Study in Canada Without IELTS (2024) – Universities in Canada

For international students aspiring to pursue studies in Canada without undergoing the IELTS examination, it is requisite to undertake an alternative examination while meeting specified terms and conditions. The option to seek admission to Canadian universities without the necessity of an IELTS score is viable, with over 20 esteemed institutions already facilitating admissions through alternative means.

Canadian universities employ diverse criteria to evaluate the English language proficiency of students. Several alternatives to the IELTS, such as the Duolingo English Test, have been introduced by these institutions. Moreover, many Canadian universities require proof of English Language Proficiency from preceding academic institutions. Notably, applicants from certain nationalities may be exempted from presenting IELTS scores.

Furthermore, some Canadian universities extend English Test exemptions to applicants whose University or Institute is listed in the WHED Portal. Below, you will find comprehensive details encompassing these alternatives, a compilation of Canadian Universities waiving the IELTS requirement, and a guide on securing admission without IELTS in Canada.

Here is a list of universities in Canada without IELTS:

  • The University of Alberta (Faculty wise vary)
  • University of Winnipeg
  • University of Saskatchewan
  • Cambrian College
  • Seneca College
  • Brock University
  • Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Okanagan College
  • University of Guelph
  • McGill University
  • Algoma University
  • Brandon University
  • Carleton University
  • University of Regina
  • Concordia University
  • University of Prince Edward Island

Process No. 1 to Study Without IELTS in Canada

  1. First: You have the option to provide proof of English Language Proficiency from your prior university, serving as an alternative to the IELTS. This documentation will confirm that the candidate has successfully completed their previous degree at an English Medium Institute.
  2. Second: If you originate from an English-speaking country, such as the UK, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada, or any other officially recognized English-speaking nation, there is no requirement for you to undergo the IELTS or any alternative language proficiency examination.

Process No. 2 (Use WHED Portal) 

  1. The World Higher Education Database (WHED) Portal serves as an extensive online repository offering authoritative insights into global higher education systems, credentials, and institutions.
  2. If your university instructs in English and is enlisted on the World Higher Education Database (WHED) Portal, you are exempt from the IELTS requirement.

This is due to the acknowledgment by Canadian immigration authorities that these universities uphold English language proficiency standards meeting their criteria.

Several Canadian universities grant an exemption from English testing if your previous university or institute is documented in the WHED Portal.

If you are seeking admission to a university not featured on the WHED Portal, it is advisable to confirm whether an IELTS examination is a prerequisite.

It is essential to verify the inclusion of Canadian universities on the WHED Portal to determine eligibility for IELTS exemption.

Highlighted below are a few Canadian universities featured on the WHED Portal, allowing you to apply without the need for IELTS, including:

  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of British Columbia
  • McMaster University
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Montreal
  • Queen’s University
  • University of Waterloo
  • Western University
  • University of Calgary

This list is not exhaustive, so it is always best to check with the admissions office of the university you are applying to.

You can Visit the WHED Portal website: https://www.whed.net/home.php

How to Find Your University in the WHED Portal

  • Go to: https://www.whed.net/home.php
  • Then you will see on the right side a search bar
  • Choose a country and/or enter a keyword
  • For example, You select your country “Pakistan”
  • Then you select your University: For example LUMS
  • It will list out LUMS. Open it. If the 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 is listed only as “𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡” then it’s your Lucky Day. It means students from LUMS University can apply to Canadian Universities without IELTS.

University of Winnipeg

  • Duolingo English Test – Minimum score 120
  • TOEFL iBT Test – A minimum score of 86 with no less than 20 in each section.
  • Cambridge Assessment English (CAE): C1 Advanced – Minimum score 180
  • Cambridge Assessment English (CAE): C2 Proficiency – Minimum score 180
  • Cambridge Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum score 60
  • CAEL CE – Minimum score 60
  • CAEL Online – Minimum score 70
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) – Minimum score 58
  • English Language Program (ELP) – Completion of Academic Level 5
  • ELP Part-time Evening Program – Minimum C+ in Academic Writing 1 and 2
  • Academic English Program from University and College Entrance (AEPUCE) – Successful Completion

University of Saskatchewan

  • TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based) – Overall score is 86 with minimum scores of 19 in each section
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced – Overall score is 176
  • Duolingo English Test (DET) – Overall score is 115 with minimum scores of 95 in each area
  • PTE Academic – Overall score of 63 with minimum scores of 59 in each area
  • CAEL – Minimum score is 70% with minimum individual scores of 60 or MELAB
  • University of Saskatchewan Language Centre Level 4 (graduate bridging) – Successful completion
  • University of Regina Intensive ESL Advanced Level (ESL 50) – Successful completion
  • General Certificate of Education of A/AS/AICE Level English
  • Completion of any one of the following:
  • GCSE/IGCSE/GCE O-Level English
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English A1 or A2 Higher Level
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English B Higher Level
  • Advanced Placement (AP) English

Cambrian College

  • TOEFL (Internet-based test) – 80 score for Diploma/Certificate; 84 score for Grad Certificate; 88 for Degrees.
  • TOEFL (Paper-based test) – 550 score for Diploma/Certificate; 570 score for Grad Certificate
  • PTE – 58 score for Diploma Certificate; 61 score for Grad Certificate; 58 for Degrees
  • Duolingo – Between 105 and 115 for Diploma/Certificate; above 120 score for Grad Certificate.

Seneca College

  • CAEL CE and CAEL Online – Minimum 60
  • Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE) – Minimum 169 with no skill below 162
  • PTE Academic – Minimum score is 58
  • TOEFL iBT (including MyBest TOEFL and Home Edition) – Minimum 80 with no section below 20
  • TOEFL Revised Paper Delivered – No skill below 20

Algoma University

  • CAEL – 60
  • Cambridge English Qualifications – Overall 176 with no band less than 169
  • Duolingo – Overall 110 (no individual band below 90)
  • TOEFL – 550 (paper-based) or 79 (Computer or Home Edition)
  • PTE – 60
  • ENG4U (OSSD) or ENGL12 (BC Curriculum): 3 years of full-time course with a minimum grade of 70%

In summary, don’t let IELTS become a barrier for you. Solutions exist, so take the time to explore, gather information, and discover the most suitable path forward.

Please Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *