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IELTS for Canada

Required IELTS scores at Canadian universities

IELTS requirements of the world’s top 200 universities in Canada in 2019

The following rankings, organised by subject area, come from the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings and QS World University Rankings.  

Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2019

Name of institution

World rank

IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes)

IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes)

University of Toronto

21

6.5

7.0

University of British Columbia

37

6.5

6.5

McGill University

44

6.5

6.5

McMaster University

77

6.5

6.5

University of Montreal

90

Contact institution

Contact institution

University of Alberta

132

6.5

6.5

QS World University Rankings in 2019

Name of institution

World rank

IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes)

IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes)

University of Toronto

28

6.5

7.0

McGill University

33

6.5

6.5

University of British Columbia

47

6.5

6.5

University of Alberta

109

6.5

6.5

McMaster University

146

6.5

6.5

University of Montreal

14

Contact institution

Contact institution

University of Waterloo

163

7.0

7.0

 

Study Permit for Canada

In most cases, international students who wish to study in Canada must obtain a study permit.  Before you apply for a study permit, check your eligibility against the following requirements:

You must:

  • have been accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada.
  • prove that you have sufficient funds to pay for:
    • tuition fees.
    • living expenses for yourself and any family members who accompany you to Canada.
    • return transportation for yourself and any family members who accom-pany you to Canada.
  • be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may be required to provide a police certificate demonstrating this.
  • be in good health and willing to complete a medical examination, if necessary.
  • satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorised stay.

The time needed to process your application may vary among visa offices. It is therefore recom-mended that you apply for a study permit as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance.

Why do an increasing number candidates wishing to study in Canada choose IELTS? 

(1)  Demonstrate your ability to communicate in a face-to-face Speaking test.  

Unlike other language proficiency exams where you are required to talk to a machine during your Speaking test, IELTS gives you the opportunity to talk with an examiner face-to-face in a relaxing and supported environment.

(2) Develop skills relevant to your studies and student life. 

IELTS places emphasis on your ability to communicate in authentic situations.  There is no need to mem-orise large amounts of unnecessary vocabulary or grammar.  Rather, IELTS includes learning how to communicate in a range of scenarios you will encounter in learning environments. This will empower you to reach your full potential in your studies and student life.