Many students who want to study in Canada worry that they must take IELTS before applying. However, IELTS is not always the only way to meet English-language requirements. Some Canadian institutions accept other English proficiency tests, previous study in English, approved English-language pathways, or exemptions for applicants from recognized English-speaking countries.
The exact rules vary by institution, program, and level of study. Before applying, always check the official admissions page for your chosen university or college.
Here are some Canadian universities and colleges where eligible applicants may be able to apply without an IELTS score.
Ways to Study in Canada without IELTS
I will go into specific universities in the latter part of this article, but I want to give you a general outline of common exemption and alternative English-proficiency options. Depending on the university, you may be able to apply without IELTS if you meet one of the following:
- You submit another accepted English proficiency test, such as TOEFL, CAEL, PTE, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English, or another test accepted by the institution.
- You completed a required number of years of full-time study in an approved English-medium school.
- You are from, or have studied in, a country or curriculum that the institution recognizes as English-exempt.
- You complete the institution’s approved English language program or pathway before beginning your academic program.
If you meet one or more of these criteria, you may be eligible to study at some institutions in Canada without IELTS. Now, let’s look at the specifics.
Universities in Canada that Don’t Require IELTS
1. University of Winnipeg
IELTS is not the only way to meet the English language requirement at the University of Winnipeg. Applicants whose first or primary language is not English, and who are not from an English-exempt country, must provide supporting documentation showing that they meet one of the university’s English language requirements.
Accepted options include English tests and programs such as TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, PTE, LanguageCert, Cambridge English, the University of Winnipeg English Language Program, and AEPUCE. For the University of Winnipeg English Language Program, applicants must successfully complete Academic Level 5.
There are also waiver options. For example, applicants may request a waiver if they have 10 consecutive years of residency in Canada, three years of full-time education in English in Canada, or certain Canadian high school qualifications. Applicants may also qualify through approved International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement English results, or by meeting the residency or study conditions in an English-exempt country.
English test results older than two years are not considered. You can get more information by visiting their International Student Language Requirement page.
2. Brock University
IELTS can be used for admission to Brock University, but it is not the only accepted option. Brock also accepts TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, PTE, Cambridge English qualifications, and successful completion of Level 5 of the Brock Intensive English Language Program for many undergraduate applicants.
Applicants may also meet the English requirement by completing the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A, or by completing at least three previous years of full-time, non-ESL study where the primary language of instruction and evaluation was English, with strong grades in English and related courses.
Some programs have higher English requirements, so applicants should review the program-specific exceptions before applying. You can refer to their International Student Applicant English Proficiency Requirement page.
3. University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan requires an acceptable level of academic English for admission. If you are asked to provide proof of English proficiency, IELTS is one option, but it is not the only option.
Current accepted standardized test options include IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge C1 Advanced, CAEL, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic. Test scores must come from one exam date, and scores are valid for two years after the test date.
You may also meet the requirement through approved English-medium secondary study, eligible post-secondary study in English, successful completion of English for Academic Purposes Level 4 at the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre, or approved qualifications such as AP English or certain IB English courses with the required scores.
For example, applicants can meet the high school study route with at least three years of full-time study in an approved English-medium secondary program, including Grades 10, 11, and 12, along with successful completion of Grade 12 English Language Arts A30 or B30 or equivalents. Students from overseas schools offering a Canadian curriculum in English must meet the university’s minimum grade requirement in Grade 12 English. You can check their International Student English Requirement page.
4. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador requires all applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency. IELTS is accepted, but undergraduate applicants may also be able to meet the requirement through English-language secondary study, eligible post-secondary study in English, Memorial University’s Intensive English Program or Intensive English Bridge Program, or an approved standardized test.
For undergraduate general admission, accepted standardized tests currently include Cambridge English, CAEL, Duolingo English Test, IELTS Academic, Michigan English Test, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT. Applicants who do not meet the minimum scores may enroll in Memorial University’s Intensive English Program or Intensive English Bridge Program, offered at Grenfell Campus.
Medium-of-instruction letters are not accepted for undergraduate applicants. Some programs, including engineering, may have separate English proficiency requirements, so students should check the official admissions page for their program before applying.
5. Cambrian College
Cambrian College does not simply waive English proficiency for international applicants. The language of instruction is English, and applicants must have enough English language skills to participate in lectures, assignments, discussions, and examinations.
Cambrian College accepts TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo English Test scores to satisfy English admission requirements. Applicants who need to improve their English can apply for Cambrian’s English for Academic Purposes program; after completing it, they can be accepted into diploma or certificate programs.
For open enrollment programs, Cambrian may require an internal English comprehension test, and the college reserves the right to assess applicants to confirm that they have the communication skills needed for postsecondary study. You can review Cambrian College’s English requirements page for current score requirements.
We hope that this guide on how to study in Canada without IELTS has been helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Courses for International Students!
