Many immigrants who wish to relocate to Canada are somewhat weary of the requirements needed to do so. Language proficiency is among the requirements needed to migrate to Canada. Immigrants wishing to travel to Canada must provide proof of language proficiency (IELTS). However, this isn’t always the case.
How can you study and work in Canada without IELTS? What is the process like? If you’ve been asking these questions, you are in luck.
Here in this guide, you will find everything you need to know to get started with understanding how you can study and work in Canada without IELTS, including:
- What routes allow you to study and work in Canada without IELTS
- How can you get to study and work in Canada without IELTS
- Required documents for Canada Study Permit Without IELTS
- Universities to study in Canada without IELTS
Read on to know all there is about how you can get to study and work in Canada without IELTS.
What is IELTS?
First, let’s understand what the IELTS program is and what it is all about. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test used to determine language proficiency in the English language.
The British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment jointly own the IELTS program. It measures your ability to listen, read, write, and speak English. You will be assessed and graded on a scale of 1-9. One being the least score and nine the highest score. Not participating in the test after registering for it gets you a zero score, signifying your absence from the test.
What is the Purpose of IELTS?
The IELTS program is mainly for individuals looking to work, live and study in an English-speaking country. Besides Canada, other developed English-speaking countries make use of the IELTS result. The English-speaking countries that allow the use of the IELTS test score include Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA.
The IELTS is the most popular test for immigrants looking to migrate to Canada. English is the third most spoken language worldwide; the IELTS is used as proof of proficiency for individuals looking to study and work in Canada. The test is globally recognized by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies.
Can I Study and Work Abroad in Canada Without IELTS?
Yes, you can study and work in Canada without IELTS. Canadian universities use different factors to assess their admission candidate’s language proficiency. Here are some of the best alternatives that you can use to study and work in Canada without IELTS:
- You can provide scores of other English proficiency tests like the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), the Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTest), the Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- You must submit proof that you have previously studied the English language in school for at least 4 years as the replacement for your English proficiency scores.
- Suppose you belong to an English-speaking country, with examples like Nigeria, the UK, the USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Zambia, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Ghana, Cameroon, and Australia. In that case, you can be exempted from providing IELTS scores in Canada.
- You can apply for the English language courses offered by the university designed for students who need help to provide English proficiency results.
How to Study and Work in Canada Without IELTS
Thanks to the new Canadian visa regulations, not applying for a student visa without possessing IELTS scores wouldn’t be a hindrance to your study plans. According to the new visa guidelines, you have to provide proof of your admission into a Canadian university to be eligible for a study visa. The Canadian government implemented this change to attract more genuine international students into the nation.
All you are required to do to study and work in Canada without an IELTS score is to prove that a Canadian university has offered you admission and doesn’t require IELTS scores. Suppose you have another alternative result, such as the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test, which can be used in place of the IELTS score. In that case, you can go ahead and submit them.
Now onto the aspect of working in Canada after your studies without IELTS. All you are required to do is to study at an institution that doesn’t require you to provide an IELTS score. After completing your education, you will wait 180 days before you can apply for a work permit visa in Canada. Furthermore, it is important to note that the experience you gain while working can be used in your favor if you intend to apply for permanent residency.
Documents Required for Canada Study Permit Without IELTS
Here is a list of documents required for your Canadian study permit without IELTS.
- Provide proof of acceptance into a Canadian-designated learning institution.
- Provide proof of identity, i.e., your passport and other travel documents (if required).
- Proof of financial support (proof of funds).
- GMAT or GRE scores for MBA and Masters programs in Canada.
- Provision of Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation.
- Provide acceptable English proficiency results such as the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson English Language Test (PTE) etc.
- An updated CV / Resume (if required).
- Provision of academic reference letters along with past letters of employment if you are applying for a Masters’ or Ph.D. program (if required).
- You may be required to provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you’ve never studied in Canada.
- Provide a medical fitness result (if required).
- Provide a police certificate (if required).
Canadian Universities that Accept International Students without IELTS
1. The University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg offers various degrees in science, arts, business and economics, kinesiology, education and graduate science. The university also accepts students who do not have IELTS results and offers over 400 different undergraduate, graduate and professional-level programs. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university has an acceptance rate of close to 70% and a total of 1,389 international students.
Admission Requirements for the University of Winnipeg
- An average of C or better in a minimum of 5 academic subjects.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
2. Brook University
Brock University is a comprehensive institution known for its rich academic programs and world-class research activity. The school is a public institution that accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university has an acceptance rate of 73% and offers about 34 different Masters’s programs and 74 undergraduate programs. The brooks university has a total of 5.700 international students.
