Studying in Canada can be an amazing experience, but if you don’t have the time or money to go through IELTS, that experience may be out of reach. Fortunately, there are ways around this requirement!
This guide will show you how to study in Canada without IELTS and still receive your visa so you can start your new life.
Contents
Why You Should Consider Studying in Canada
Students who consider a study abroad program should definitely consider studying in Canada. The people are friendly, there are no language barriers, and it’s an affordable destination with world-class universities and colleges (and best of all, you don’t need to take any extra English tests).
All that being said, if you can’t pass your exam before you go, then maybe you shouldn’t go… right? It’s true that some Canadian institutions may require proof of English proficiency for admittance into programs such as medicine or law; however, others do not.
So what does a person without an IELTS score do? One option is a Canadian study visa. If possible, contact individual schools or universities directly and ask whether they have any limitations on international students.
Many Canadian universities have special student visa programs for international students. One example is Waterloo, which offers international student spaces without an IELTS requirement on top of a shorter wait time than its competitors.
Getting Into University without an IELTS Certificate
If you’re applying to school without an IELTS score, don’t fret—you still have plenty of options. Getting accepted into school without an official English language test is difficult, but there are things you can do to give yourself a better chance.
One option is simply applying with your current academic record and taking an English proficiency test (preferably TOEFL or CELS) once you’ve gotten accepted. Most schools will accept an equivalent exam like TOEFL or CELS instead of IELTS—and at least TOEFL allows for a phone-based test if you are overseas.
You can apply with your current academic record, but you will need to take a qualifying English proficiency test as soon as possible. Official English tests include TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and CELS (Canadian English Language Skills Test).
Your scores on these exams can help demonstrate your readiness to study at an accredited Canadian institution. Not all universities accept these exams, so it’s best to check with your university beforehand.
As well, keep in mind that some schools will not accept TOEFL or CELS if you scored below a certain threshold. If you did not meet that score, ask yourself if more studying is needed before attempting another exam; unless you are very close, it might be better to spend time improving your score rather than applying now.
If you’re unable to take an English exam, your chances of getting into a university without an IELTS score are much lower. Instead, you can contact a program directly and ask if they would accept a less commonly used test like CPE (Cambridge Proficiency Exam).
These exams tend to focus more on grammar than comprehension so they may not provide proof that you’re ready for university-level work, but if it’s your only option it might be worth trying.
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Test prep tips for Studying in Canada without IELTS.
Studying abroad is exciting but it’s also important to understand that different countries have different application processes. If you’re planning on studying abroad without IELTS, you should first learn about and research your destination country’s education system.
From there, you can begin gathering academic records and filling out any additional applications as necessary. Most countries require additional paperwork and many of them will only accept official academic records so make sure to check what documentation is required for your country before applying!
If you’re taking your own classes, you’ll want to start a few months early by building out a study plan for each course. It’s important that you come up with a plan ahead of time so that you can divide your learning into manageable chunks and track your progress.
You should also consider your goals. Do you want to earn a degree? Do you want to transfer credits into a four-year university? Is your goal simply to learn some new skills or expand your network? Thinking about these questions will help you figure out how much time and effort you should invest into studying abroad.
You’ll also want to start planning for accommodation, transportation, and other logistical needs. The last thing you want is to show up at a new school only to find that there’s nowhere for you to stay!
Be prepared for paperwork and you’ll have a much smoother time getting settled into your new life abroad.
List of Universities which accept TOEFL scores instead of IELTS
You may apply to any of these Universities if you don’t have a good score in IELTS.
This is a list of Canadian Universities which accept TOEFL scores for admission. There are about 50 universities listed below where you can apply without taking IELTS, please visit the official websites of these universities if you want to know more details:
- McGill University
- University of Toronto
- Queen’s University
- McMaster University and so on…
There are many other universities that accept TOEFL scores for admission, but if you want to apply for these universities then you should have an overall score of at least 83, please visit official websites if you want more details.
And what about colleges? The majority of colleges and institutes will require a minimum TOEFL score of 550 points (173 CBT/500 PBT) or 79 iBT. However, some schools might be able to offer conditional acceptance with a lower TOEFL score.
You can take IELTS from any location around the world. You can choose any one place where you feel comfortable taking your test.
