Canada continues to be a promising destination for international students looking to study abroad. The academic standards are strong, and getting in is more accessible now—especially for those who want to study in Canada without IELTS.
A number of universities have started accepting students without asking for an IELTS score. If you have studied in English before, or if you are planning to take other recognised exams, that could be enough to meet the English language requirements then students can study in Canada without the IELTS exam. It takes a bit of research, but there are available options.
Why Choose Canadian Universities Without IELTS?
Canada's known for its quality education and how it supports international students. Across the country, you will find universities with solid infrastructure, hands-on programmes, and campus communities that make settling in a bit easier.
Many Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are now more flexible with language requirements. Instead of strictly asking for IELTS, they accept other options, like Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE Academic or Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate showing proof that you studied in English before. Places like the University of Winnipeg offer a no-IELTS pathway, while Memorial University provides an English waiver if you meet certain conditions.
Canada remains a highly sought-after destination for international students, and for good reason. Its campuses are vibrant and diverse, the teaching methodologies are both practical and well-structured, and notably, many students discover valuable work opportunities upon completing their studies. This creates a supportive system, particularly beneficial for those aiming to build a career alongside their academic pursuits. Coupled with a stable economy and a consistent need for skilled graduates, the prospect of studying in Canada without the IELTS becomes not just a possibility, but a sensible and forward-thinking choice for those with clear career aspirations.
Eligibility to Study in Canada Without IELTS
No IELTS? No problem. You can still make your Canadian study plans a reality. Lots of universities and colleges in Canada accept other ways to prove your English skills. Here's what they typically look for instead:
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Eligibility Criteria
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Explanation
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English-Medium Education Exemption
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Typically requires 2–4 years of full-time study in English in a recognised institution or country.
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Proof of English Instruction
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Most universities require official transcripts or certificates; some accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, but not all.
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Alternative Exams Accepted
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TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, and CAEL are widely accepted across Canadian institutions.
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English Pathway/ESL Programmes
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Conditional admission is available through university-run English Language or Academic Preparation programmes.
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Internal Language Assessment
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Select universities offer in-house English proficiency tests or assessments for borderline applicants.
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Top Universities to Study in Canada Without IELTS
Here are well-known universities in Canada that don't require IELTS. These schools accept alternative tests or proof of previous English-medium study as a valid substitute.
University of Winnipeg - Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Qualification for exemption may be granted to applicants who have completed three years of full-time education in English at the secondary (high school) or post-secondary level.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: The University of Winnipeg recognises several alternative English language proficiency tests, including TOEFL, Duolingo, CAEL, Cambridge English exams, the International Baccalaureate (IB) English curriculum, and Advanced Placement (AP) English exams.
- English Language Support: For students who do not meet the standard English language requirements, the University of Winnipeg provides options through its full-time English Language Programmes (ELP) and a Pathway Programme designed to help students achieve the necessary proficiency for academic study.
Memorial University of Newfoundland - Location: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants who have completed secondary, undergraduate, or graduate education at a recognized institution where English is the language of instruction may be considered for exemption, subject to official proof or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test (DET), Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test, PTE Academic, Cambridge English exams, Michigan English Test (MET).
- English Language Support: The university provides an Intensive English Programme and a Bridge Programme to assist students who do not meet the minimum English language proficiency scores. They also offer some flexibility in requirements for applicants from South Asia and Africa.
Brock University - Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Exemption may be granted to applicants who have completed a minimum of three years of full-time study (excluding ESL programmes) where English was the primary language of instruction and evaluation, provided they achieved strong grades.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test (DET), CAEL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English exams, International Baccalaureate (IB) English curriculum.
- English Language Support: Brock University offers an Intensive English Language Programme (IELP) which serves as a pathway to admission for students who do not initially meet the standard English language requirements.
Concordia University - Location: Montreal, Quebec
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants who have completed a minimum of three full years of study at the undergraduate or graduate level at an accredited university where English was the language of instruction may be exempt.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL, PTE Academic, CAEL, Duolingo, Cambridge English exams.
- English Language Support: Concordia University conducts its own in-house English language assessments for students who do not meet the minimum required scores on standardised tests. They also offer some flexibility for applicants who have completed their education in English.
Seneca College - Location: Toronto, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Exemption may be considered for applicants who have completed a minimum of two years of full-time study in a school or country where English is the primary language.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE Academic, CAEL.
