Know the IELTS band requirement for Canada student visa

Thinking of starting your career in Canada? Want to know about the Canada student visa requirements 2023? Let me help you. 
 
Do you know Canada ranks as one of the best countries for higher education in the world in 2023? You’ve made a great choice by choosing Canada to study. If you’re wondering why you need IELTS for Canada student visa, let me explain. To get the Student Visa in Canada, you need to establish your English ability. With over 3 million tests taken each year, IELTS is one of the world’s most popular English language tests. 
 
IELTS is conducted to test the language ability of people whose primary language is not English. Do you know who conducts the IELTS exam? The British Council and IDP India conduct IELTS tests at several locations across the country. I know you've got a lot of questions regarding the Canada student visa requirements 2023, don’t worry I’ll get everything covered. In this blog, I’ll help you to understand the IELTS band requirement for student visa in Canada. 
 
Before that, there are two major types of IELTS that you need to look into: IELTS Academic, IELTS General. If you want to study UG or PG courses in an English-speaking country, opt for IELTS Academic. If you are someone who wants to apply for secondary education, work, or immigration, then opt for IELTS General.
 
Well, now let's jump into the Canada student visa requirements 2022 and Canada student visa IELTS band requirements 2023.

Table of Content

• What is the Minimum IELTS Band Requirement for Canada study visa?
• Canada Student Visa Ielts Band Requirement
• International Student life in Canada
• CLB and IELTS Bands
• Minimum IELTS Score for Canada PR 2021
• Why do you need to take IELTS for Canada study visa?
• Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities
• IELTS Band Requirements for top 20 Canadian Universities
• List of Universities/Colleges in Canada Accepting IELTS 6.5
• List of Universities/Colleges in Canada Accepting IELTS 6.0
• Universities/Colleges in Canada that Accepts IELTS 5.5
• List of Universities to study in Canada without IELTS
• How to prepare for IELTS to study in Canada?
• Canada Study Visa Requirements
• Work Permit in Canada for Students
• IELTS retake / Resit Band & Study Visa
• IELTS Band Requirement for Graduate Courses
• IELTS Band Requirement for Undergraduate Courses
• IELTS Band Requirement for Diploma Courses
• IELTS Band Requirement for Canada Student Visa After 12th
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum IELTS band requirement for Canada study visa?

The minimum IELTS band requirement for Canada student visa is 6.0 overall and 5.5 in each. For post-graduate courses, the minimum criteria for Canada student visa IELTS band requirements 2023 is at least 6.0 in each of the 4 modules and with an overall score of 6.5.

Canada student visa IELTS band requirement 

If you want to study in Canada and showcase your language ability, a good IELTS exam score is required. To establish your English language capability and be eligible you need to meet the minimum criteria of Canada student visa IELTS band requirements 2023. Even if you fail to meet the minimum criteria by 0.5, you’ll get denied. Meanwhile, getting a higher IELTS band score will also help you to get a higher Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score. And hence, it will have a huge impact on your Express Entry profile. Don’t know what the CLB score is, keep reading.

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL	IELTS BAND SCORE REQUIREMENT
Diploma Courses	Minimum - Overall 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
Bachelor Courses	Minimum - Overall 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
Post-Graduate/Master Courses	Minimum - Overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0

International student life in Canada

Canada is renowned for its high quality of education. Over 130,000 international students choose to study at Canadian universities, year by year. When it comes to quality of education, and living, Canada is much affordable when compared to the US and UK. Many Canadian universities have got a place in the top 200 rankings of the best universities across the globe. The Economic Intelligence Unit predicted that Canada will be ranked as the 3rd best country among G7 for doing business from 2018 to 2022. It clearly shows that you’ve great job opportunities as an international student. Right from the quality of education, the standard of living to job opportunities, affordability, Canada is no wonder a great place to take up your career and to immigrate. 

CLB and IELTS band

Canadian Language Benchmarks is a level that the Canadian Government used to measure your English proficiency. They measure CLB on a scale of 1 to 12 points. You don’t need to take any separate tests, instead, you can provide your IELTS score equivalent to CLB. Let’s take a look at the IELTS band scores and CLB levels from the table:

CLB LEVEL	IELTS READING	IELTS LISTENING	IELTS SPEAKING	IELTS WRITING
1	1.0	1.0	1.0	1.0
2	1.5	2.0	2.0	2.0
3	2.5	3.0	3.0	3.0
4	3.5	4.0	4.0	4.0
5	4.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
6	5.0	5.5	5.5	5.5
7	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0
8	6.5	6.5	6.5	6.5
9	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
10	8.0	7.5	7.5	7.5
11	8.5	8.0	8.0	8.0
12	9.0	9.0	9.0	9.0

Minimum IELTS score for Canada PR 2023

If you want to apply for the permanent residency (PR) through Express Entry you need to meet the minimum requirements. Express Entry is an immigration program for the people like you who are looking to settle in Canada. Well, I know you’re thinking about how much IELTS score required for Canada PR. And, what is the minimum ielts score required for canada immigration The minimum IELTS score for Canada PR 2023 is 6.0 for each section of the IELTS while the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) needs to be 7.

