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Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Canada requires international students to prove their English proficiency for admission, work, and immigration purposes. Popular English tests accepted in Canada include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo. Each of these tests assesses key language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—and are valid for up to 2 years. While IELTS and TOEFL are already widely recognized, CELPIP is preferred for immigration, PTE and DET are gaining popularity among students seeking admission to the universities in Canada.
Universities in Canada have specific score requirements for each test, often varying by course and level of study. Top institutions like the University of Toronto require a minimum of 7.0 in IELTS for UG admission. However, there are moderately and lightly selective universities requiring an IELTS score of 6.0 or below. Students should review individual program requirements before selecting a test to ensure their scores meet admission criteria. As a lot of courses in Canada, especially the UG programs require French language proficiency, you must properly check all the eligibility criteria before applying.
English Exam in Canada
The IRCC has no preferred test. Candidates can take English exam for Canada whatever test is more convenient for them; all tests are equally considered. To be valid, the results of any language test must be from within the last two years (24 months). Each of the four language skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—gets a score on the IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP, PTE, and TEF tests.
IELTS for Canada
IELTS is one of the most widely accepted English language tests for studying in Canada. Most colleges accept either the IELTS Academic test or online version of IELTS. Also, most universities, including McGill University, do not accept IELTS Indicator test scores. Candidates seeking an IELTS student visa must have a minimum overall score of 6.0 in IELTS, while most institutes require a score of 6.5. An average IELTS score of 6.5 is required for graduate-level courses at top Canadian universities.
| University | IELTS Score for UG | IELTS Score for PG |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 7.0 with no band below 6.5 | 6.5 with no band below 6.0 |
| McGill University | 6.5 band score with 6.0 in individual component | Band score of 6.5 |
| University of Alberta | 6.5 with no band below 6.0 | 7.0 with 6.0 band score |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5 with no band below 6.0 | 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component |
IELTS for Canada Immigration
IELTS is essential for Canada immigration regardless of whether you are asking for a work visa, professional recognition, or permanent resident status. It is difficult to immigrate to Canada without IELTS. In Canada, IELTS general training is accepted for immigration reasons. For immigration to Canada, candidates must apply to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC.
Check out: Canada Student Visa IELTS Requirements
IELTS Score for Canada PR
Candidates need to submit an IELTS General score as preferred by Canadian immigration. Currently, the IELTS score for Canada PR is 6 in each of the 4 sections. The CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) is an essential benchmark that assesses prospective immigrants' language proficiency. For Canada immigration, candidates must consult both CLB and IELTS.
TOEFL for Canada
TOEFL exam score is widely accepted in the universities in Canada. A TOEFL iBT score range of 80-100 is considered competitive in Canada.
| University | TOEFL Score for UG | TOEFL Score for PG |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 100 overall with 25 in reading and writing | 89 overall with 22 in both Speaking and Writing |
| McGill University | Music: 79-80 | Education, Management: 100 | Other Courses: 90 | 86 overall with 20 in each component |
| University of Alberta | 92 overall with 21 in each section | 90 overall with 21 in each section | MBA: 100 overall |
| University of British Columbia | 90 overall | 22 in Reading and Listening | 21 in Writing and Speaking | 90-100 overall (Course-specific) |
Also Check: TOEFL Score for Canada Immigration Purposes
PTE for Canada
PTE is another English language exam that most universities take into consideration. Both IELTS and PTE scores have a good chance of being accepted by the top universities in Canada. PTE is a required exam for Indian students who are applying for SELT. However, PTE scores are not required for admission to a few universities. Here are a few PTE accepted universities in Canada and the respective scores accepted:
| University | PTE Score for UG | PTE Score for PG |
|---|---|---|
| McGill University | 65 overall with 60 in each band | - |
| University of Alberta | 62 overall with 60 band score | Overall 61 with 60 band score |
| University of British Columbia | 65 overall | 65 overall with 60 in each component |
| University of Ottawa | 60 overall | 60 overall with 59 in each section |
| Queen’s University | 60 overall | 60 overall |
| York University | 60 overall | 60 overall |
| University of Guelph | 60 overall with 60 band score | 60 overall |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | 60 overall | 60 overall |
PTE Score for Canada Student Visa
The minimum PTE Canada visa scores for candidates may vary depending on the universities and the specific program candidates are applying for. PTE visa for Canadian universities and colleges require a minimum score of 58 to 65 for undergraduate programs and a score of 60 to 70 for graduate programs.