- English Language Support: Seneca College provides support through its English Language Institute (ELI) and offers preparatory courses for students who require additional English language development.
Cambrian College - Location: Sudbury, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Cambrian College may grant an exemption to students who have completed three or more years of education in English.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL, Duolingo, CAEL, PTE Academic.
- English Language Support: The college supports conditional admission through its English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme for students who need to improve their English proficiency before full admission.
Capilano University - Location: North Vancouver, British Columbia
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants who have completed four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in Canada or in a country where English is the principal language may be exempt.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL, Duolingo, CAEL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English exams.
- English Language Support: Capilano University offers ESL (English as a Second Language) programmes and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) pathways to provide extra support for students who need to enhance their English language skills.
University Canada West (UCW)- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants may be exempt by providing proof of English-medium instruction, such as completing four years of study in English, the International Baccalaureate (IB) English curriculum, or 30 post-secondary credits in English. An internal English language assessment may also be required.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE Academic, CAEL.
- English Language Support: University Canada West offers a University Access Programme (UAP) and has partnerships with ESL pathway providers for students who do not meet the direct entry English language requirements.
Carleton University - Location: Ottawa, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree at a university where English is the primary language of instruction (a Medium of Instruction letter alone may not be sufficient) may qualify for exemption.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL, CAEL, PTE Academic, Duolingo.
- English Language Support: Carleton University supports students transitioning to academic studies through various bridging programmes designed for those who do not meet the direct-entry English language requirements.
Niagara College - Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake/Welland, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants may be exempt if they have completed a minimum of two years of full-time secondary education or one year of post-secondary education in a country where English is the official first language.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE Academic, CAEL.
- English Language Support: Niagara College offers ESL programmes and an English for Academic Preparation (EAP) programme, often providing conditional admission to students who need to improve their English language skills.
University of Saskatchewan- Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: The College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies may waive the requirement if the applicant has completed a minimum of three consecutive years of full-time study exclusively in English at a recognized institution listed in the International Association of Universities' World Higher Education Database (WHED) where English is the sole language of instruction.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, PTE Academic, and successful completion of their English for Academic Purposes programme.
- English Language Support: Offers an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme with multiple levels to help students meet the required proficiency.
Dalhousie University- Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants who have completed a degree at a recognized university where the language of instruction is English and English is one of the official languages of the country where studies were completed may be eligible for a waiver.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, MET, CAEL, PTE Academic, and completion of their English for Academic Purposes - Level 2 course with a minimum grade.
- English Language Support: The Dalhousie English Language Studies department offers an English for Academic Purposes programme.
University of Alberta- Location: Edmonton, Alberta
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants from specific countries or those who have completed a minimum of three years of post-secondary education at a qualifying institution where English was the language of instruction may be exempt.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency, PTE Academic.
- English Language Support: Offers various pathways and may consider conditional admission in some cases.
University of Ottawa- Location: Ottawa, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants who have studied for at least three years of full-time secondary or post-secondary studies at an institution where the language of instruction is strictly English and in a country where English is an official language may be exempt.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, CAEL, PTE Academic.
- English Language Support: May offer internal assessments or pathways in some cases.
Western University- Location: London, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Exemption may be granted based on completing at least one full year at an accredited university in a country where English is the official language of the institution, or through other specific educational qualifications.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, CAEL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, and successful completion of their Western English Language Centre programme.
- English Language Support: Offers the Western English Language Centre (WELC).
Queen's University- Location: Kingston, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants who have completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma (completion of SL English B is not sufficient), lived in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language for the most recent three years, or attended an educational institution full-time where the medium of instruction is English for the most recent three years may be exempt.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, CAEL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test.
- English Language Support: Students who achieve a high standing in their 12-week English for Academic Purposes advanced-level course may be eligible for a waiver.
University of Victoria- Location: Victoria, British Columbia
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Applicants may be exempt if English is their primary language, they have spent the last three years in an English-speaking country, have a degree from a designated English-speaking country, or have a degree from a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English. Completion of four years of full-time study in English in Canada may also qualify.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, CAEL, Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency, MET, PTE.
- English Language Support: Offers programmes through their English Language Centre (ELC), including the University Admission Preparation (UAP) programme.
York University- Location: Toronto, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: The requirement may be waived for applicants whose first language is English or who have studied full-time for at least two years at an accredited university where the language of instruction and examination is English, located in a country where English is an official language. Note: Studying in English in countries where it is a working language but not official typically does not qualify for an exemption.
