IELTS Score for Canada: Minimum IELTS Requirement for Canada 2025

27 September, 2024

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Immigration to Canada

Overview

If you are an Indian student who wants to study in Canada, then you must have an IELTS score for Canada. The IELTS exam helps the examiner assess your English ability to read, write, speak and listen on a scale of 0 to 9.

However, knowing that every Canadian university has a different IELTS score requirement is essential. Hence, conducting thorough research and understanding the cause behind the diverse IELTS scores for Canada requirements is vital so that you can prepare yourself accordingly.

In this blog, we have covered the minimum IELTS requirement for Canada, reasons to study in Canada, IELTS score for Canada and much more.

Reasons to Study in Canada

Indian students looking for a top-notch education are increasingly choosing Canada as 8 Canadian universities are listed in the World University Rankings 2025 among the top 200 worldwide.

For instance, the top three universities in Canada are McGill University, University of British Columbia, and University of Toronto, which are ranked 29, 38, and 25, respectively. Let's look into the benefits of continuing your education in Canada:

  1. Great Career Opportunities: The job market in Canada is rich and varied, with many chances for students. Employers highly value graduates with Canadian degrees and professional experience. 

  2. Amazing Academic Standards: Enrolling in courses in Canada can help you acquire essential skills and learn from knowledgeable instructors. The world acknowledges Canadian universities for their excellent facilities. Canada ranks third among countries around the globe in terms of people wishing to pursue higher education.

 

  1. Networking Possibilities: Enrolling in academic programs in Canada offers an opportunity to cultivate a robust professional network. Universities frequently organise a variety of networking activities and have strong alumni networks. It offers a venue for developing a robust network of relationships.

 

  1. Post-Graduation Work Permit: With this visa, foreign students can work in Canada for as long as their study program lasts, up to three years after graduation. The PGWP offers essential job experience and the possibility of permanent residency. 

 

  1. Quality of Life: The nation provides good healthcare, a safe and friendly atmosphere, and a good standard of living. In Canada, it's simple to keep up a healthy lifestyle while studying. Canada is ranked second among the world's most significant nations in terms of life quality by U.S. News & World Report 2025.

 

  1. Inexpensive Education: Studying in Canada can be affordable. Canada has lower tuition costs than other English-speaking nations like Australia, the UK, and the US. Additionally, many colleges provide work placements, internships, and scholarships to aid with the cost of study.

IELTS score for Canada

Postgraduate programs require an IELTS score of up to 6.5 overall and 6.0 in every module, whereas undergraduate programs typically require a minimum of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each subject. These are starting points; more significant thresholds may apply to particular programs and institutions. As a result, students should conduct extensive research to maximise their chances of receiving scholarships and admission.

Look at the table below to learn more about the IELTS score in each section.

Level Reading Writing Listening Speaking

10

8.0

7.5

8.5

7.5

9

7.0

7.0

8.0

7.0

8

6.5

6.5

7.5

6.5

7

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5

5.5

5.0

5.0

5.0

4

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

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IELTS Requirements for a Canadian Study Visa

IELTS is a standardised test designed to evaluate non-native English speakers' proficiency in the language. Since English is Canada's primary language of instruction, assessing students' writing, reading, speaking, and listening skills is critical. The IELTS band requirement for a Canadian student visa has a few requirements.

  • Several prerequisites related to the IELTS band are required for a student visa to Canada.

  • Student visas for Canada Canadian Language Benchmarks determine the IELTS band requirement (CLB).

  • CLB is divided into nine levels, with a different set of scores assigned to each IELTS section.

  • For undergraduate programs, an IELTS score of 6 overall and a band of 5.5 in each section are normally required.

  • A minimum band score of 6 in each area and an aggregate score of 6.5 or higher are required for postgraduate programs.

  • Results from the IELTS show proficiency in line with CLB requirements, which affects eligibility for graduate and undergraduate programs in Canada.

 

The table below shows the IELTS requirements for student visas to study in Canada.

