Minimum IELTS Score Requirement for Canada Student Visa in 2024

Canada is a leading destination for students because there are plenty of top-tier universities with scholarship options and a good quality of life. Canadian universities and colleges are known for their high academic standards and cultural diversity.  

To obtain a student visa, demonstrating proficiency in English through the IELTS exam is vital. The IELTS test ensures that students can communicate and participate in academic activities.

For 2024, the minimum IELTS score for Canada student visa band requirement is 5.5 in each section (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). However, the overall IELTS band requirement for Canada is typically 6.0.  

Why is IELTS Required for Studying in Canada 

IELTS is essential for studying in Canada because it ensures that international students possess the necessary English language skills to excel in their academic programs. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts IELTS as proof of English language proficiency when you are applying for a student visa. 

Based on your IELTS score for the Canada visa, universities and colleges determine whether a student can comprehend course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assignments in English. 

Furthermore, the Canadian government requires IELTS scores as part of the student visa application process to ensure students can adapt to and thrive in an English-speaking country. It is beneficial to know before students start their study abroad journey.  

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IELTS Band Requirement for Canada Student Visa

IELTS is a standardized examination that tests the efficiency of the English language in non-native English speakers. Since the medium of education in Canada is mostly English, it is important to judge the proficiency of students in terms of writing, reading, speaking, and listening. There are a few prerequisites for the Canadian student Visa IELTS band requirement.

There are a few prerequisites for the Canadian student Visa IELTS band requirement.

•  Canadian student visa IELTS band requirement is assessed based on Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
•  CLB ranges from levels 1 to 9, with specific scores allocated to each section of the IELTS examination.
•  Undergraduate programs typically require an IELTS band of 5.5 in each section and an overall score of 6.
•  Postgraduate programs mandate a minimum band score of 6 in each section and an overall score of 6.5 or higher.
•  IELTS results demonstrate proficiency aligned with CLB standards, influencing eligibility for undergraduate and postgraduate studies 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 Score to Study in Canada

A minimum IELTS band of 6 is necessary to secure a seat at a Canadian university. To apply for a Canadian study permit or visa, international students need to score a minimum of 5.5 IELTS scores in each of the IELTS bands.

Canadian universities' minimum IELTS band requirement varies between undergraduate and postgraduate programs. A minimum band score of 5.5 in each of the four sections—writing, reading, speaking, and listening—is typically required for undergraduate admissions. Each section's score is crucial in assessing proficiency in these key areas.

The aggregate score would be around 6.0 for the undergraduate courses. For the post-graduation courses, international students will have higher scores and band requirements. The students need to score a minimum of 6 in all four IELTS sections, and the total score should be more than 6.5. 

This is the minimum eligibility and IELTS band requirement to get a student visa. The band score requirements below will help international students fulfill the Canada student visa IELTS band requirements for 2024. Also, students must ensure that all other requirements are met along with the IELTS band score.

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

Important Resources to Read:

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IELTS Requirements for Top Universities in Canada 

The below table shows the IELTS band requirements for Canada’s Top 10 Universities:

University	QS World University Ranking 2025	Minimum IELTS score requirement
The University of Toronto	25	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)
McGill University	29	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)
University of British Columbia	81	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)
University of Montreal	=159	Not specified
University of Alberta	96	6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in each section)
McMaster University	=176	6.5 (with no band 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 band 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)

Source: University website

IELTS Requirement for PR

Let us first understand the Express Entry pathway for Canadian residency to understand if a low IELTS score is accepted for a Canadian PR.

Express Entry System: Introduced in 2015 by the Canadian government, it is a point-based immigration system for skilled workers seeking permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

Points Allocation: Points are assigned based on various factors such as language proficiency, work experience, education, and other skills.

Language Proficiency Requirement: To qualify for PR through Express Entry, applicants must demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6 with at least 6.0 in each test section.

Points Scale: Points awarded increase with higher CLB levels. For instance, CLB 7 earns 4 points per subcategory, CLB 8 earns 5 points, CLB 9 earns 6 points, and CLB 10 and above earn the maximum points.

Second Language Points: Applicants whose first language is not English can earn 4 points if they achieve at least CLB 5 or higher.

These points determine eligibility and the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Canada PR Visa through Express Entry.

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Conclusion

International students applying to Canadian universities must demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS scores, which is crucial for both admissions and visa applications. 

The IELTS assessment covers writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills, aligning with Canadian Language Benchmark standards. 
Meeting the minimum IELTS score requirement is essential for securing admission, as well as opportunities for work visas and permanent residency in Canada. 

Achieving this benchmark ensures students can thrive in Canada's English-speaking academic environment and integrate effectively into Canadian society. 

It underscores the significance of linguistic readiness for academic success and social integration in Canadian institutions.
 

 

 

 

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