| Updated On - Sep 9, 2025
IELTS Score for Canada ranges from 6.0 to 6.5 bands, depending on the type of visa you have applied for. A minimum score of 6.0 in every section, with an overall score of 6.5, is needed for a Canadian student visa applications. The minimum and sectional requirement for an IELTS score to Canada also depends on your chosen program. The Canadian education system is considered one of the best by international students. Top universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia have ranked in the top 50 by the QS World University 2026 ranking.
IELTS Requirement for Canada Student Visa
The IELTS score requirements vary for Canadian student visas and depend on the university and program you are applying for. If you are applying to the top-ranked universities, you must aim to achieve a 7.0 band. Most of the Canadian universities published their score requirements at the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level. You can use any IELTS to CLB calculator to understand Canada's IELTS requirements. Refer to the table below to check the top-ranked Canadian university's IELTS score requirement.
| University | QS World University 2026 Ranking | Minimum IELTS Score for UG Programs | Minimum IELTS Score for PG Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 29 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| McGill University | 27 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of British Columbia | 40 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Alberta | 94 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Waterloo | 119 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Western University | 151 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Montreal | 168 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| McMaster University | 173 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Ottawa | 219 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Queen's University at Kingston | 191 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
Also Read
Canadian Student VisaIELTS Score for Canada PR
Canada is one of the most accepting cities in the world for international citizens. If you want to work or migrate to Canada, you need to prove your English language skills. You need to achieve a minimum 6.0 IELTS score for Canada PR. The Express Entry system is the easiest way to get a Canadian Visa by applying online. The Express Entry system is a point-based immigration program that allows skilled workers to receive permanent residency in Canada. There are 3 different programs under which you can submit your IELTS score for Canada PR:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Canadian Immigration Authorities will evaluate and convert your IELTS score into CLB level. Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful visa application.
Also Read
Canada Federal Skilled Worker Program
If you get CLB 4 or lower, no points are awarded for your application. Achieving CLB 10 or higher will earn the maximum number of points. Check the tables below to understand Canada IELTS band requirements:
If English is your first language:
| CLB Level | Points per Subcategory | IELTS Listening Score | IELTS Reading Score | IELTS Speaking Score | IELTS Writing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 4 | 6.0-7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 6 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 10 or above | 6 | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
If English is your second language:
| CLB Level | Total Points | IELTS Listening Score | IELTS Reading Score | IELTS Speaking Score | IELTS Writing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 and above | 4 | 5.0–9.0 | 4.0–9.0 | 5.0–9.0 | 4.0–9.0 |
Read More
Canada Work PermitCanada Federal Skilled Trades Program
Check the table below to understand the section-wise IELTS band score requirements for each CLB level.
| CLB Level | IELTS Listening Score | IELTS Reading Score | IELTS Speaking Score | IELTS Writing Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 10 or above | 8.5–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
Canadian Experience Class
For National Occupational Classification (NOC) A jobs, the minimum language requirement is CLB 7. For NOC B jobs, the Canada IELTS band requirement is CLB 5. You need to understand the score requirements first to start your IELTS preparation accordingly. Check the table below to understand the job category and the CLB requirements:
| NOC | CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 10 and above | 8.5–9.0 | 8.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 | 7.5–9.0 |
| A | 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| A | 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| A | 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| B | 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| B | 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Also Read
Canadian Post-Graduation Work PermitAchieving the minimum IELTS score for Canada is important for a successful application process. By understanding the CLB levels, you can calculate the IELTS score required for Canada and start your preparation. You must apply for a Canadian Visa at least 6 to 8 months before your IELTS score expiry date.
Key Summary
- IELTS score requirements for Canada vary based on visa type (student or PR) and institution.
- For student visas, a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no section below 6.0 is usually required.
- Top universities like U of T, McGill, and UBC may require 7.0+ for postgraduate programs.
- IELTS scores are converted to CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) levels for immigration purposes.
- For PR via Express Entry, the minimum required IELTS score is CLB 7 (usually 6.0 in each section).
- Higher IELTS scores (CLB 9 or 10) earn more CRS points in Express Entry.
- IELTS requirements differ under immigration streams: FSWP, FSTP, and CEC.
- For NOC A jobs, CLB 7+ is required; for NOC B jobs, CLB 5+ is sufficient.
- A score of 5.5 bands may be accepted by some colleges, but not by top universities or for PR.
- IELTS scores are valid for 2 years, so apply for your visa within that timeframe.
FAQs
Ques: What IELTS score is required for Canada?
Ans: To get admission to undergraduate programs, you need to achieve a minimum of 6.0 IELTS band score, and post-graduate programs require a minimum of 6.5 band scores. Canadian PR visa applications require a minimum of 6.0 IELTS band scores.
Ques: Is a 5.5 IELTS band eligible for Canada?
Ans: With a 5.5 IELTS band score, you can get admission into some of the best Canadian colleges and universities. If you are aiming for the top-ranked universities, you need to achieve a 6.5 band or higher. Check the band score requirements from the university's official website before applying.
Ques: Is 7 a good score in IELTS for Canada immigration?
Ans: IELTS requirements for Canada vary and depend on your application purposes. To get a successful admission into Canadian Universities, you need to achieve at least a 6.5 overall IELTS band score.
Ques: Is an IELTS score of 4.5 eligible for Canada PR?
Ans: The total IELTS score ranges from 0 to 9; achieving a 4.5 band is a very low score. For a successful Canada PR application, you need to achieve at least 6.0 overall bands.
Ques: Who is eligible for Canada PR?
Ans: The Government of Canada sets Canadian PR eligibility criteria. You need to be at least 18 years of age, have a clean criminal record, and need to maintain the minimum IELTS bands needed for Canada.
1720425436.jpg?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=40&w=40&mode=stretch){kind=small}
1720429164.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=40&w=40&mode=stretch){kind=small}
Comments