More often than not many international students who want to study in Canada often wonder how if studying without IELTS is possible in Canadian universities.
If you’re interested in studying abroad, you must have come across the term IELTS.
And trust me it scares a lot of international students.
IELTS is an English language proficiency test taken by international students who want to study abroad using English as the major language instruction.
Also, English speaking universities in France require students who want to go for English-taught programs to show proof by taking and scoring high in the IELTS test.
Sometimes, IELTS or other English language proficiency tests are a necessary devil.
They are literally unavoidable in some cases.
However, what many do not know is that you can study in Canada without having to write or take the IELTS test.
Surprised?
In this guide, we have carefully put together details on how you can study in Canada without having to prove you can speak the English language through some tests.
However, you should know that this is only possible in some schools in Canada.
Below you will also find a list of top universities in Canada that do not require IELTS scores.
Many students hop on this opportunity and I know you can’t wait to jump right into this juicy offer.
Welcome aboard!!!
Read Also: 25+ Free Online Courses In Canada With Certificates
Studying in Canada
Aside from the fact that you can Study For Free in Canada even as an international student, Canada has proven with years to be one of the best study abroad destinations.
Many students love and will always come to Canada because of the presence of world-class universities and colleges of training.
Also, most Canadian universities have a track record of excellence when it comes to academics.
In addition to a great study experience, Canada is beautiful, its scenery and welcoming citizens make international students feel welcomed.
In the list of best study abroad destinations, Canada comes in the top 5.
Can I Study in Canada without IELTS?
Yes, studying in Canada without IELTS is 100% possible.
In fact, there are some other alternative English proficiency proofs students can take in place of IELTS.
There are four major ways to study in Canada without showing this proficiency proof.
These ways include;
- Use of other English Proficiency Tests such as TOEFL or PTE
- Must have studied in an English-medium school for 4 years
- You’re from an English-speaking country.
- You must attend their language school for a semester or for a year
Read Also: 25+ Free Online Courses In Canada With Certificates
Steps on How to Study in Canada without IELTS
Just before you launch out to send in your application to your preferred school of choice, follow these steps we have listed and explained to guide you into studying in Canada without IELTS.
These steps have proven to have helped many students go over this seeming hurdle effortlessly.
#1. Get an English Language Proficiency Certificate
Like we earlier stated, if you have studied in English previously, you have a high chance of not using IELTS to get into your school of choice.
Therefore, what you should do is to provide an official Declaration or Certificate to show as proof that you studied in English for the last four years.
Kindly note that this Declaration or Certificate must be Printed on Headed And Stamped Paper as Evidence that the Previous Education was in English Medium.
This certification can stand in for IELTS anywhere in Canada.
#2. Browse Universities, Don’t Require IELTS
The next step is to choose to in Universities that do not require IELTS in Canada.
Students who have completed either an O-Level or A-level examination do not need IELTS.
In agreement with that, most universities in Canada have set their own English Language test to prove the ability of students.
Below is a list we have helped you come up with on the list of universities in Canada that offer the IELTS exemption.
Kindly note that some universities will require other documents in place of IELTS.
While others on the other hand waive it for good.
#3. Complete English Language Courses
If the above two steps seem herculean for you, you can take this alternative of applying for the ESL Program.
What’s that?
ESL stands for English as a Second Language.
These are courses in Canada you can take to substitute for IELTS if you do not have IELTS or TOEFL.
Usually, it lasts for 6 Months.
Once you’ve completed the ESL courses, you can pursue your study in Canada without having to write IELTS.
This alternative is highly recommended because, at the end of the course, the students have improved, flawless and fluent accents.
By using either of these alternatives, you can study in Canada without IELTS.
Read Also: Canada Scholarships
What You Need to Know About Studying in Canada without IELTS
That you can study in Canada without IELTS does not mean you do not have to show proof that you can speak and understand the English language.
To study in Canada you must be able to speak and understand the use of English.
Because IELTS is the most acceptable test to prove that, many universities in Canada prefer to use IELTS as a proof check for the English language.
So to bypass IELTS means there are other alternatives to show you can understand English.
Therefore keep these in mind if you want to study in Canada without IELTS;
- Some universities will require you to take other English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or PTE.
- Some schools will ask that you provide proof of your proficiency in English from your past 4 years in academics
- Also, some may need to know that your previous degree was in English.
- On the other hand, some may ask for official transcripts from the first three years of the high school, college or university that provides English education.
To know exactly what your Canadian school of choice requires, you need to check the university’s website.
List of Top Universities in Canada Without IELTS
Now that we have established that studying in Canada without IELTS is possible, we bring you a list of universities that can help you achieve that.
Instead of submitting your IELTS score, these Canadian universities will waive that for you because they do not require IELTS.
They include;
- Brock University
- McGill University
- Cambrian College
- Okanagan College
- University of Regina
- Carleton University
- Algoma University
- Brandon University
- University of Guelph
- Concordia University
- University of Winnipeg
- Seneca College, Toronto
- University of Saskatchewan
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
Read Also: MBA in Australia for International Students – Scholarships, Cost, Requirements
#1. University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg does not ask for IELTS certification credentials.
But you need proof of English language proficiency just like we explained above.
Or you must inform them in a letter that your previous degree program was in English.
#2. Brock University
IELTS for Brock University is totally not compulsory.
If you have it, you do not have so much edge above the others.
#3. University of Saskatchewan
In place of IELTS, the University of Saskatchewan accepted TOEFL.
You must have an overall score of 86 with a minimum score of 19 in each area.
#4. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
At Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, you just have to prove that you are fluent in English.
This they access by looking at your grades over the last four years of your college career.
Also, they offer a chance of exemption.
#5. University of Regina
To study at the University of Regina in Canada without IELTS, you must have completed post-secondary education in the English Language.
Also, just like Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, there is a chance of exemption.
#6. Carleton University
To study in Canada at Carleton University without IELTS, you need to make available official transcripts for the previous three years of high school, college, or university.
These transcripts must show that this education was offered in the English language.
#7. Memorial University
Studying at Memorial University without IELTS in Canada, you will have to attend an intensive English programme at the St. John’s campus or Grenfell campus wings of the Memorial University.
#8. Concordia University
For graduate business students, you must have taken an academic English course at Concordia University. However, the condition is not the same for every student
From our research, IELTS will help you enter either of these universities, but it is not mandatory or non-mandatory.
What’s the Cost of IELTS?
Basically, the cost of IELTS is 250$.
However, depending on where you’re going to take the test, the cost may differ.
Therefore it is ideal that you locate an IELTS accredited centre to confirm the actual cost of the test within your area.
Read Also: List of Tuition Free Universities in Canada for International Students
Do Universities in Canada Accept Duolingo IELTS Language Test?
Well, there is no direct answer to this question.
Countries like Canada, the UK, the USA & Australia have IELTS Compulsory requirements.
However, due to COVID & Lockdown situation IELTS Center is closed.
Some universities in Canada today are accepting the Alternative to IELTS Duolingo Language Test.
Can I Study in Canada without IELTS on Exemption?
Exemptions are possible but not always common.
Schools such as Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the University of Regina offer exemptions.
However, you have to double-check the exemptions by calling the university directly.
Even before they grant you access, you must inform them that your previous degree program was conducted in English.
Summary
I believe there’s nothing good advice cannot fix.
I hope this guide makes it clear that studying in Canada without IELTS is very possible.
Do well to visit the school website for details of their requirements for proof of English language proficiency.
References
- https://yourcanadaguide.com/
- https://scholarshipsint.com/
- https://opportunitydesk.info/
