Canada is one of the top destinations for studying abroad, especially for Indian students. Canada is known for its high-quality affordable education, quality of life, diversity, and more. If you are intending to study abroad in Canada, then taking an English language proficiency test is a must.
To successfully start your study abroad journey, a good IELTS score is a must for admission to Canadian universities. The minimum IELTS score required for Canada is 5.5 – 6.0 or higher (depending on your program and university).
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The minimum band requirement for Canada depends on the level of study. The minimum band requirement is as follows:
SDS Canada | Overall 6, with no bands less than 6 |
For UG Programs | Overall 6, with no bands less than 5.5 |
For PG Programs | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 5.5 – 6 (depending upon the institution) |
The minimum IELTS score for Canada is band 6 or 6.5 with no bands less than 5.5 or 6. The score can vary based on the university and program. The details for the same are as follows:
University | Minimum IELTS Score |
University of Toronto | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
The University of British Columbia | Overall 6.5 – 7.5, with no bands less than 6 |
McGill University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
University of Alberta | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
McMaster University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
Western University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
University of Waterloo | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
University of Calgary | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
Queen’s University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
Simon Fraser University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
The minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR is 6.0 overall. For skilled workers, CLB level 7 is required to qualify for a PR visa. The details are tabulated below:
CLB Level | Points Per Ability | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
7 | 4 | 7 (6.0) | 7 (6.0 – 7.0) | 7 (6.0) | 7 (6.0) |
8 | 5 | 8 (6.5) | 8 (7.5) | 8 (6.5) | 8 (6.5) |
9 | 6 | 9 (7.0) | 9 (8.0) | 9 (7.0) | 9 (7.0) |
10+ | 6 | 10 (7.5 – 9.0) | 10 (8.5 – 9.0) | 10 (7.5 – 9.0) | 10 (7.5 – 9.0) |
IELTS scores for each section are provided in brackets in the table.
Achieving a good score in IELTS is essential and can be beneficial in many ways. Here are some tips to achieve a high score in IELTS for Canada:
Aspirants are required to score a minimum overall band 6 for Canada PR from India.
A minimum overall band of 6 is required for a Canada work permit.
The IELTS General test is for those who are planning to work or migrate to Canada (or English-speaking countries). The IELTS Academic test is for educational purposes only.
An overall score of band 6 is required for Canada after 12.
No, the IELTS exam scores are valid only for 2 years from the result date. You cannot apply in 2025 with scores of 2022.
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