Level of Study IELTS Score Requirement

Undergraduate

IELTS: 6.5 (with no bands less than6.0)

Postgraduate

IELTS: 7.0 (with no bands less than 6.5 in each section)

Minimum IELTS Requirement for Canada

Students should have a minimum IELTS score of 6 to guarantee a spot at a Canadian university. International students must receive at least 5.5 IELTS scores in every of the IELTS bands to qualify for a study permit or visa to Canada. The minimum IELTS band required for undergraduate and graduate degrees at Canadian universities varies. Undergraduate admissions usually demand a minimum band score of 5.5 in every one of the four portions: writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The score of each component is critical in assessing competency in these vital areas.

The total score for the undergraduate courses would be approximately 6.0. International students must meet higher scores and band criteria for the post-graduation courses. To pass the IELTS, students must receive a 6 in each area, with a total score over 6.5. You must meet the minimum eligibility and IELTS band requirements to obtain a student visa. International students can satisfy the IELTS band criteria for 2024 to obtain a Canada student visa by using the band score requirements listed below. Along with the IELTS band score, students must also fulfil all other conditions.

Level Reading Writing Listening Speaking

10

8.0

7.5

8.5

7.5

9

7.0

7.0

8.0

7.0

8

6.5

6.5

7.5

6.5

7

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5

5.5

5.0

5.0

5.0

4

4.0

4.0

4.0

4.0

IELTS minimum requirement for Canadian Universities

Getting a strong IELTS (English language proficiency test) score to study in Canada is very important. Canada's colleges and universities have stringent IELTS eligibility requirements. International applicants are also admitted to Canadian universities according to their IELTS results and entrance requirements. Fulfilling the IELTS Band score requirements is crucial to being eligible for Canadian scholarship programs and studying in Canada.

The table below shows the IELTS band requirements for the top 10 universities of Canada:

University QS World University Ranking 2025 Minimum IELTS score requirement

The University of Toronto 

25

6.5 (with no bandscore less than 6.0 in each section)

McGill University 

29

6.5 (with no bandscore less than 6.0 in each section)

University of British Columbia 

81

6.5 (with no bandscore less than 6.0 in each section)

University of Montreal

159

Not specified 

University of Alberta 

96

6.5 (with no bandscore less than 6.0 in each section)

McMaster University 

176

6.5 (with no bandscore less than 6.0 in each section)

University of Waterloo 

115

7.0 (with no less than 6.0 in each section)

Western University 

120

6.5 (with no bandscore less than 6.0 in each section)

University of Ottawa 

189

6.5 (with 6.5 bands in Writing)

University of Calgary 

198

8.0 (with no band less than 7.0 in each section

Conclusion

To conclude, a high IELTS score is essential to pursuing higher education in Canada. One must also exhibit great communication and correspondence abilities to be admitted to Canadian educational institutions and to receive a student visa. 

 

We hope you liked reading the blog. However, if you would like to know more or want to prepare for IELTS, you can contact our counselors and expert tutors at Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) for further guidance if you want to prepare for the IELTS exam. Our team of education experts are dedicated to providing you with the best guidance in the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.

FAQs

Enhancing your language proficiency is essential to perform well on the IELTS, particularly in speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Use natural IELTS practice resources to get accustomed to the structure and pace of the test. You should also become well-versed in the test requirements and pick up practical time management and question-answering techniques. Finally, maintain your composure and confidence to achieve your best in the test.

Depending on the immigration program, different IELTS scores are needed for entry into Canada. A higher score is advantageous when using the Express Entry process. Generally, having a CLB score of 7 or above for each language skill is better.

With an overall band score of 6.0, applying for a student visa to Canada is simple.

A minimum of 6.0 bands in each module and a total band score of 6 are needed to obtain a Canadian student visa. Students who receive a band score of 5.5 in one or more modules may also be qualified to study in Canada on a student visa, but they must have an overall IELTS band score of 6.0.

To be qualified to apply for a Canada student visa, one needs to have an overall band score of 6.0 and a band score of 6.0 in each module. There are different IELTS criteria for obtaining a Canadian student visa for undergraduate and graduate programs.

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