Why do you need to take IELTS for Canada study visa?

As discussed earlier, to study in Canada you need to establish your English proficiency. The IELTS exam has become the world’s most popular English proficiency test with over 3 million tests taken. Other popular English language proficiency tests include TOEFL and PTE. Not only in Canada but more than 9000 organizations, universities, employers, immigration authorities worldwide recognize the IELTS exam. As you see IELTS is gaining popularity, many students prefer to take the IELTS test for the Canadian study visa. Hence, top Canadian universities, colleges, and institutions require the IELTS exam score. 

• As a non-English speaking country resident, to prove your English ability to study in Canada you need to take the most popular exam like the IELTS.
• Not only for study, if you want to work or immigrate to Canada, IELTS exam score is applicable.
• IELTS General Training is accepted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• IELTS Academic becoming the first choice by most Canadian colleges, universities, and institutes.
• With an IELTS score, you can establish your English proficiency for the Express Entry program.

Minimum IELTS score for Canadian universities

If you’re aspiring to get admission to Canadian universities, then you need to look into this. Many Canadian universities have their own requirements for students to qualify admissions. One such requirement is the IELTS exam score, these scores vary depending on the universities you’re aiming for. Let’s take a look at the minimum IELTS score for Canadian universities:

• If you want to apply for a Canada study visa for an undergraduate course, you need to score a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 and 5.5 for each.
• When it comes to applying for a Canada student visa for the graduate course, you need to score a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 and 6 in each.

IELTS band requirements for top 20 Canadian universities 

If you’re wondering what IELTS score your top preference universities ask for, we’ll help you. Here we’ve listed the 20 Top Ranking Universities of Canada as per The Times Higher Education World Rankings and their IELTS scores.

Canada Rank 2022	World University Rank 2022	Canadian University	IELTS Overall	IELTS Writing	IELTS Reading	IELTS Listening	IELTS Speaking
1	18	University of Toronto	6.5	6	6	6	6
2	37	University of British Columbia	6.5	6	6	6	6
3	44	McGill University	6.5	6	6	6	6
4	80	McMaster University	6.5	6	6	6	6
5	88	University of Montrea	*(note)	*	*	*	*
6	125	University of Alberta	6.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5
7	162	University of Ottawa	6.5	6.5	-	-	-
8	201-250	University of Calgary	6.5	-	-	-	-
8	201-250	Simon Fraser University	6.5	-	-	-	-
8	201-250	University of Waterloo	6.5	6.5	6	6	6.5
8	201-250	Western University	6.5	6	6	6	6
12	251-300	Dalhousie University	6.5	-	-	-	-
12	251-300	Université Laval	*(note)	*	*	*	*
12	251-300	Queen’s University	6.5	6	6	6	6
15	301-350	University of Manitoba	6.5	-	-	-	-
15	301-350	University of Victoria	6.5	6	6	6	6
17	401-500	York University	6.5	-	-	-	-
18	501-600	University of Guelph	6.5	6	6	6	6
18	501-600	University of Saskatchewan	6.5	-	-	-	-
20	601-800	Carleton University	6.5	-	-	-	-

Note - * This university's language of instruction is French.

List of universities/colleges in Canada accepting IELTS 6.5

Here comes the list of universities and colleges in Canada that accepts the IELTS 6.5 band score:

Note: Listing is in no particular order.

