Study in Canada Without IELTS for International Students

Article Summary

• Studying in Canada without IELTS is possible in 2026 through alternative pathways, as many universities accept Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or grant waivers for students with 3–4 years of English-medium education via an MOI certificate.
• Top universities in Canada without IELTS include University of Winnipeg, Brock University, Memorial University, Concordia University, and University of Regina, offering flexible admission routes, eligibility for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and no disadvantage in visas or scholarships.
• Cheapest universities in Canada without IELTS combine affordability and flexibility, with institutions like Brandon University, Memorial University, Cape Breton University, and University of Winnipeg offering estimated annual tuition between USD 10,000 and USD 19,500, while still accepting IELTS alternatives such as DET, PTE, or MOI waivers.

If you dream of studying in Canada but feel anxious about taking the IELTS exam, here’s some great news: you can study in Canada without IELTS. In 2026, many Canadian universities, such as the University of Winnipeg, Brock University, Memorial University, and Concordia University, have increasingly embraced flexibility, offering alternative English proficiency tests like Duolingo (DET) and PTE, as well as waivers for students with a strong background in English-medium instruction.

In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide to studying in Canada without IELTS, a detailed list of accepted alternative proficiency tests, and the specific benefits of choosing the cheapest universities in Canada without IELTS, with flexible pathways to secure your future in Canada.

Why Study in Canada Without IELTS?

Choosing to study in Canada without IELTS is a strategic move that saves time, reduces financial pressure, and opens doors to world-class education. For many international students, the IELTS is a hurdle that doesn’t necessarily reflect their true academic potential or current English fluency.

Here are the important reasons why studying in Canada without an IELTS pathway is a game-changer:

• Cost Savings: Alternative tests like the Duolingo English Test (DET) cost approximately USD 65 USD, saving you USD 200 compared to the USD 300+ fees for IELTS.
• Quicker Results: You can get your test results in just 48 hours, so you can apply to universities much faster compared to traditional exams.
• English-Medium Study Waiver: If you studied in an English-medium school or college for 3–4 years, many universities, such as Brock University and the University of Winnipeg, may completely waive the English test if you submit an MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate.
• Part-Time Work Allowed: No matter which English test you choose, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while studying.
• Guaranteed PGWP Access: Studying through an IELTS-alternative pathway does not affect your eligibility for a 3-year Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
• Streamlined Visa for Master’s/PhD: Graduate students do not need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), making the non-IELTS route even smoother and faster for higher studies.

List of Universities in Canada Without IELTS

In 2026, Canada continues to be a top destination for international students due to its welcoming policies and world-class institutions. Many of these universities recognize that the IELTS is just one way to measure ability and offer several alternatives to help you secure admission.

Below is a detailed list of top universities in Canada without IELTS, along with their popular courses, accepted alternatives, and estimated tuition fees.

University Name	Popular Courses	English Proficiency Alternatives
University of Winnipeg	Applied Computer Science, BBA, Bioscience, Management	DET (120+) PTE (58+) TOEFL iBT (86+) ELP Pathway
Brock University	Co-op Accounting, Public Health, Game Design, Biotechnology	DET (110+) PTE (58+) TOEFL (88+) IELP Level 5
Memorial University	Computer Science, Engineering, Pharmacy, MBA	DET (115+) PTE (58+) TOEFL (79+) MOI Certificate
Concordia University	Aerospace Engineering, Economics, Fine Arts, Chemistry	DET (115+) PTE (57+) TOEFL (90+) 4-yr English Education
University of Saskatchewan	Agriculture, Nursing, Toxicology, Engineering	DET (115+) PTE (63+) TOEFL (86+) U-PREP Program
University of Regina	Psychology, Public Policy, Social Work, CS	DET (110+) PTE (59+) TOEFL (80+) ESL Advanced
Seneca College	IT, Business, Healthcare Management	DET (105-115) PTE (60+) TOEFL

Also Read: Check Out Best MOI Accepted Universities in Canada

Cheapest Universities in Canada Without IELTS

Finding the right balance between affordability and accessibility is important for international students in 2026. Several Canadian institutions offer both low tuition fees and the flexibility to apply using IELTS alternatives like Duolingo (DET), PTE, or Medium of Instruction (MOI) waivers.

Below is a list of the cheapest universities in Canada without IELTS for the 2026 academic year.

University Name	Popular Programs	Best IELTS Alternatives	Estimated Annual Tuition (CAD)
Brandon University	BBA, Computer Science, Nursing, Music	DET (115+) PTE (58+) MOI Waiver	USD 10,000 – USD 16,000
Memorial University	Engineering, MBA, Pharmacy, CS	DET (115+) PTE (58+) 3-yr English Schooling	USD 12,000 – USD 22,500
University of Prince Edward Island	Business, Veterinary Medicine, Arts	DET (110+) PTE (58+) TOEFL (80+)	USD 15,000 – USD 18,000
University of Winnipeg	Applied CS, Bioscience, Management	DET (120+) PTE (58+) ELP Pathway	USD 16,000 – USD 19,500
Cape Breton University	Public Health, Hospitality, Engineering	DET (120+) PTE (59+) MOI Letter	USD 17,000 – USD 19,000
University of Regina	Social Work, Psychology, IT	DET (110+) PTE (59+) ESL Program	USD 21,000 – USD 28,000

Alternative Language Proficiency Test to Study in Canada Without IELTS

If you’re looking to study in Canada without IELTS, you have several excellent, faster, and often cheaper alternatives. Most Canadian universities now accept a variety of standardized tests that can be taken online or at centers worldwide.

