5 Canadian universities without IELTS you should apply to
No IELTS? No problem. There are a number of Canadian universities without IELTS requirements.
With over 223 public and private universities and nearly 15,000 degree programs, Canada is recognized as one of the top study abroad destinations.
In recent years, the country has seen a significant increase of 69.8% in international students.
Aside from great tuition and a high quality of life, many are attracted by the prospect of not having to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
This internationally recognized language assessment test is used by universities to assess the language skills of potential international students.
However, many Canadian universities without an IELTS offer alternative ways to prove how well you can read, speak, write and listen to English.
You can provide scores from tests like TOEFL, Duolingo English Test or PTE. Some universities only require proof of at least five years of study at an English secondary school.
Here are five Canadian universities with no IELTS requirements:
International students can demonstrate English proficiency in a variety of ways at these Canadian universities with no IELTS requirements. Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images/AFP
The University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is ranked 17th among Canada’s Best Universities in the 2023 QS World University Rankings.
It offers over 130 programs at 13 constituent colleges, six affiliated colleges and three graduate schools.
Here, international students are exempt from providing IELTS results.
Knowledge of English can be proven by TOEFL, CanTest, Duolingo English Test (DET) and CAEL Assessment.
However, if none of these requirements are met, students can still be admitted by first completing the English for Academic Purposes program at the University Language Centre.
Concordia University
Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec is one of the top universities in the country and has been ranked the #1 university in North America for two consecutive years.
IELTS is not a requirement for international students here.
However, students must meet the minimum level of English language proficiency required for admission.
There are many ways to demonstrate this such as TOEFL, DET, CAEL, CAE, CPE and PTE.
Students may also be exempt from providing an IELTS score if they have completed the Quebec Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC).
If none of these apply to you, the university offers an Intensive English Language Program (IEP).
Once you have achieved a final grade of at least 70% for the IEP Advanced Two Level, you will meet the English proficiency requirements of Concordia University.
More details on the IEP program can be found here.
Cambrian College
Similar to Concordia University, Cambrian College is one of Canada’s universities with no IELTS requirements.
The university is considered one of the top universities in Northern Ontario and one of the most affordable for international students.
As a replacement for IELTS, the university accepts a number of other English proficiency tests. These include TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo.
International students can also enroll in the English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP).
The course can take anywhere from four to ten months to complete, and students are placed into a program upon completion.
To learn more about EAPP, click here.
Memorial University of Newfoundland
With over 300 courses on offer, Memorial University of Newfoundland is one of Canada’s largest universities.
Students can choose from a variety of programs, including economics, computer science, international business, and engineering.
Best of all, international students do not need to provide IELTS results to enroll here.
This exemption applies to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students.
As an alternative, the school accepts TOEFL and CAEL English proficiency.
However, if the minimum score for these tests is not achieved, students can enroll in the Intensive English Program on offer.
After completion, the students are admitted to the university.
University of Winnipeg
While it is mandatory for students to demonstrate proficiency in English when applying to the University of Winnipeg, it is not limited to IELTS.
Students who do not have IELTS results are in luck as the university accepts a number of alternatives.
This can come from tests such as the Duolingo English Test, Cambridge Assessment English, CanTest, Canadian Academic English Language Assessment, Pearson Test of English and Academic English Program for University and College Entrance.
The University of Winnipeg also offers an English language program to help you improve your English skills to meet your language needs.
Students can choose to complete this full-time or part-time. This leads to admission to a course at the university.
More information about the program can be found here.