Also, keep in mind that registration for IELTS is different than registration for TOEFL. Registration deadlines can differ by test center, and all students must register individually, rather than requesting a group testing session. You may also need to pay a test fee.
If you have any doubts or questions, please contact your official IELTS test center directly. You should make sure about some things before taking IELTS: First of all, check if your desired university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English proficiency.
The majority of universities accept IELTS scores, but some schools require other tests like PTE Academic or Cambridge ESOL (for UK universities).
Secondly, if you are not from an English-speaking country (or are not a native speaker), then it’s important to know what level of English language proficiency will be required by your university.
Now, let’s talk about how much does IELTS cost? In general, there are two types of fees for IELTS: examination fees and application fees. There is no fixed price for each type of fee; instead, prices vary depending on where you take your test.
List of universities which accepts PTE Academic scores
This is a list of universities and colleges in Canada that accept PTE Academic. As you can see, there are many Canadian institutions that will admit students who have achieved PTE Academic scores.
It’s best to check with each institution first before registering for your exams. If you are unsure about anything or you need further information about admissions requirements, just contact them directly. It’s a good idea to speak with an academic advisor if possible too!
Generally, you will want to apply at least a year before you intend on beginning your studies.
Also, keep in mind that registration for PTE Academic is limited, so make sure you sign up well before test day!
- Algonquin College (Ottawa)
- Assiniboine Community College (Brandon)
- BCIT (Vancouver)
- Camosun College (Victoria)
- Capilano University (North Vancouver)
- Carleton University (Ottawa)
- Centennial College (Toronto)
- Concordia University (Montreal)
- Conestoga College (Kitchener-Waterloo)
- Dalhousie University (Halifax)
- Douglas College (New Westminster)
- Durham College (Oshawa)
- Fanshawe College (London, Ontario)
- Fleming College (Peterborough, Ontario)
- George Brown College (Toronto)
- Georgian College (Barrie, Ontario)
- Humber College (Toronto)
- John Abbott College (Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec)
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University (Richmond, British Columbia)
- Lakehead University (Thunder Bay)
- Langara College (Vancouver)
- Laurentian University (Sudbury, Ontario)
- Loyalist College (Bath, Ontario)
- MacEwan University (Edmonton)
- McGill University (Montreal)
- McMaster University (Hamilton, Ontario)
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List of Canadian Universities which accept CaMLA scores
After CaMLA scores have been assessed by institutions, an acceptance notice will be sent to students via email and posted on their CaMLA profile. Most schools will accept scores from other standard English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, TOEIC, and ESOL.
Just as with CaMLA scores, students should check with individual universities for specific policies on these types of tests.
The following is a list of Canadian universities that accept CaMLA test results.
- University of British Columbia
- University of Calgary
- University of Guelph-Humber
- Concordia University
- Dalhousie University
- Ecole de Technologie Supeerieure (ETS)
- Ecole Nationale Administration Publique (ENAP)
- HEC Montreal Lakehead University
- Laurentian University
- McGill McMaster
- Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Mount Royal University
- Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
- Queen’s University
- Ryerson Polytechnic University (Ryerson)
- Saint Mary’s University
- Simon Fraser University (SFU)
- Trent University
- Universite de Montreal
- Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres
- Universite du Quebec en Outaouais
- Universite Laval
- University of Ottawa
- University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI)
Provinces with an alternative process
In Canada, you must show proficiency in English or French as a condition of study. The two most common ways of doing so are by taking one of two language tests: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF). The former is more commonly used and accepted by Canadian universities, colleges, and CEGEPs.
However, some institutions offer their own test. For example, Ontario has its own language proficiency assessment called OPI (Ontario Proficiency Interview), which assesses an applicant’s ability to understand and speak English. It is offered through designated private providers.
Quebec also has its own test for French-language applicants called TFO (Test de francization en ligne). But there are other options available if you want to study in Canada without IELTS or TEF.
You can take a Canadian Language Benchmark exam from a designated testing agency instead. There are three levels of these exams: CLB 4, CLB 5, and CLB 6. You can choose one that matches your level of proficiency in either English or French.
If you already have a valid Canadian education credential at the post-secondary levels—like a diploma from CEGEP—you can use it as proof of proficiency instead of taking an exam.
