5 Best Universities in Canada Without IELTS For International Students (2024)

Are you searching for Universities in Canada Without IELTS For International Students? Here in this article we will be listing the Canadian Universities you can apply for with ease without IELTS.

The International English Language Testing System, sometimes known as IELTS, is a global test that evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in English through the use of four distinct exam modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. IELTS scores are a crucial component of the entrance requirements in well-known study-abroad countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc. Canada, an English-speaking country, also demands IELTS results. However, there are several restrictions that allow prospective students to enroll in Canadian higher education institutions without taking the IELTS test.

The following are a few reasons why students should think twice before taking the IELTS test:

For some applicants, the 160.53 dollars application fee for the IELTS exam can be overwhelming.
Writing short and long essays is required as part of the IELTS exam framework, which can be challenging for students who lack confidence in their writing skills.
The speaking portion of the IELTS exam is independent of the other portions of the test, thus it can take more than one day to finish.
Face-to-face testing for the IELTS speaking component may scare certain applicants who may experience anxiety when responding to questions in person.

As a result, a lot of students decide against taking the IELTS exam because they believe it will reduce their chances of being accepted into a Canadian university. The article that follows aims to give students the knowledge they require to apply to study in Canada without IELTS results.

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Why do foreign universities demand IELTS results?

IELTS is an experiment conducted to thoroughly assess a candidate’s command of the English language. These results are essential because they let institutions determine whether a prospective applicant can keep up with the coursework and whether they will be able to adapt to a setting where English is the main language of communication in all facets of their daily lives.

What are the alternatives to the IELTS exam?

You have the choice of taking any of the following examinations to demonstrate your English language skills, depending on the university you decide to apply to:

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
CanTEST – Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees
CAEL – Canadian Academic English Language
PTE – Pearson English Language Test

IELTS testing is it required for international students?

Not at all, no. You should be aware, though, that not taking the IELTS exam would make it much more difficult for you to study abroad because it will reduce the number of universities you have to choose from. If you want to study in Canada, there are exceptions that you can use to avoid taking the IELTS exam. These are described below in the article.

Can I take English classes in Canada before starting my university course?

Yes, some universities, including the University of Saskatchewan, provide exclusive programs to guarantee that international students achieve a high level of English language competency. Before transferring to your selected programs for full-time study, you can enroll in these courses.

Are there any other languages I can use to apply to Canadian universities?

You must demonstrate your fluency in French if you are applying to study in a region of Canada, such as Quebec, where French is the official language. To find out the tests you’ll need to take, check the university websites of the relevant institutions.

Universities in Canada Without IELTS For International Students

Regarding the IELTS entrance requirements, there are a few exceptions to the rule. All choices and exemptions accessible to students who don’t want to take the IELTS test are listed below:

Other English proficiency tests like TOEFL and PTE
Evidence of four years of attendance in an English-only school
Evidence that English is your country’s official language
Attending a Canadian English language school for a semester or a year

If you satisfy one or more of the aforementioned requirements, you may be able to enroll in Canadian universities without taking the IELTS test if your preferred institution is accommodating.

Many Canadian institutions of higher learning accept test results from any of the following English proficiency assessments in addition to the IELTS exam.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
CAEL assessment (Canadian Academic English Language)
PTE (Pearson English Language Test)
CanTEST (Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees)

NOTE: Exemptions are decided by each institution separately, so before applying, make sure you review the prerequisites on the schools’ official websites.

Universities in Canada Without IELTS Requirements

There is no uniform criteria for admission that is followed by all Canadian universities; instead, each one has its own set of admission requirements. Here is a list of some of the universities where you can apply for a course without having to submit IELTS results:

1. University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg does not require IELTS certification qualifications. However, it is necessary to provide evidence of English language proficiency. You can enroll in their in-house English Language Program (ELP) before registering for or beginning your course. The University of Winnipeg’s official guidebook has a complete list of the prerequisites and exemptions for the language program. You will be able to forego the IELTS requirements during the application procedure if you do this.

2. Brock University

IELTS will assist you in entering this institute, but it is not required. The Brock Intensive English Language Program, created expressly to help international students improve their English language competence, is also available at Brock University. It accepts TOEFL scores (88 iBT with a minimum of 21 on Speaking and Writing, 237 CBT (TSE 4.5), and 580 PBT (TWE 4.5). You may apply for admission to any of the UG and PG courses they offer if you have completed an International Baccalaureate diploma or its equivalent with English as the primary language of instruction.

3. University of Saskatchewan

An increasing number of overseas students are attending the University of Saskatchewan. As an alternative to the IELTS test, they accept the TOEFL (Overall score of 86 with minimum scores of 19 in each area).

In addition, they allow applicants to take the CanTEST, or the Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees, and, if they so choose, they can enroll in the university’s own ELT program. CanTEST and IELTS are comparable in that both assess the four sub-skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), neither test is automated, and both have a face-to-face speaking component. It differs significantly from the TOEFL or CELPIP in this regard. The hearing portion is longer than the writing portion, which is a notable distinction from IELTS.

4. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Memorial University continues to uphold a reputation for providing courses in engineering, business, and medical, which attracts students from abroad. In lieu of IELTS scores, the university provides students with alternatives like:

TOEFL scores – A minimum score of 90, with at least 20 in each of Reading and Listening, and no less than 25 in Speaking and Writing, is required in the TOEFL.
CanTEST scores – Minimum band scores of 4.5 in the listening comprehension and reading comprehension subtests and a score of 4 in writing are required in the CanTEST.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) scores – A minimum overall score of 70, with at least 60 per band, and no less than 70 in Writing and Speaking is required in the CAEL.
The university will also grant you an exemption if you can provide proof that you are proficient in English by showing your grades over the last 4 years of your academic career. However, this is rare and students should verify the exemptions thoroughly by contacting the university directly.

5. Cambrian College

This research-focused institute takes pride in offering its students top-notch post-degree employment prospects. International students are evaluated on their English language ability, including their speaking, reading, and writing abilities, after they arrive at the university, according to information on their website.