Indian and International students who wish to study in Canada need to provide proof of their language proficiency. One of the best academic proofs of a candidate's English proficiency is the IELTS test.IELTS score requirements not only vary across different Canadian universities but also varies across different courses (foundation, undergraduate, or postgraduate). In this blog, we will cover all the necessary information regarding IELTS scores for Canada. We will also transparently discuss how much band is required for Canada higher education by an IELTS aspirant.
Students, whether Indian or international, lean towards IELTS (which stands for International English Language Testing System) over other language tests. This is because IELTS has gained global recognition from 11,000 institutions and is accepted in approximately 140 countries worldwide.
Taking an English proficiency test for admission to any Canadian university is compulsory. IELTS, as a proficiency test, evaluates a student's speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities on a scale of 1 to 9. The IRCC, which stands for Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has recently introduced a change for IELTS in the SDS Canada programme.
This programme is specifically for Indian students applying to study in Canada. Under this program, Indian students will only need to score 6 bands in their IELTS exam. The requirement of scoring 6.0 in each module is no longer valid for students submitting their IELTS score for Canada.
This program also gives Indian students an expectation of faster visa processing through the Study Direct Stream (SDS) program, also launched by the IRCC.
However, the question of how many bands are required for Canada higher education still causes confusion amongst students.Below, we have mentioned the minimum IELTS score for Canada universities. Please note that the band required for Canada study programs can vary from college to college:
Many universities across Canada expect an IELTS score of at least 6.5 for admission to their programs, although requirements can differ from program to program in the same university. Below, we have created a list of some of the Canadian universities that accept IELTS scores of 6.5:
Students are advised to check specific requirements for the program and the university that they wish to join in Canada.
Here's a list of Canadian universities that accept an overall IELTS score of 6.0. Please note that many universities require a specific score in each section of the IELTS exam (reading, writing, listening, speaking):
The IELTS minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5 is prevalent. However, there are some universities in Canada that accept an IELTS score of 5.5 for certain courses.
In particular, this is done so that students can enroll in foundation programs that will help them develop their English proficiency before they start their degree. Here is a list:
There's a high probability that these colleges and universities will provide basic or routine courses to their students, giving them enough time to develop their English language proficiency.
Our guide below provides some helpful tips for students who are planning to pursue their higher education in Canada and who will be taking the IELTS exam. Educators and higher education consultants from around the world recommend the following:
The first step in starting to prepare for the IELTS exam is to study the different components, which are speaking, writing, hearing, and reading. It is advised that students allot a certain amount of time to each subject and work through sample exam questions.
Students who follow this strategy will not only comprehend the format of the exam better, but they will also be able to effectively manage their time throughout the examination.
By regularly reading novels, articles, and newspapers in English, students will progressively develop an understanding of the language. Writing essays on a range of topics, spelling drills, seeing English-language films, and listening to English-language podcasts and music may all help them get better at the language.
By taking practice examinations, students may gain insight into the kind of questions they will be asked on the IELTS exam and be ready for a genuine test environment. Students are further urged to assess their performance and pinpoint any areas where they consistently make mistakes after completing a practice exam.
Seeking advice from experienced instructors and tutors can provide students with enlightening suggestions. Instructors may help students comprehend the context and causes of their errors as well. They might provide detailed comments on the unique speaking and writing skills of every student, further customizing the assessment.
Students who enroll in an IELTS preparation course can also benefit from exact identification of their areas of strength and weakness and good time management during their preparation.
Throughout the exam, students need to maintain calmness and concentrate. Students can achieve higher bands by reading the questions carefully and doing a thorough analysis of them before responding.
Below are the steps to apply for a Canada student visa after getting IELTS results:
1. Choose and Apply for the College or the University
Upon admission to an officially recognized Canadian university, international students will be required to obtain a provincial attestation letter before applying for a study permit under the rules implemented in 2024. Students aiming to study in Canada must now meet this new requirement as an additional step.
In addition to this, to obtain a Canada student visa (which is also known as a study permit), students must demonstrate the required proficiency in English.
As mentioned above, the minimum band score requirements in IELTS may vary depending on the level of study, program, or institution that the student has chosen for themselves.
2. Collect the Documents Necessary for a Visa
The Canadian study permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows international students to legally study in Canada. To be eligible for this study permit, students must obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) or more simply put, a Canadian university/institution recognized by the Canadian government.
The existence of this letter demonstrates that the student is financially stable enough to pay for their tuition and living expenses In Canada. This document also confirms that they have no criminal record and are in good health. Additional documents required include:
3. Undergo Medical Examination
Furthermore, students may be required to provide their biometric information and undergo a medical examination/submit a medical certificate confirming that they are physically fit enough to pursue their education and stay in Canada. The specific requirements may vary depending on the country of origin of the student and the duration of the course they wish to study.
4. Wait for the Visa Result
Students can directly submit their IELTS scores and get a step ahead in their selection process by contacting the authorities of their origin country. IELTS authorities allow students to submit their scores directly to Canadian universities of their choice (5 at max) for a chance to be selected during the IELTS registration process.
Achieving the necessary IELTS score for Canada is crucial for Indian and international students aspiring to study there. Canadian universities and the IRCC have specific language proficiency requirements to ensure students can thrive in an English-speaking academic environment.
Proper preparation, understanding the test format, and seeking guidance can significantly improve test performance.
If you wish to get more information, get in touch with AECC, a globally recognised international overseas education consultancy, and get answers to your education/career queries. Our experienced advisers will thoroughly guide you in your journey.
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