Top 15 Universities In Canada To Study Without IELTS

To study in Canada without IELTS, you must take other examinations and meet certain requirements. More than 20 Canadian universities and colleges already accept candidates who do not have an IELTS score. Non-native English speakers show their English language competency with alternate tests such as:

• CanTest (Canadian Test for scholars and trainers)
• TOEFL (the Test of English as  a Foreign Language)
• CELPIP (Canadian English language Proficiency Index Program)
• PTE (Pearson Test of English)
• CAEL (Canadian Assessment English Language)
• AEPUCE( Academic English Program For University and College Entry)
• Duolingo English Test (Easiest option

As a result, international students with alternative scores can study undergraduate or postgraduate courses in Canada. The top 15 universities in Canada where you can study without IELTS in 2023 are listed here.

What are the top universities to study in Canada without IELTS?

The list of top universities and colleges to study in Canada without IELTS are:

1. University of Winnipeg

Despite the fact that English is the medium of teaching at The University of Winnipeg, it is one of the best public universities in Canada that offers courses without IELTS. If a student’s primary language is not English and they are not from a country where English is spoken, they must demonstrate their language skills. The following English language requirements are available for undergraduate programs:

• Duolingo English Test – Minimum score 120
• TOEFL iBT Test – A minimum score of 86 with no less than 20 in each section.
• Cambridge Assessment English (CAE): C1 Advanced – Minimum score 180
• Cambridge Assessment English (CAE): C2 Proficiency – Minimum score 180
• Cambridge Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum score 60
• CAEL CE – Minimum score 60
• CAEL Online – Minimum score 70
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) – Minimum score 58
• English Language Program (ELP) – Completion of Academic Level 5
• ELP Part-time Evening Program – Minimum C+ in Academic Writing 1 and 2
• Academic English Program from University and College Entrance (AEPUCE) – Successful Completion

Please remember that students can get a waiver of the English Language Requirement to the admissions office.

2. University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) accepts international students without IELTS for master’s and doctoral degrees. However, applicants whose first language is not English must provide confirmation of English ability. If a student is unable to prove English proficiency, they can enroll in the U-PREP program at the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre (USLC) prior to the start of the course. The minimum score requirements for English language tests are as follows:

• TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based) – Overall score is 86 with minimum scores of 19 in each section
• Cambridge C1 Advanced – Overall score is 176
• Duolingo English Test (DET) – Overall score is 115 with minimum scores of 95 in each area
• PTE Academic – Overall score of 63 with minimum scores of 59 in each area
• CAEL – Minimum score is 70% with minimum individual scores of 60 or MELAB
• University of Saskatchewan Language Centre Level 4 (graduate bridging) – Successful completion
• University of Regina Intensive ESL Advanced Level (ESL 50) – Successful completion
• General Certificate of Education of A/AS/AICE Level English
• Completion of any one of the following:
• GCSE/IGCSE/GCE O-Level English
• International Baccalaureate (IB) English A1 or A2 Higher Level
• International Baccalaureate (IB) English B Higher Level
• Advanced Placement (AP) English

Please note that candidates taking the Intensive ESL Advanced Level must also complete the Academic Writing Elective A.

3. Cambrian College

Cambrian College, being one of the premier post-secondary institutions in Northern Ontario, offers the best courses for international students who do not have IELTS. However, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo (temporary inclusion) English exam scores are required to show their language proficiency. English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP) is another option for students. Cambrian College’s basic English requirements are as follows:

• TOEFL (Internet-based test) – 80 score for Diploma/Certificate; 84 score for Grad Certificate; 88 for Degrees.
• TOEFL (Paper-based test) – 550 score for Diploma/Certificate; 570 score for Grad Certificate
• PTE – 58 score for Diploma Certificate; 61 score for Grad Certificate; 58 for Degrees
• Duolingo – Between 105 and 115 for Diploma/Certificate; above 120 score for Grad Certificate.

4. Seneca College

Seneca College requires international students to be well prepared to study in English. Alternatives to IELTS include an English proficiency test result from one of the English language testing bodies (see below). Tests must have been taken within the last two years.

