proof of English proficiency.

Study in Canada without IELTS: Alternatives for International Students

If you’re aspiring to study in Canada but don’t have IELTS scores, there are several alternative pathways to consider such as:

1. Prepare for alternative English language tests

As mentioned earlier, many Canadian universities accept other English proficiency tests as an alternative to IELTS. Exams like TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English qualifications can help demonstrate your language skills. Make sure to check which tests are accepted by your chosen institution, as requirements can vary.

2. Consider direct entry programs

Several Canadian universities and colleges offer direct entry options for international students who meet certain academic criteria. This exempts them from providing proof of English proficiency tests like IELTS.

3. Look for conditional admission with language requirements:

If you’re admitted to a university but don’t meet the English proficiency requirement, you might receive a conditional offer. This means you’ll need to complete an English language course before starting your main academic program.

4. Apply to MOI Accepted Universities in Canada

The next way to study in Canada without IELTS is by applying to MOI accepted universities in Canada. In other words, many Canadian universities accept students who have completed their previous education in English, even if they have not taken the IELTS exam. These universities recognize the Medium of Instruction (MOI) from English-speaking schools as proof of language proficiency. Students from these institutions can often bypass IELTS requirements by submitting a letter or official documentation confirming that their education was conducted in English.

Popular Intakes in Canada 

Universities in Canada provide three major entrance points or intakes for applicants to study. Fall, Winter, and Summer are the three seasons. The most popular intake in the country is fall, followed by winter and summer. However, because of the restricted courses and people applying to colleges, the summer intake is the least popular.

Intakes	Applications Begin	Starting Month
Fall	June	September
Winter	November	January
Summer	February	April- May

General Requirements to Study in Canada

Given below are some of the general requirements you must meet to study in Canada:

• 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:
  • IELTS
  • C1 Advanced
  • TOEFL
    If you are applying for a French-taught program, you need to submit French Proficiency Tests Like 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 letters of academic reference along with past letters of employment if you are applying for a Masters’s or PhD program in Canada. You may also need an ECA if you’ve never studied in Canada before (Educational Credential Assessment).

Student Visa in Canada Without IELTS

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

Work in Canada Without IELTS

For students who wish to work in Canada without appearing for their IELTS exam, the only way is to study at a university that waives the requirement for the same. After completing your education, you have 180 days to apply for a Work Permit Visa in Canada after course completion. Furthermore, the experience you will gain while working can help you qualify for permanent residence.

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Hope you are clear with all the quintessential information related to studying in Canada without IELTS. Apprehensive about how to apply for admission into these universities? Reach out to our Leverage Edu and we will guide you throughout the admission process of your chosen course and university making sure that you get successfully shortlisted. Sign up for an e-meeting today! Call us immediately at 1800 57 2000 for a free 30-minute counselling session.