This might be possible even if your credentials aren’t completely in English or French; depending on how they’re formatted, they may count as equivalent to those given by a designated testing agency under provincial law.
If you don’t have any Canadian education credentials, you can apply for an exemption from language requirements based on other criteria such as age and work experience. You can also take one of several bridging programs offered by Canadian universities and colleges that will help prepare you for academic study in English or French.
What are the alternatives for studying in Canada without IELTS?
Most people who study abroad are familiar with TOEFL and GRE tests. However, not everyone has taken these standardized tests, and a large portion of them can’t afford to either. Luckily, there are other ways that you can study abroad in Canada.
13 Alternatives for Studying in Canada Without IELTS:
[1] OSSB Program – Ontario Student Opportunity Grant is one of several grants offered by The Government of Ontario that supports students pursuing post-secondary education. This grant provides up to $3,000 per year and can be used towards tuition fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for your program. You must be an Ontario resident attending school full time in order to qualify.
[2] OSAP – The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is another financial aid program offered by The Government of Ontario. It consists of loans and grants that are given out based on financial need. To qualify, you must have attended secondary school in Ontario for at least two years and be registered as a full-time student at an eligible institution.
[3] Federal Grants – There are many federal programs available to Canadian citizens who wish to study abroad. For example, there is a government loan called Canada Student Loans and Grants which allows you to borrow money to pay for college or university. They also offer grants that do not require repayment if you meet certain criteria such as being low income or having dependents. The amount of money you receive will depend on how much you are eligible for, but generally, it ranges from $500-$1500 per semester.
[4] University Scholarships – A great way to find scholarships specifically designed for international students is through universities themselves! Many schools offer scholarships with varying amounts and requirements. Some examples include; The UBC International Graduate Award ($5,000), Queen’s International Scholarship ($12,000), York University Entrance Scholarship ($10,000), etc.
[5] Private Scholarships – Another option is to apply for private scholarships through companies like Rotary International or other organizations such as UNESCO. These awards may come with different stipulations than public ones so make sure you read over any requirements before applying.
[6] Conferences & Events – Conferences and events are often hosted by colleges and universities around North America. Attending these events can help you connect with people in your field of study as well as others interested in studying abroad. In addition, some conferences will provide free tickets to attendees while others might ask participants to pay their own way.
[7] Social Media – If all else fails, consider using social media sites like Facebook or Twitter to reach out to people who might be able to help you fund your studies. You never know who you might reach out to and what kind of connections they could make for you.
[8] Working – Working part-time throughout your studies is a good way to fund your studies and save up some extra cash. However, in most cases, you won’t earn enough to cover everything unless you work very hard. In fact, only about 5% of working students in Canada earn enough to cover all of their expenses.
[9] Student Loans – Taking out a student loan is a great way to finance your studies. Just keep in mind that you’ll be in debt for quite some time after graduation, and interest rates vary depending on your province of residence.
[10] Family – Finally, don’t forget about family support! Talk to your parents or guardians about what you’re planning to do and see if they might be willing to pitch in a little bit of money. They might not have much to give but every little bit helps!
[11] Other Sources of Funding – If none of these options are available to you, there are still other ways to fund your studies abroad. For example, many schools offer scholarships for certain programs such as study abroad trips or research opportunities. You can also apply for awards through organizations like Rotary International or UNESCO that provide funding for international students looking to study abroad.
[12] Scholarships Offered by Canadian Universities – Some universities offer their own scholarship programs which could be worth applying for. The University of Toronto is one example; they have several different types of scholarships and awards on top of those offered by OSAP and other government agencies.
[13] Scholarships Offered by Foreign Universities – Many foreign universities will also award their own scholarships if you’re planning to attend school outside of Canada. This could be a great way to save money on tuition costs!
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Taking the Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)
If you want to study in Canada and are not a native English speaker, one of your biggest hurdles is probably getting accepted into a program. Many schools require applicants to take an approved English test like IELTS or TOEFL before they can be considered for admission.
But what if you don’t want to or can’t get those? The Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL) was designed as an alternative means of assessing English language proficiency for academic purposes and offers a real pathway toward studying in Canada.
In addition to being administered at more than 200 centers across Canada, CAEL is also available online at any time through our Online Examination Center (OEC). To ensure that it continues to meet international standards and benchmarks, CAEL undergoes regular reviews from external examiners.
