Is it Possible to Study in Canada without IELTS?

A bane of studying in international universities is the requirement for a slew of examinations like the TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, and the like. This often makes it a cumbersome task for students who tend to appear for these tests repeatedly to earn better scores and gain admission into top universities. To make it easier for students to gain admission easily, several universities in Canada have started waiving the requirement of scores on some of these examinations. One popular waiver is that of the IELTS/TOEFL (or other language tests).

All about IELTS - Exam - Complete Information

Why is IELTS no longer mandatory?

Canadian universities have found that students who have completed their degrees from a recognized educational institution and have received their instructions in English often show a good degree of English knowledge - be it reading, writing, or speaking skills. Hence, they felt it made sense to do away with the requirement of an English language proficiency test like the IELTS which has a minimum score requirement of 6.0, to make it easy for students to apply for higher education in Canada. However, the majority of Canadian universities have kept the acceptable IELTS score at 7.0, with no less than 6.5 in every component.

Proof of English language proficiency

Students who apply to universities in Canada that do not demand the submission of IELTS scores, however, need to submit certain documents to support their claim of English language proficiency. These may include requisite certificates, documents stating that the medium of instruction in the first or last obtained degree was English, transcripts, and the like.

Top universities that do not require IELTS score

Some of the general rules governing the non-requirement of IELTS scores are that students are either native English speakers; or students hailing from non-English countries have received formal degree education of three or more consecutive years in English. Besides, students who have completed either an O-Level or A-level examination also earn an IELTS exemption.
Individual universities have their set of exemptions and requirements to prove applicant's English language proficiency. The following is a list of universities in Canada that offer this exemption:

• University of Saskatchewan
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• University of Winnipeg
• University of Regina
• Memorial University
• Concordia University
• Cambrian College
• Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

Some universities will allow conditional admission (students might have to do extra language courses while studying).

Will there be visa issues if IELTS or TOEFL scores are not provided?

Canada has introduced new student visa regulations that not only help ensure that international students genuinely study in the country's universities, but also give them certain levels of freedom to work. For instance, while earlier prospective students only needed to show an intent to study in Canada, now they need to prove their enrollment in a college that accepts international students to be eligible for a visa. Hence, students applying for visas without providing IELTS scores need to ensure their enrollment in the university of their choice that does not require the IELTS papers. While the college of their choice does provide them with a letter of admission, students may provide supporting documents to prove their English language proficiency when applying for a student visa. What's more, students can now no longer stay on a study permit beyond 90 days of completing their course. This is to ensure that students do not switch to short-term programs after enrolling in a long-term degree course.

Such moves with stringent regulations are set to help Canadian authorities curb the inflow of study permit holders unwilling to pursue studies, and instead ensure that genuine students are issued student visas. This move is expected to help Canada weed out educational institutions of poor quality and offer high-standard education to international students seeking quality degrees.

What are the alternatives to an IELTS score?

As mentioned above, there are universities that do not require an IELTS score as an essential for admission, and the Canadian government has made stringent rules for the inflow of international students but it does not revolve around an IELTS score per se. However, students wanting to study in Canada still have to present a certificate that proves their English language standard. However, the Canadian government does not accept any English language certificates.

Below is a descriptive list of choices that can be substituted for an IELTS score.

• TOEFL: The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the second most accepted and popular English language requirement. The TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 400 Canadian universities and colleges, and it is an internet-based test (also known as iBT). The TOEFL (iBT) test is divided into four sections, and every section carries a maximum of 30 points. The maximum score a student can score in TOEFL (iBT) is 120 points, and Canadian universities, in general, require a score of 100 points in total.
  
  The test results are available in approximately 6-10 days.
  
  
• CAEL: The CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) is a test that is developed in Canada. The test is accepted by more than 180 universities and colleges in Canada, however, it is not a test that is easily available in all nations. The CAEL test is divided into four sections and each section carries 90 marks. The total score of CAEL is calculated by adding all the marks a student has scored in each section and dividing it by four. If the total marks are not a whole number, the score will be rounded off to the nearest whole number, which will be the final determinant.
  
  The test results are available in approximately 8 business days.
  
  
• Cambridge Assessment: The Cambridge assessment exams (also known as C1 and C2 exams) are developed in the UK, but are accepted by more than 200 Canadian universities and colleges. The test can be conducted in two forms - internet or paper-based, however, both the exams are to be held in the Cambridge examination centers.
  
  The Cambridge exams are more in-depth than other English assessment exams, hence making it extremely important for students to have advanced English skills before sitting for the exam. The Cambridge assessment does not just test English language skills but also tests how the skills can be applied in day-to-day life. The exam scores are valid for life, making it convenient for students to apply even after 1-2 years of taking the exam as Canadian universities are ready to accept the same. The C1 level is advanced and the C2 level is proficiency, both of these certificates have different test scores.
  
  The maximum score earned in a Canadian assessment exam is 210. If a student scores anywhere between 180 and 192, they will be awarded a C1 certificate, and any score above that qualifies the student to have a C2 certificate.
  
  The results for the internet-based test are available in 2-3 weeks, whereas the scores for a paper-based test are available in 4-6 weeks.
  
  
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): This computer-based English language test evaluates the English language skills of non-native speakers. It is accepted by various educational institutions and immigration authorities. The overall score in PTE ranges from 10 to 90.
  
  PTE results are typically available within 48 hours after taking the exam.
  
  
• Duolingo English Test: This is an online English proficiency test that can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection. It assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills and is accepted by several universities and colleges. Results of a Duolingo English Test are presented within a range of 10 to 160.
  
  Candidates can expect to receive their Duolingo English Test results within a maximum of 48 hours after completing the examination.
  
  
• English language courses: Some universities and colleges offer their own English language courses or programs. These courses are designed to improve language skills and may be accepted as proof of English proficiency by the institution offering them.
  
  
• Work experience or education in an English-speaking country: In some cases, individuals who have completed their education or have work experience in an English-speaking country may be exempt from providing an IELTS score. This exemption is often subject to specific criteria set by the institution or organization.