Are you applying to a Canadian university? Ensuring you have the required documents before you start your application is critical. Apart from academic transcripts, degree certificates, and financial proof, you may need to provide evidence of English proficiency by taking an approved language test.
IELTS is a widely accepted test among universities worldwide, including many Canadian educational institutions. For most students, IELTS is primarily used to satisfy university admission requirements; Canadian study permit applications generally focus on documents such as a letter of acceptance, proof of identity, and proof of financial support. Canadian universities have specific minimum requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Read on to find out the IELTS band requirements for Canadian universities and a list of universities that accept IELTS scores.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in Canada
The minimum IELTS band requirements vary across universities. This comprehensive guide provides in-depth information about the IELTS requirements in Canadian universities:
1. University of Toronto
If you apply to the University of Toronto, one of Canada’s leading universities, undergraduate applicants who need IELTS must generally pass the Academic IELTS test with an overall band of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each section. This applies to many undergraduate programs, though some programs may set higher requirements. The School of Graduate Studies requires a minimum Academic IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each section. To submit your IELTS scores to the university, you must request that the test center send them electronically.
Here is what University of Toronto scholars say about IELTS:
“I achieved an overall score of 8.0, and I prepared for the exam by doing practice questions.”
Karen
“For IELTS, I practiced with Cambridge books, mock tests, built my vocabulary through social media videos, and focused on consistency over cramming.”
Alina Zholaman
“In SAT, I scored 1490/1600 and got an 8.0 band in the IELTS.”
Sai Nikam
“My A* in O-Level English exempted me from TOEFL/IELTS.”
Haris Malik
2. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is one of Canada’s leading public research universities, with a wide range of programs and research opportunities. Like the University of Toronto’s undergraduate requirement, UBC’s general undergraduate IELTS minimum is 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each test component.
UBC accepts Academic IELTS results, which should be submitted electronically when required. Graduate applicants generally need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0. Some programs have higher IELTS requirements. For example, the Master of Architecture program requires 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, while the Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology requires 7.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.
3. McGill University
Known for its excellence in fields such as medicine, engineering, law, and the arts, McGill University is one of Canada’s leading universities. For undergraduate applicants who need IELTS, McGill generally requires an overall score of 6.5 or better, with at least 6.0 in each component. Graduate applicants also generally need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or higher, though some graduate programs may require a higher score.
The university accepts the regular Academic IELTS and IELTS for UKVI Academic test, but it does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake. You must submit scores electronically; paper Test Report Forms are not accepted for undergraduate admissions.
4. McMaster University
McMaster University is known for teaching, research, and innovation. The university offers several programs across faculties such as Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, and more. Undergraduate applicants who need IELTS must generally provide proof of English language proficiency with a 6.5 overall score and at least 6.0 in each test component.
Similar to other Canadian universities, McMaster may have different requirements for some graduate programs. Graduate applicants should check their program page and the School of Graduate Studies requirements because departments may set additional or higher English language requirements.
5. University of Guelph
The University of Guelph has a large student body that includes students from more than 140 countries. Apart from its diverse student body, the university is recognized for teaching and research in areas such as agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences.
The minimum IELTS requirements vary depending on the degree level and program you apply to. Undergraduate applicants generally need a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0. Graduate applicants generally need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, though some departments or programs may require higher scores.
6. University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo requires a minimum IELTS band of 6.5 at the undergraduate level. Applicants must score at least 6.5 in the writing and speaking components, while 6.0 is accepted for the reading and listening components. Waterloo also accepts an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with all bands at 6.0. International students can submit the electronic Test Report Form (TRF).
Waterloo accepts IELTS One Skill Retake for undergraduate applicants. However, graduate applicants should note that Waterloo’s graduate admissions information does not currently accept IELTS One Skill Retake. Most graduate applicants need an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 in writing and speaking, although some Engineering departments may accept different minimums.
7. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary sets minimum requirements based on the degree program and academic level. A minimum Academic IELTS score of 6.5 is typically acceptable for most undergraduate programs. Specific programs may require higher scores. For example, Nursing requires a minimum overall band of 7.0, and Education requires a minimum overall band of 8.0 with no band below 7.0.
Graduate applicants generally need an Academic IELTS score of at least 6.5, with no section below 6.0. Certain faculties and graduate programs may have separate or higher language proficiency requirements, so applicants should always check the official program page before applying.
IELTS Scores of Students Studying in Canada
FAQs about Studying in Canada
Do Universities in Canada Consider Students Who Have Not Passed the IELTS Exam?
Canadian universities may consider applicants who have not taken IELTS if they meet the university’s English-language requirements in another approved way. However, the conditions vary by university and program, so applicants should not assume that IELTS will automatically be waived.
For instance, some students may qualify through prior English-language education, eligible curricula, or official documents showing that they meet the university’s English-language policy. Students may also be able to use other approved English tests such as TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, and others, depending on the institution.
Some Canadian universities also offer English-language pathways or courses for students who need to meet English proficiency requirements. One example is the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies Academic English Level 60 course. A minimum Grade B in this course can satisfy the University of Toronto English-language requirement for eligible applicants.
What IELTS score do I need for top Canadian universities?
Most competitive Canadian universities expect an overall IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.0, depending on the degree level and program. For example, the University of British Columbia lists a general minimum of 6.5, while the University of Toronto lists 6.5 for undergraduate admission and 7.0 for School of Graduate Studies applications. Recipients who won major awards often exceeded these cutoffs: Alina Zholaman (University of Toronto) notes, “I prepared for and took the IELTS, scoring 7.5 (C1 level),” and Sai Nikam (University of Toronto) shares, “I… got an 8.0 band in the IELTS.” Karen (University of Toronto) also reports “an overall score of 8.0.”
Is IELTS always mandatory, or can it be waived?
It depends on your background and the university’s English-language policy. Some recipients were exempted: Haris Malik (University of Toronto) says, “My A* in O-Level English exempted me from TOEFL/IELTS.” Others received waivers due to prior study in English—Beatrice Somuah (UBC) notes UBC “waived the GRE/IELTS requirement due to my prior education in English.” Conversely, some programs still require proof, but not necessarily IELTS; one UBC Mastercard Foundation Scholar, Samuel Osaretin Buraimoh, explains, “I did not take… IELTS,” reflecting that exemptions or alternative proof can apply. Always check your program’s page.
One of the first steps to pursuing education in Canada is fulfilling the English language requirements. Many Canadian universities require a minimum IELTS score of about 6.5, but this varies depending on the program and education level you are applying to. Some graduate and professional programs require higher scores.
We hope that this article on IELTS score requirements in Canadian universities was helpful! To learn more information on studying abroad, check out the Study in Canada Page and the various Available Courses for International Students to explore your study options. Aside from IELTS, Canadian universities also accept other English proficiency exams. Navigate our page to learn more!
