IELTS 5.5 Band Accepting Colleges in Canada (Updated 2025)

Canada has emerged as a dream study destination for students across the globe, owing to its elite universities with world-class infrastructure, global reputation, and optimal tuition fees. However, the English language proficiency test, IELTS, is a crucial criterion that determines the eligibility of a student to secure admission to a Canadian university. While a minimum qualification band of 6.0 in IELTS is required to be eligible for admission to most universities, intermediate degree programs are available in the 5.5 band colleges in Canada for students with a lower IELTS score. Despite the lower band, these colleges offer quality education and native English language instruction, making them an attractive option for students seeking to study in Canada.

Table of Contents:

• List of IELTS 5.5 Band Accepting Colleges in Canada
• Possibility of Admission in Canada with IELTS 5.5 Band Score
• IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges Section-Wise Cut-Off in Canada
• Important Documents for Application Process of IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges
• Minimum IELTS Band Requirement for Top Colleges in Canada
• Canadian Immigration Process
• Frequently Asked Questions

List of IELTS 5.5 Band Accepting Colleges in Canada

Canada is a land of abundant opportunity for education. Canada also has excellent healthcare and career prospects, making it a top destination for students looking to enhance their careers. The colleges and universities listed below offer a benchmark for excellence in education and also have set a minimum band score requirement for the IELTS English proficiency test.

List of IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada

• Charles Sturt University
• University of Alberta
• Brock University
• St. Clair College for Applied Arts and Technology
• Niagara College Canada, Welland Campus
• Canadore College
• Camosun College
• Lethbridge College
• Algonquin College
• Royal Roads University
• Concordia University
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Capilano University
• Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology
• University of Winnipeg

Possibility of Admission in Canada with IELTS 5.5 Band Score

Yes, candidates with 5.5 bands can apply for admission to universities and colleges in Canada given you fulfill the following conditions:

• Take CanTEST

CanTEST is a standardized English language proficiency test for candidates who wish to study in universities and colleges in Canada. The test is accepted by many 5.5 band colleges across the country, making it a viable option for international students. They can take this test once they arrive at the college.

• English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

ESL (English as a Second Language) is a secondary program offered by St. Clair College to help non-native English speakers improve their language proficiency and succeed in their academic programs. Those who could not pass the CanTEST can register for this program.

• Submit MOI to the University

Students can prove their English language proficiency by submitting certain documents and  certificates issued by the institution they studied in before. The documents must state that English was the Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) for the course you studied. Check with the university before you apply if they accept an MOI certificate.

IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges Section-Wise Cut-Off in Canada

The table below contains the minimum section-wise scores and overall scores required for getting admission to colleges in Canada.

Universities	Total IELTS Score	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking
Athabasca University	6.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
Brock University	6.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
Camosun College	6.0	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
Champion College	6.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
Charles Sturt University	6.0	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
Huron University College	6.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
Lethbridge College	6.0	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
MacEwan University	6.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
St. Clair College of Applied Arts  and Technology	6.0	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
The University of Alberta	6.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5

Important Documents for Application Process of IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges

• Application Form
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
• Statement of purpose
• School certificates and college mark sheets/transcripts
• Health Insurance
• Proof of bank statements
• Valid Passport or Permanent Resident Card
• Proof of bank statement
• IELTS Score proof
• Letter of recommendation
• Other documents for ID proof and age proof

Minimum IELTS Band Requirement for Top Colleges in Canada

If you want to apply for a study visa to Canada, you will need a minimum IELTS band score of 5.5 in each of the four sections and an overall score of at least 6.0 for undergraduate and diploma courses. Top Canadian colleges and universities usually require an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6 in all four sections for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Diploma courses, while some technical courses may require a higher band score of 7.0.

• The requirements are different for graduate courses, with a minimum of 6.0 in each band and an overall score of 6.5 or higher.
• For engineering, teaching, and education courses, the minimum IELTS band score is 7.0 in each band.

University of Toronto, Ontario

• IELTS band requirement for undergraduate programs: overall band at least 6.5 and at least 6.0 in each section.
• For Law courses: Overall band of 7.0 and at least 6.5 in each section.
• Overall 6.5 bands and at least 6.0 in each section for postgraduate and doctoral programs.

For more details, check the University of Toronto official website.

Canadore College, Ontario

• Overall 5.5 band and 5.0 in each section for certificate and diploma courses.
• Overall 6 bands and 5.5 in each section for aviation and graduate certificate courses.
• Overall 6.5 and 6 in each section for healthcare courses.

For more details, check the Canadore College official website.

University of British Columbia, BC

• Ranks 38th in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Minimum band of 6.5 required for undergraduate courses.
• Minimum score of 7 is required for postgraduate courses.

For more details, check the University of British Columbia official website.

McGill University, Quebec

• Ranks 29th position among the top universities in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 required for admission to undergraduate or postgraduate courses.
• M.Sc. Computer Science course requires a minimum band score of 7.5.

For more details, check the McGill University official website.

McMaster University, Ontario

• McMaster University ranks 176 globally according to QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Undergraduate and postgraduate courses require a minimum 6.5 band score.
• MBA, M.A. in Economics, and M.Sc. Computer Science courses require a minimum IELTS score of 7.

For more details, check the McMaster University official website.

Canada Immigration Process

Canada is a top destination for education, with its welcoming attitude and diverse population. Immigration and Citizenship Canada offers study permits for international students. Indian students can apply for a study permit through the regular study permit application procedure or through the Student Direct Stream. The application process through the Student Direct Stream has a faster visa processing time. The study permit application fee for Canada is $CAN 150 (~INR 9,000).

Conclusion

The IELTS exam is significant in pursuing higher education in Canada, and it is essential to meet the eligibility criteria to gain admission to Canadian universities. Canada has become a popular destination for international students due to the opportunities available for immigration and the high quality of life and career prospects. However, for students with language challenges and difficulty in finding colleges that accept low band scores, the process can be stressful. Those students can look to get admission to the 5.5 band colleges in Canada discussed in this blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which college is best for 5.5 band in Canada?

St. Clair College for Applied Arts and Technology, Niagara College Canada, and Brock University are good colleges for students who have scored 5.5 bands on the IELTS test.

2. Is 5.5 IELTS accepted in college in Canada?

Yes, several colleges in Canada accept a band score of 5.5 in IELTS. A minimum overall score of 6.0 is also required for getting accepted into Canadian colleges.

3. Does Canada accept 5.5 band in one module?

If you want to get a study permit in Canada, you should have scored at least 5.5 in each module in the IELTS test.

4. Is 5.5 a good score in IELTS?

As per the IELTS official website, a candidate who scores 5.5 in IELTS is a modest user. They have partial command over the language and understand the overall meaning in most situations, but are likely to make mistakes. They can handle basic communication in their own field.

5. How is the IELTS score calculated?

The IELTS test is scored from 1 to 9 for each section – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The average score of all sections is your overall band score.