PTE for Canada study visa may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant, such as their country of origin and their previous education. In some cases, the educational institution may have higher language proficiency requirements than the minimum PTE score for immigration and student visa.
Also Check: PTE Validity for Canadian Immigration PR Process
PTE for Canada PR
PTE is recognised by the Canadian government for immigration purposes, including applications for permanent residency (PR). The minimum PTE score required for a Canada PR application may differ according to the immigration program you are seeking for as well as your personal circumstances, such as occupation and level of education. However, most immigration program require a minimum PTE score of 58 for each language ability (listening, reading, speaking, and writing).
CELPIP Canada
CELPIP stands for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program. It is a test that assesses the candidate's reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. CELPIP is similar to IELTS in terms of acceptability. The CELPIP exam is designed by the Canadian Immigration and Citizenship department to assess both international students and immigrants. CELPIP acceptance is also given to Canadian students, universities, institutions, businesses, and the Canadian government. CIC accepts CELPIP for the following visas:
- Canadian Citizenship
- Permanent residence
- Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Start-up visas
- Most Provincial Nominee Programs
| University | CELPIP Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | 4L for each component |
| NorQuest College | 4-5 |
Duolingo English Test for Canada
The Duolingo test is acceptable at many Canadian universities. The DET requirement is a relatively new addition to institutions, and they are currently adjusting to this new scoring system. As a result, Duolingo-accepted universities in Canada observe various standards and regulations that students must also follow:
| Universities in Canada | Minimum DET Score for UG | Minimum DET Score for PG |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alberta | 115 | 125 |
| University of Toronto | 120 | 120 |
| McGill University | 115 | 120 |
| McMaster University | 75 | 115 |
| Simon Fraser University | 125 | 125 |
| Dalhousie University | 115 | 120 |
| Queen’s University | 110 | 115 |
| Concordia University | 105 | 120 |
| Carleton University | 120 | 120 |
| University of Waterloo | 120 | 125 |
| Ontario Tech University | 110 | 120 |
| University of Calgary | 115 | 120 |
There are several English language proficiency exams that are accepted for immigration, study permit, and employment purposes in Canada. These include IELTS, TOEFL, CELPIP, PTE, and more. It is important to check the specific requirements of the program you are applying for to determine which English Test for Canada accepts and what are the minimum score requirements.
FAQs
Ques: What is the most affordable English test for Canada?
Ans: The most affordable English proficiency test for Canada is the Duolingo English Test (DET), which costs around USD 65 (INR 5,515). This is significantly cheaper than other tests like IELTS (INR 17,000) and TOEFL (INR 16,900). Duolingo is also fully online and provides results within 2 days, making it a budget-friendly option for students and applicants.
Ques: Which English test is best for Canadian immigration?
Ans: The best English test for Canadian immigration is the IELTS General Training or the CELPIP General test. Both are officially recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for Express Entry, Permanent Residency (PR), and other immigration pathways. Among these, CELPIP is exclusively designed for Canadian immigration, while IELTS is accepted globally for academic, work, and migration purposes.
Ques: How long are English test scores valid for Canadian admission and immigration?
Ans: English test scores are valid for 2 years (24 months) for both Canadian university admissions and immigration purposes. This validity period applies to all major tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CELPIP, and Duolingo. After 2 years, candidates must retake the test if they have not yet applied or if their previous scores have expired.
Ques: Can I apply to Canadian universities without taking an English proficiency test?
Ans: Yes, some Canadian universities may waive the English proficiency test requirement for students from English-speaking countries or those who have completed previous education in English. Universities like the University of Toronto and McGill may also consider exemptions for students who have studied in English-medium schools for at least 3-4 years. However, students must check the specific exemption criteria of each university and program.
Ques: How do Canadian universities determine minimum English test score requirements?
Ans: Canadian universities set minimum English test score requirements based on the academic level (undergraduate or postgraduate) and the program's language demands. For instance, undergraduate programs often require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, while postgraduate programs may require higher scores of 7.0 or more. Each university and program has its own criteria, with top universities like the University of Toronto and McGill University requiring higher scores than smaller institutions.
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