There are two versions of CAEL: Academic (for university-level studies) and General Training (for training programs). Posted by Best Canadian Immigration Consultants in Vancouver, BC on Tuesday, May 2, 2017Posted by the best Canadian immigration consultants in Vancouver, BC on Monday, May 1, 2017.
Canada’s Work Permit has become more difficult than before. It is not good news for those who are waiting for the approval of their application. Every year more than 250,000 people apply for Canadian work permits.
But it has been seen that only 70% of them succeed and get the approval of their application. Those applicants who are rejected do not know what they have done wrong or what they need to do better next time.
So if you have applied for a Canadian work permit recently and still waiting for your application then here we will give you some tips which will help you increase your chances of getting approved. First thing first: You should know that there is no magic formula that will 100% guarantee success in your case.
There are many factors involved in the decision-making process and it depends upon officers how much weightage they will give to each factor.
If you want to make sure that your application is approved then follow these tips:
[1] Make sure that you have all documents required for applying for a Canada work permit yourself. If any document is missing from your file then the officer may reject your application just because of the lack of one document.
[2] Make sure that all documents submitted with your file are genuine and original copies. If you submit fake or duplicate documents then there is no chance of getting your application approved. So be careful while submitting your files. You should also know that officers do not accept photocopies or scanned copies of your documents, they need original hard copies only. They will return all photocopies and scanned copies back to you if they find them in your file so keep them safe before submitting them with your application.
[3] Make sure that you have submitted all documents at one time. If officers find that some of your documents are missing then they may ask for those documents later on which can cause a delay in the processing of your application. So submit all required documents with your file before sending it to the immigration office.
[4] Fill out forms correctly and completely so that there is no chance of rejection due to mistakes or incomplete information. You should also know that if any information provided by you is false or incorrect then there is no chance of getting approved so be careful while filling out forms and providing information in them.
Post-Study Work Permit and Finding a Job
You can apply for one of these with a valid study permit after you complete your degree (and you don’t need an IELTS score). Keep in mind that Post-Study Work Permits are only offered to international students who have completed their program on or after August 1, 2014.
This visa allows you to work full time for up to three years and get a permanent residency at any point during those three years. It also gives you access to open work permits so that if there’s a time when no jobs are available, you can continue working while looking for other opportunities.
A Post-Study Work Permit is not tied to a specific employer, so you can use it as an opportunity to explore different options—something we recommend doing before settling down in one place. With that said, it may be hard to find work outside of major cities like Toronto and Vancouver; even within them, competition is fierce among job seekers from all over the world.
In addition, you will likely want to be fluent in English or French by then since most employers will require it. If you’re interested in finding out more about how to study in Canada without IELTS, check out our list of Canadian universities that accept TOEFL scores instead of IELTS scores.
To learn more about post-study work permits and studying in Canada without an IELTS score.
How to Find a Job with a Post-Study Work Permit.
The Best Universities for International Students in Canada Without an IELTS Score Best Universities for International Students in Canada Without an IELTS Score (Part 2) Best Canadian Universities That Accept TOEFL Scores Instead of IELTS Scores The Best Canadian Colleges That Accept TOEFL Scores Instead of IELTS Scores Best Online Business Schools in Canada That Accept TOEFL Scores Instead of IELTS Scores Best Canadian Law Schools That Accept TOEFL or IELTS Instead of LSAT or GRE Scores Best MBA Programs in Canada for International Students Who Don’t Speak English as a First Language.
Conclusion
Studying in Canada is one of those dreams that come true for many people, even though it can be a difficult and expensive process. If you’re from a non-English speaking country, however, getting into university or college can be extremely difficult.
IELTS exam is required by most universities and colleges as part of their application process, but there are several ways around it if you’re willing to do some research.
The first step is finding out what kind of documentation your institution requires; if they accept other tests like TOEFL or PTE, then consider doing one of these instead.
That way, you can apply to study at a Canadian university with no worries about language requirements!
The key here is having a plan—if you know where you want to study and have an idea of how much tuition will cost, then start saving money early on so that you don’t get overwhelmed down the line. For example, if I wanted to study at the University of Toronto, tuition alone would be roughly $13 000 USD per year for international students—and that doesn’t include living expenses!