Below are the most popular alternative language proficiency tests, along with their average score requirements for top Canadian institutions.

Test Name	Test Fee	Best For	Minimum Score
Duolingo English Test (DET)	USD 65	Budget-conscious students, take it from home.	115 – 125
PTE Academic	USD 200	Fast-track SDS Visa applications; AI-scored.	60+
TOEFL iBT	USD 250	Students targeting high-ranking schools, SDS eligible.	83 – 90
CAEL	CAD 280	Learning real-world Canadian academic scenarios.	60 – 70
Cambridge (C1/C2)	USD 250	Students with high-level academic backgrounds.	176 – 185
CELPIP	CAD 280	Those familiar with Canadian accents and contexts.	Level 7+

Also Read: Study at University of Saskatchewan Without IELTS

Admission Process to Study in Canada Without IELTS

To study in Canada without IELTS, you must follow a structured process that shifts the focus from a single test to your broader academic background. Since the SDS (Student Direct Stream) was discontinued, all international students now apply under the Regular (Non-SDS) Stream, which offers more flexibility for English proof.

• Step 1: Research & Shortlist – Find Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) like the University of Winnipeg or Memorial University that explicitly offer IELTS waivers.
• Step 2: Choose Your Pathway – Decide if you will provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, take an alternative test (Duolingo/PTE), or join a Language Pathway Program.
• Step 3: Submit Application – Apply through the university portal with your transcripts, a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), and your chosen English proficiency proof.
• Step 4: Secure Your LOA – Once accepted, you will receive an official Letter of Acceptance (LOA), which is mandatory for your visa.
• Step 5: Get Your PAL – Pay your tuition deposit to receive a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), required for most 2026 undergraduate study permits.
• Step 6: Financial Preparation – Open a GIC for CAD 20,635 (recommended) or gather 6 months of bank statements to prove you can cover living costs.
• Step 7: Apply for Study Permit – Submit your application on the IRCC portal, uploading your MOI letter or alternative test score in the “Proof of Language” section.
• Step 8: Biometrics & Medicals – Complete your fingerprints at a VFS center and an upfront medical exam with an approved panel physician.
• Step 9: Visa Decision – Wait for your POE (Port of Entry) Introduction Letter and passport request (processing usually takes 8–12 weeks).

Also Read: Study Abroad Without IELTS/TOEFL

Scholarships to Study in Canada Without IELTS

Many Canadian universities and the federal government offer prestigious scholarships to study in Canada without an IELTS score. If you meet the university’s English requirements via alternative tests (like Duolingo or PTE) or through a “Medium of Instruction” (MOI) waiver, you remain fully eligible for these financial awards.

Scholarship Name	University / Provider	Value (CAD)	Eligibility / Alternative Accepted
President’s Scholarship for World Leaders	University of Winnipeg	USD 5,000	DET (120+) PTE MOI Waiver
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship	University of Toronto	Fully Funded	DET ELP waivers.
International Entrance Scholarship	Memorial University	Up to USD 6,000	Auto-considered with DET (115+) or MOI.
McCall MacBain Scholarship	McGill University	Full Tuition + Stipend	Accepts TOEFL/PTE and degree-based waivers.
University of Alberta Graduate Excellence	University of Alberta	Up to USD 15,000	Open to those using alternative English proof.
International Major Entrance Award	UBC	USD 10,000 – USD 25,000	Accepted via Vantage One or alternative tests.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships	Government of Canada	USD 70,000 / year	Based on research merit and institutional MOI.

How to Study in Canada Without IELTS?

To study in Canada without IELTS, you must follow a clear path that focuses on alternative English proofs and meeting university-specific criteria.

• Identify Exemptions: Check if you are from an English-speaking country or have completed 3–4 years of full-time study at an English-medium school (Secondary or Post-Secondary).
• Choose an Alternative Test: Instead of IELTS, you can take easier and widely accepted tests like Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT for 2026 admissions.
• Get an MOI Certificate: Request a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous school’s registrar to prove your education was in English.
• Apply for Conditional Admission: Look for universities that offer English Language Pathway Programs (like Brock’s IELP or Winnipeg’s ELP); you study English on campus before your main course starts.
• Get Your LOA: Apply to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and receive your official Letter of Acceptance (LOA) based on your alternative English proof.
• Apply for a Study Permit: Since the SDS stream is closed, apply through the Regular Academic Stream and upload your alternative test scores or MOI letter under Proof of Language section.
• Show Financial Proof: Provide a GIC or bank statements for at least $20,635 CAD plus tuition to meet the updated 2026 cost-of-living requirements.
• Complete Biometrics & Medicals: Book your appointment at a VFS center and get an upfront medical exam from a panel physician.

Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada for International Students

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We hope that this blog was able to provide you with all the information regarding studying in Canada without IELTS. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.