Admission Requirements for Brock University
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
3. The University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan welcomes students from all over the globe yearly. The university is one of Canada’s top research-intensive medical doctoral universities. The university also accepts students who do not have IELTS results and offers over 80 graduate programs to international and domestic students. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university has an acceptance rate of 73% and a total number of 3,000 international students.
Admission Requirements for the University of Saskatchewan
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- One year of Degree Program where instruction and exams were in English.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
4. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador is a well-known public university in Canada. The University is committed to innovation, creativity, excellence in research, and quality education. The university has an acceptance rate of 67% and also accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university offers over 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional-level programs and over 3,000 international students.
Admission Requirements for Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
5. Cambrian University
Cambrian University has three campuses and is widely known for its academic excellence. The university provides business and information technology programs, creative arts, engineering, health sciences, nursing, etc. The university has an acceptance rate of 70% and also accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university offers over 120 different undergraduate, graduate and professional-level programs. The university has a total of over 1600 international students.
Admission Requirements for Cambrian University
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
6. Okanagan College
The Okanagan College is a public post-secondary institution widely known in Canada. The university has 4 campuses and provides a platform for students to take part in various recreational and extracurricular activities. The university accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university offers over 80 full-time courses and nearly 900 part-time courses. The university has a total of over 1600 international students.
Admission Requirements for Okanagan College
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
7. Concordia University
Concordia University is a well-known public university in Canada. The University is one of Canada’s top-ranked universities, known widely for its quality education. The university has an acceptance rate of 58% and also accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university offers over 100 graduate and 300 undergraduate-level programs and has over 10,000 international students.
Admission Requirements for Concordia University
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
8. Seneca College
Seneca College is a public post-secondary institution widely known in Canada. The college is known for combining career/professional quality education with challenging academics to help students thrive intellectually. The university has an acceptance rate of 85% and accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university offers over 180 graduate and undergraduate-level programs and has over 7,500 international students.
Admission Requirements for Seneca College
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
9. Carleton University
Carleton University is one of Canada’s top universities, widely renowned across the world for its quality education. The university has an acceptance rate of 21% and also accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students are required to provide proof of their language proficiency prior to their admission. The university offers over 65 graduate and undergraduate-level programs and has over 4,000 international students.
Admission Requirements for Carleton University
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
10. Algoma University
Algoma University is another highly reputable Canadian University. The university has an acceptance rate of 42% and also accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university offers over 30 graduate and undergraduate-level programs and has over 2,000 students.
Admission Requirements for Algoma University
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
11. Brandon University
Brandon University is one of Canada’s finest and oldest regional public universities. The university has an acceptance rate of 48% and also accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students must provide proof of their language proficiency before admission. The university offers over 120 graduate and undergraduate-level programs and has over 400 international students.
Admission Requirements for Brandon University
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
12. The University of Guelph
The University of Guelph is also amongst Canada’s top elite public universities. The university has an acceptance rate of close to 80% and also accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students are required to provide proof of their language proficiency prior to their admission. The university offers over 100 graduate and undergraduate-level programs and has over 1,000 international students.
Admission Requirements for the University of Guelph
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
13. McGill University
McGill University is one of Canada’s finest and world-renowned universities. The university is widely known for its high teaching standards and advanced research facilities. The university has an acceptance rate of 46% and also accepts students who do not have IELTS results. However, students are required to provide proof of their language proficiency prior to their admission. The university offers over 74 graduate and 130 undergraduate-level programs and has over 10,000 international students.
Admission Requirements for McGill University
- A minimum aggregate of 70% in high school examinations.
- English proficiency test scores from the Pearson English Language Test (PTE), Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), Canadian English language Assessment (CAEL Assessment) and the Duolingo English Test.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose
- A valid passport
- A CV/ Resume (if required)
- School report form
- Letters of recommendation
- Auditions may be required for music and dance programs.
- Portfolios and proof of work for programs in art and architecture (if required).
Final Thoughts on Studying and Working in Canada Without IELTS
As said earlier in this article, choosing to study and work in Canada Without IELTS is doable. As seen above, some universities can allow you to study and work in Canada without IELTS. However, you have to research the university you are interested in. Certain universities don’t require language proficiency tests. This all depends on the program you want to study and if English is the primary language of your country of origin.
Frequently Asked Questions on Study and Work in Canada Without IELTS
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