• CAEL CE and CAEL Online – Minimum 60
• Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE) – Minimum 169 with no skill below 162
• PTE Academic – Minimum score is 58
• TOEFL iBT (including MyBest TOEFL and Home Edition) – Minimum 80 with no section below 20
• TOEFL Revised Paper Delivered – No skill below 20

Note: Applicants from specific English-speaking countries are exempt from submitting English Language Proficiency test scores.

5. Brock University

At Brock University, English is the predominant language of instruction. If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate your ability in the language by taking the English proficiency tests (EPT). The university recognizes CAEL Assessment, MELAB, YELT, Duolingo, and TOEFL scores in addition to IELTS. English as a Second Language (ESL) programs such as the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) are available at the university.

6. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

To study at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, you must verify your English proficiency using one of the standardized tests listed below.

Apart from IELTS, you can choose Cambridge Assessment English (176 min score), CAEL (50 – 60 min score), Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees or CanTEST (4.5 min), Duolingo (115 min) MET (59 min), PTE (58 min score) or TOEFL (79 min score). Applicants who do not meet the minimum scores can take up the Memorial University’s English as a Second Language Program.

Note: There is a separate English proficiency test score requirement for Bachelor of Engineering programs.

7. Okanagan College

Okanagan College accepts Duolingo English Test (DET) results, TOEFL and OCELA scores. International students from British Columbia high schools can use their BC grades to showcase their English proficiency. These are the alternative standardised tests for IELTS.

8. University of Guelph

The University of Guelph accepts the Advanced Level of the English Language Certificate Program (levels 9 and 10), Cambridge English: C1 and C2 (minimum 176 with no band less than 169), CAEL (minimum 70), Duolingo (minimum 110), PTE (minimum 60), and TOEFL (Internet-based – 89 min, Computer-based – 250 min, and Paper-based – 600 min). Please keep in mind that test results are only valid for the last two years from the date of submission.

9. McGill University

International candidates for higher education at McGill University who do not hold a degree from a recognized English-medium university must provide proof of English proficiency. TOEFL iBT (internet-based) 100 is required, with a minimum score of 20 in each section. McGill University’s ETS Institution code is 0935. For admission considerations, test takers are recommended to only take tests in Test Centers.

10. Algoma University

To attend Diploma/Certificate/Undergraduate/Postgraduate courses in Algoma University, the minimum English language score requirements are:

• CAEL – 60
• Cambridge English Qualifications – Overall 176 with no band less than 169
• Duolingo – Overall 110 (no individual band below 90)
• TOEFL – 550 (paper-based) or 79 (Computer or Home Edition)
• PTE – 60
• ENG4U (OSSD) or ENGL12 (BC Curriculum): 3 years of full-time course with a minimum grade of 70%
• Students successfully completing the International Baccalaureate may take a waiver.

Instead of IELTS, students can take any one of the above-listed standardised tests.

11. Brandon University

For the purpose of university admission, all applicants, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin, are required to show English language proficiency. Brandon University accepts the following internationally recognized tests: C1 & C2 (176 min), CAEL/CAEL CE (60 min), CanTEST (4.5 for reading and listening; 4.0 for speaking and writing), English for Academic Purposes or EAP (Completion of Tier 4), PTE (58 min), and TOEFL (80 minimum). Only documents from the issuing authority are accepted by the University admission committee (AdCom). Documents that have been sent, photocopied, notarized, or attested will not be accepted.

12. Carleton University

Carleton University decided on a minimal English language requirement for graduate students. They are CAEL (70 or higher overall band score) and TOEFL iBT (100 or higher total score with a minimum of 24 band score in each category). If you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, or any other country where English is the primary language, you only need to fill out the Confirmation of Language Proficiency Form.

13. University of Regina

Without IELTS, you must take one of the other standardized tests, which include CAEL (70), TOEFL (20), PTE (59), CanTEST (4.5 overall, 4.0 each), MELAB (80), and UofR ESL (Advanced EAP 050). Please keep in mind that ambitious candidates must provide certified transcripts from the previous three years of high school, diploma, college, or university.