1. Acadia University - 6 in each
2. Brandon University
3. Cape Breton University - 6 in each
4. Capilano University - 6 in each
5. Carleton University - 6 in each
6. Grant MacEwan University - 5.5 in each
7. McGill University
8. McMaster University - 6 in each
9. Memorial University - 6 in each
10. Mount Allison University - 6 in each
11. Mount Royal University - 5.5 in each
12. Ontario College of Art and Design
13. Simon Fraser University - 6 in each
14. St. Francis Xavier University - 6 in each
15. St. Mary’s University - 6 in each
16. St. Thomas University
17. Thompson Rivers University - 6 in each
18. Trent University - 6 in each
19. University of Alberta - 6 in each
20. University of British Columbia - 6 in each
21. University of Guelph - 6 in each
22. University of Manitoba
23. University of New Brunswick
24. University of Northern British Columbia - 6 in each
25. University of Saskatchewan
26. University of the Fraser Valley - 6 in each
27. University of Victoria - 6 in each
28. University of Windsor
29. University of Winnipeg
30. Wilfrid Laurier University - 6 in each 
31. York University
32. Lakehead University - 6 in each
33. Laurentian University of Sudbury
34. University of Ottawa
35. Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology - 5 in each
36. Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology
37. University of Sudbury
38. University of Trinity College - 6 in each
39. University of St. Michael’s College
40. University of Ontario Institute of Technology - 6 in each
41. The King’s University College - 6 in each
42. St.thomas More College
43. Saint Mary’s University - 6 in each
44. Redeemer University College
45. NSCAD University - 6 in each
46. Mount Saint Vincent University - 6 in each
47. MacEwan University - 5.5 in each
48. Laurentian University - 6 in each
49. King’s University College at The University of Western Ontario - 6 in each
50. Huron University College - 6 in each
51. Canadian Mennonite University
52. Brescia University College - 6 in each
53. Bishop’s University
54. University of Prince Edward Island - 6 in each
55. Cadia University - 6 in each
56. Kwantlen Polytechnic University - 6 in each
57. Charles Sturt University - 6 in each
58. University Canada West - 6 in each
59. Nipissing University - 6.5 in each
60. Saint Mary’s University - 6 in each
61. Vancouver Island University - 6 in each
62. University of Lethbridge - 6 in each
63. Algonquin College - 6 in each
64. Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology - 6 in each

List of universities/colleges in Canada accepting IELTS score of 6.0

Check out the list of universities/colleges in Canada accepting IELTS score of 6.0:

1. University of Regina - 5 in each
2. Concordia University - 5.5 in each
3. OCAD University
4. Fairleigh Dickinson University 
5. HEC Montreal
6. Fleming College
7. Athabasca University
8. Luther College
9. Camosun College
10. Canadian National Institute of Health
11. College of New Caledonia
12. Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology
13. Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology
14. Niagara College
15. Oxford College
16. The Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Community Sciences
17. Northern College
18. Lambton College
19. Lethbridge College
20. Canadore College
21. St. Claire College
22. George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology - 5.5 in each

Universities/colleges in Canada that accepts IELTS 5.5

If you’ve gained an IELTS overall band score of 5.5 and want to get a Canada student visa, then you need to know that the minimum IELTS requirement for undergraduate courses is 6.0 and for graduate courses it’s 6.5. However, if you’re in search of a 5.5 IELTS score in each module, then you’ve to look at the list given above.

Still, if you’re wondering, can I study in Canada with overall 5.5 band in the IELTS test, then these 2 universities come to rescue:

1. Royal Roads University
2. Victoria University - 5 in each

List of universities to study in Canada without IELTS

If you want to prove your English language proficiency and want to study in Canada without IELTS, you need to check this list. However, the below-mentioned universities require IELTS scores but not mandatory. Check out the list of universities you can choose to study in Canada without IELTS:

1. University of Regina
2. Memorial University
3. Concordia University
4. University of Saskatchewan
5. Brock University
6. Carleton University
7. University of Winnipeg
8. Cambrian College
9. Okanagan College
10. Seneca College

How to prepare for IELTS to study in Canada?

When it comes to preparation for the IELTS exam, you first need to be aware of the IELTS syllabus, time constraints, and you need to Practice! Practice! I know how tedious it would be when you start practicing on your own. It was quite frustrating not knowing where to start, and how to plan. But don’t worry, I’ll help you. What if I say you can get an 8+ band score in the IELTS exam? Yes, you can with the guidance of 7+ years of experience trainers at Kanan International. With the right guidance, feedback, and clarification of doubts, you can achieve your desired band score with the help of experts at Kanan International.

Get admissions in the top universities in Canada by clearing IELTS test.

Apart from IELTS other Canada study visa requirements

The required documents to apply for Canada Study Visa are:

• Proof of Acceptance - Acceptance letter from the designated learning institution where you’re going to study
• Identity Proof - Valid passport or travel document and 2 recent passport photos
• Financial Proof - Documents such as Canadian bank account, student or education loan or any
• Letter of explanation / Statement of Purpose - A letter stating why you need to study in Canada and understanding of your responsibilities as a student.
• Immigration Medical Examination - Undergo an Immigration Medical Exam to apply for permanent residency
• Police certificate - Proof of having no criminal record
• English Language Proficiency - You can provide your IELTS exam score
• Other Documents if required

Work permit in Canada for students 

If you plan to work in Canada after your graduation, you need to apply for a work permit under the Post Graduate Work Permit Program. The work permit is based on the duration of your course. The maximum duration of the Post Graduation work permit will be 3 years, but for that you need to take at least a course for 2 years. The minimum duration will be 8 months. Also, to apply for the Post Graduation Work Permit Program you need to be graduated from the institution and submit your degree certificate.

