IELTS Requirement For Canada Student Visa

Academic & Professional Studies Abroad (APSA)

Profile Building

Minimum Ielts Band Requirement for Canada Study Permit

A study visa for Canada requires the Student to score at least 5.5 in each of the four IELTS bands requirements with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and above for undergraduate & diploma programs. Graduate courses, on the other hand, require a minimum Ielts score of 6.0 in each band and an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and above. But if you decide to pursue a degree in engineering program, Teaching or Education Studies, do note that the minimum Ielts score is 7.0 overall and per band.

International Students Life and Living in Canada

Canada is a beautiful country to live, study or work in. It has become an immigration destination with more than 3 lac immigrants moving to the country in 2019. Apparent Government policies, excellent work and study culture, abundance of wealth, resources and ease of investing in real estate attracts permanent residents to the country.

With the quality of life, education and work, Canada has been ranked top amongst the other highly developed countries. It has also been rated as the safest country to live in with great immigration programs. Apart from this, its residents enjoy free public schooling, healthcare facilities and great business and job opportunities. In order to move to Canada, one needs to score a high band in IELTS to prove impeccable English Language skills that qualifies them to live in the country.

  • Accepted worldwide by universities & employers
  • Free Academic IELTS coaching at APSA centres
  • Specialised training for all four modules
  • Objective assessment & performance tracking
  • High band score focus – up to Band 8+

Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements

If you are a student and planning to study abroad in Canada, then you would need a minimum IELTS score to ease the process. IELTS score for Canada study visa should not be less than 6.0 (overall). However, the exact requirements also depend on the level of the studies you are choosing.

In general- When it comes to education or degree level and IELTS requirements, then for undergraduate programs, you will need at least 5.5 bands in every section along with an overall score of 6.0. For postgraduate courses, on the other hand, you will require a minimum band of 6.0 in each section along with an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above.

Here is a list of IELTS scores requirement that you need to attain in order to apply to a Canadian university:

Education Level IELTS Score Requirement
Bachelor’s/Diploma/Certificate Courses IELTS Score: 6/6.5
Post-graduate/Masters Courses IELTS Score: 6.5 overall with no bands less than 6

Why IELTS is require to Study in Canada?

An increasing number of candidates choose IELTS for Canada student visa as it is required by all the top Canadian universities. It assesses the language capabilities of non English speakers who wish to study in a country where English is the primary language of communication. It is divided into four important parts – listening, reading, writing and speaking.

How to crack IELTS to Study in Canada?

Every Students are looking out to studying in Canada start their journey early, either by reading the best books for IELTS exam preparation or through Ielts coaching classes. As the exam is mandatory not only to study at the university but also for the Study VISA process, candidates focus on completing and revising the IELTS syllabus thoroughly.

The below scores will help you understand the requirement for Canadian student visa better:
CLB Score IELTS Speaking IELTS Listening IELTS Writing IELTS Reading
1 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
2 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.5
3 3.0 3.5 3.0 2.5
4 4.0 4.5 4.0 3.5
5 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.0
6 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.0
7 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0
8 6.5 7.5 6.5 6.5
9 7.0 8.0 7.0 7.0
10 7.5 8.5 7.5 8.0
11 8.0 9.0 8.0 8.5
12 9.0 9.0 9.0 9.0

Why IELTS is Important for Canada

Understand how IELTS helps you study, work and settle in Canada

IELTS Demonstrates Communication Abilities

Since it is a language proficiency exam, IELTS requirement for Canada student visa is important to evaluate the ability of non English speaker to converse in English with the examiner. Unlike machine recordings, it gives the opportunity to sit in a comfortable environment and talk to the examiner face to face. This helps the examiner to evaluate speaking skills of the candidate.

IELTS Develops Relevant Skills for Education

Attempting IELTS is conceptual that does not require memorising vocabulary and grammar. It includes learning to communicate in real time situations that will be encountered in learning environment. This empowers the students to attain English language capabilities for life.

Why Studying in Canadian Universities

Canada is well- known for offering quality education which makes it one of the most desirable destinations for students. If you are planning to study in Canada, then IELTS Academic can help you get there. It is the world’s most popular and high staked English proficiency test. It is accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess the English proficiency of the immigrant.

If you are planning to apply for undergraduate or postgraduate level programmes, IELTS requirement for Canada student visa is mandatory.

Working in Canada

Canada offers exciting work opportunities with good quality of life. It provides fair work opportunities and decent salaries to the graduates who are dedicated and passionate about contributing to the economy of the country.

Candidates migrating to Canada for work or permanent residency must appear for IELTS General training. Those who plan to apply for work visa, professional registration or as a permanent resident must score a band that can satisfy the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The English language proficiency is measured as per the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) that will be required to fulfil the immigration criteria for work.

Universities in Canada Accepting IELTS 6 and Above

Some universities have minimum IELTS scores for each section of the test. While other universities have listed overall minimum required IELTS Scores.

For Bachelor’s degree courses, students need to score at least 5 in each category and an overall of band 6 to attain Canadian student visa. For Master’s degree and graduation courses, students need to score 6.0 in each category and an overall of 6.5 band.

How to Obtain a Study Visa for Canada

International students who plan to study in Canada are required to obtain a study permit. Before applying for study permit, the following eligibility criteria need to be considered:

Students need to be accepted by a designated and recognised education institution in Canada
Ensure you can take care of your return transportation and the family member accompanying you.
Must prove the financial background to ensure students can pay for their education
Be in good health and medical condition to live a healthy life
Ensure that you can bear living expenses for yourself and any family member accompanying you.
Abiding to the laws of the country with no criminal record to ensure risk free security. Police certification might be required to demonstrate this.

In the application process, IELTS requirement for Canada student visa is the first step towards obtaining study permits. It should be applied as soon as receiving the letter of acceptance. Since the time varies among visa offices, it is recommended to apply for it on an early basis.

IELTS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

IELTS is the International English Language Test System which is accepted as a proof in Canada that you are proficient in English and are able to communicate with the native English speakers. It is one of the main prerequisites for applying for study permit, work visa or permanent residency in Canada.

Candidates planning to work, study or relocate permanently to Canada are required to take up IELTS to demonstrate their language capabilities in the English speaking country.

IELTS is recognised by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the department of Canadian Government responsible for dealing with immigration to Canada, refugees, and Canadian citizenship.

What is the minimum score of band required to obtain study permit?

The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are the national standards used in Canada measures and recognises the test for the prospective immigrants planning to study, work or live in the country.

Majority of Canadian universities accept an overall IELTS score of atleast 6.5. However, there are a few Canadian universities that accept an overall score of 5.5 where you will be considered eligible for taking admission. If your dream university does not accept a band score below 6.0, you can always reappear to score better in the next attempt.