14. Concordia University

Concordia University, the finest university in North America according to The Young University Rankings, 2021, allows international students without IELTS. Students must, however, pass the English language skills test. TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CAEL or CAE (A1 Advanced), and CPE (C2 Proficiency) exams are available to students.

15. University of Prince Edward Island

English is the main language at the University of Prince Edward Island. Other than IELTS scores, students can submit TOEFL, CAEL, PTE Cambridge B2 First, C1 or C2, GTEC CBT or English 621. The minimum scores vary for Arts, Science, and Business Engineering courses.

How to Study in Canada without IELTS?

As per the new rules, follow these simple instructions (below) to study in Canada without IELTS.

• You can provide scores of other English Proficiency tests such as TOEFL (iBT), Duolingo English Test, CAEL, PTE, CELPIP, and CanTest.
• Or you can submit proof that you have studied in an English medium school for at least 4 years.
• If you’re from one of the English-speaking countries exempted from IELTS, you can submit proof of national identity.
• You can enroll in an English language course offered by the university and college. It is exclusively for students who are unable to submit English proficiency scores.

Conclusion

You now have a list of the best universities to “study in Canada without IELTS.” All you have to do is pass the TOEFL, PTE, CAEL, or any other internationally recognized standardized test with a minimal band score. You can study at your dream university after successfully completing the English language requirements.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to get a Canada visa without IELTS?

Yes. Without IELTS, you can study in Canada and obtain a study visa. You must have finished your high school or undergraduate studies in English. Instead of IELTS, you can submit results from other English language proficiency exams. Take the TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CAEL, or other English language tests to show your proficiency.

2. Which university does not require IELTS to study in Canada?

Canadian universities without IELTS:

• University of Saskatchewan, SK
• University of Winnipeg, MB
• Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, NL
• Concordia University, SK
• Cambrian College, ON
• Seneca College, ON
• Brock University, ON
• Okanagan College, BC
• University of Guelph, ON
• McGill University, QC
• Algoma University, ON
• Brandon University, MB
• Carleton University, MB
• University of Regina, SK
• University of Prince Edward Island, PE

3. What are the documents required to study in Canada without IELTS?

• English language proof (TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo)
• Proof of identification
• Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS)
• Proof of financial support
• Any other document (relevant)

4. Which exam instead of IELTS for Canada?

There are two ways to study in Canada: the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). You don’t have to worry about CELPIP vs IELTS because Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) accepts both tests scores. The minimum score varies depending on whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral degree, as well as a one- or two-year diploma program.

5. Does Canada accept only IELTS?

The answer is No. Other than IELTS, the universities and colleges across Canada accept TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CAEL, CanTEST, and more.

6. Can Indian students go to Canada without IELTS?

Yes. Indian students can go to Canada without IELTS. They must take alternative tests like CAEL, CPE, Cambridge English Exams, TOEFL, PTE, etc., to showcase their English language skills.

7. Why do students not prefer to take the IELTS exam?

The main reason why students do not prefer to take the IELTS exam is the application fee. To take IELTS, the fee ranges between $309 and $335 CAD.

8. What are the alternatives for IELTS to study in Canada?

The main IELTS alternatives for Canada are:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Duolingo English Test (DET)
• A certificate as proof as you have studied in an English medium school for at least 3 years.
• English language courses offered in various colleges and universities.

9. What are the countries that do not require IELTS to study in Canada?

IELTS is not required for citizens of some English-speaking countries. Australia, Austria, Belgium, the British West Indies, Canada, Denmark, Dominica, England, Eire, Germany, Guyana, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jamaica, Kenya, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Uganda, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), Wales, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and other countries are included. To study in Canada, these countries do not require IELTS.

10. How to get a study visa in Canada without IELTS?

One of the Canada study visa requirements is demonstrating English language proficiency. To get a study visa in Canada without IELTS, you can take the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) that serves as an alternative to IELTS.