IELTS retake/resit bands & study visa

If you haven’t got the desired band score in the IELTS test, don’t worry, you can retake the IELTS exam as many times as you need. However, you need to be aware that you’ve to pay each time to appear for the IELTS exam. I recommend you to find the reason behind the low band score which helps you to improve further and reduces retaking IELTS. Also, you can get expert guidance from the Kanan International IELTS trainers. If you’re wondering whether retaking IELTS will affect your Canada study visa, then I’ll say it won’t, even in the universities or colleges.

IELTS band requirements for graduate courses

If you want to pursue your graduate courses such as a Master’s/PHD degree in Canada, you need to meet the Canada student visa requirements 2023. One such requirement is to establish your English Language capability. To do that, the IELTS test is the best choice. However, it’s not only about clearing the IELTS exam, it’s about meeting the IELTS band requirements. For that, you need to achieve the minimum overall score of 6.5 and in each section you need to score 6.0.

IELTS band requirements for undergraduate courses

If you need to do undergraduate courses in Canada, you first need to be aware of the degree programs. There are two-degree programs mainly you need to look into: Associate degree, and Bachelor’s degree. An associate program takes 1 to 2 years to complete, however you can convert it as a bachelor's degree if your institution allows it. While a bachelor's degree takes 3 to 4 years to complete. Let’s take a look at the IELTS band requirements for undergraduate courses. For an undergraduate course, you need to get a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 and 5.5 for each.

IELTS band requirements for diploma courses

If you want to study in Canada and are interested in taking up the short-term course, then diploma courses are the best choice. I know you’re thinking about, ‘Is it worth pursuing a diploma in Canada?’ Many institutions in Canada offer internships for students to scale up your career further. Also, if you enrolled in a Canadian diploma program, you become eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). When it comes to IELTS band requirements for diploma courses, you need to get a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 and 5.5 for each.

IELTS band requirement for Canada student visa after 12th

If you wish to study in Canada after 12th you can either go with diploma courses, certificate courses, associate degree or bachelor’s degree, and also management studies. To apply for a Canada student visa you need to meet the eligibility criteria. One of the key requirements is your language ability and for that, you need to take the IELTS test. The minimum IELTS band requirement for Canada student visa after 12th is 5.5 in each section (listening, reading, writing, speaking) and the overall score is 6.0. And, the minimum IELTS band requirement for Canada student visa after 12th for undergraduate/diploma/certificate courses are the same as stated above.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. How long is my IELTS score valid?

The validity period for IELTS Academic or General is about 2 years from the day of your last IELTS exam.

2. Which IELTS test is required to study in Canada?

The IELTS Academic test is for people who want to enter for educational purposes and on the other hand, IELTS General is for people who want to study secondary education, work or immigrate.

3. Which exam is required to study undergraduate courses in Canada?

To study undergraduate/diploma/graduate degree in Canada, IELTS is the right choice to prove your English proficiency. IELTS is one of the most popular English language tests having a record of 3 million test-takers each year.

4. How much will it cost to get Canada study visa?

The cost to apply for a Canada study visa is CAD 15. The Canada student visa in Indian rupees is nearly 9,035.

5. Can I apply for a bachelor's in Canada if I already have the degree?

Yes, you can. However, you need to give a proper justification at the time of your visa interview.

6. Can I apply for Canada student visa if I have a education/study gap?

Yes. However, it depends on the universities or colleges you want to study at, also you need to give acceptable reasons for the study gap.

7. What is the minimum academic percentage required to study in Canada?

The minimum academic percentage required to study in Canada is 65% for a bachelor's degree. For diploma courses, the minimum academic percentage required to study in Canada is 60%. However, it also depends on the courses and the institutions.

8. Can I get Canada student visa after rejection?

Yes, you can. After the refusal of a Canada Student visa, you need to re-apply. Ensure that you’ve got the required documents to apply for a Canada study visa.

9. Can I work while studying in Canada?

You are eligible to work in Canada while studying only if your study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off-campus.

10. Do I need to get new/change study permit if change school/program?

If you want to change your school, program, or field of study, you can without applying for a new study permit. However, you need to notify IRCC about the change of your DLI using your account.

11. Can I get a refund if my student visa got rejected?

In most cases they won’t refund your application fees, however you’ll get a refund in some exceptional cases. 

12. How to apply for student visa in Canada?

You can apply for a Canadian study permit online. Make sure you’ve the required documents before you start applying.

13. What is Canada study permit?

A study permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to study in Canada at designated learning institutions. 

14. How long does it take to get a Canada student visa?

The processing time for your Canadian study permit may take up to seven weeks. Also, you can use the Student Direct Stream to get the study permit faster.