Does Canada Accept IELTS for Student Visas?

Are you planning to study in Canada? If so, you may be wondering if the country accepts IELTS for student visas. The answer is yes! The Canadian government accepts both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic for the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa. To be eligible for a Canadian student visa, applicants must have a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the IELTS bands and an overall score of 6.0. IELTS requirements for Canadian universities vary depending on the type of program.

For undergraduate courses, applicants must have a minimum score of 5.5 in each section and an overall score of 6.0. For postgraduate courses, the minimum IELTS score is 6 in each section and an overall score of 6.5.The IELTS is a language proficiency test that assesses non-English speakers' ability to communicate in English with the examiner. Exam dates are available in locations around the world in the coming weeks. The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) are the national standards used to measure language proficiency and recognize the IELTS for prospective immigrants who plan to study, work or live in Canada.

The IELTS General Training exam meets the requirements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you are applying for a work visa, professional registration or permanent residence in Canada. The IELTS is accepted by more than 180 universities and colleges across Canada, including all English-speaking universities and 82 percent of English-speaking colleges. Additionally, IELTS Academic is widely accepted by colleges, universities and several Designated Learning Institutes (DLI) across Canada. The C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency exams offered by Cambridge Assessment English are accepted at more than 200 schools in Canada, including almost all public universities. Candidates who plan to work, study or permanently move to Canada must take the IELTS to demonstrate their language skills in the English-speaking country. To increase your chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada, it is important to strive for a high score on the IELTS exam.

With a minimum score of 5.5 in each section and an overall score of 6.0, you can apply for a student visa to Canada.

Simon Gooch
Simon Gooch

"Simon Gooch is a seasoned professional with a passion for transforming the landscape of international education. With over two decades of experience in the education industry, he has excelled in roles that encompass student recruitment, market development, and educational consulting. Currently serving as the Global Sales Director for ELS Educational Services, Inc., Simon's commitment to expanding educational access is evident in his work overseeing agent sales worldwide, with a particular focus on ELS centers across the USA. His career journey also includes founding Seed Educational Consulting Ltd, a B2B and B2C agency dedicated to helping students from Africa pursue higher education opportunities in various countries. Simon's strong leadership, exceptional agent relationship management, and proficiency in opening new and emerging markets have played pivotal roles in his successful career.Simon's academic background further strengthens his expertise, a fluent French speaker holding a First-Class degree in French and Modern European Studies from the University of East Anglia. His specialties lie in customer relationship management with a clear focus on agents, parents/students, and university partners. Simon's remarkable track record in developing emerging markets, particularly in Russia, the Middle East, and Africa, showcases his ability to drive consistent and long-term growth in these regions. With a deep commitment to educational access and international collaboration, Simon Gooch continues to make a significant impact in the field of international education."