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, YUELI (York University English Language Institute) Level 6 with honours, Duolingo English Test.
- English Language Support: Offers intensive English language courses through the York University English Language Institute (YUELI).
University of Waterloo- Location: Waterloo, Ontario
- IELTS Exemption Criteria: Exemption is possible for those who have studied full-time in an English-language school system for the four most recent years preceding their studies at the University of Waterloo, or have completed three or more years of post-secondary education or a graduate degree at a Canadian institution or in a listed exempt country, or have been employed for at least three years in a position where English was the language of business in a listed country. Exemption may also apply if English is the only language of instruction at the graduating institution according to the WHED database (within two years of graduation).
- Accepted Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English Test (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency), CAEL, PTE Academic, EFAS (English for Academic Success).
- English Language Support: Offers the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) programme.
While some universities listed above mention exemptions based on English being an official language, which will not apply to Sri Lankan students, it is important to note that all these institutions also accept a range of alternative English language proficiency tests as a substitute for IELTS. University admission policies are subject to change. It is crucial to always verify these details directly on the official admissions website of each university or get in touch with our Counsellors for the most accurate and up-to-date information.Each of these schools is known for quality teaching and is open to admission without IELTS, making them ideal for international students seeking flexible entry points. If you are unsure which university or English language pathway suits you best, or you don't see your preferred university in the above list, don't worry.
AECC Sri Lanka can guide you through every step, from shortlisting options to applying for a Canadian student visa without IELTS. Speak to our expert counsellors today and start planning your move to Canada with confidence.
Canada Student Visa without IELTS
For Sri Lankan students aspiring to study in Canada, the prospect of bypassing the IELTS exam can be appealing. While IELTS is a frequently cited requirement, it is important to understand that alternative pathways to demonstrate English proficiency do exist and are recognised by many Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). These alternatives often include other standardised tests such as TOEFL iBT, the Duolingo English Test (DET), Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test, and PTE Academic. Furthermore, students who have completed their prior education in English may be eligible for an exemption based on a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate provided by their previous institution.
However, while a Canadian university or college may accept these alternatives or grant an exemption, it is crucial to consider the requirements of the Canadian visa authorities (IRCC). While IRCC often prioritises IELTS, they may also consider other evidence of English proficiency submitted as part of your study permit application, particularly if your acceptance into a DLI was based on these alternatives. It is strongly recommended that Sri Lankan applicants thoroughly research the specific English language requirements of both their chosen educational institution and the latest guidelines issued by the Canadian High Commission in Colombo to ensure a smooth application process.
Alternative Exams to Study in Canada
If IELTS isn't your preferred option, several alternatives to IELTS are widely accepted by Canadian institutions:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
One of the most accepted alternatives evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
Computer-based and known for quick results, the student visa is increasingly accepted in Canada student visa without IELTS applications.
Offers convenience and affordability; it is accepted by over 150 Canadian universities.
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)
Specifically designed for Canada, it is accepted by a growing number of institutions.
Each of these provides reliable language proficiency alternatives. Not sure which test is right for you? AECC Sri Lanka can help you decide and assist with exam prep and registration.
Studying in Canada without IELTS is an achievable choice in 2025. With options like education exemption letters, alternative exams, or university-specific programmes, students now have more ways to prove their English skills and secure a spot at top Canadian universities. At AECC, we have already helped thousands of students with their study permits for Canada. From assessing your profile to shortlisting universities, preparing for tests, and guiding you through the visa process, we are here to support you every step of the way. Thinking about studying in Canada without IELTS? Contact our expert counsellors today and discover your options.
FAQS
Is it possible to study in Canada without IELTS?
Yes, many Canadian universities accept students without IELTS if they meet alternative language requirements.
Which universities in Canada accept students without IELTS?
Universities like the University of Winnipeg, Memorial University, Brock University, and Concordia University offer options to study without IELTS.
What are the alternatives to IELTS for studying in Canada?
Alternatives include TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, CAEL, or proof of prior English-medium education.
Can I study in Canada without IELTS if I have studied in an English medium?
Yes, several universities waive IELTS if you have completed previous education in English, depending on the institution's criteria.
How do I apply to Canadian universities without IELTS?
Check the university's language requirements, submit acceptable alternatives, and apply directly or get in touch with our expert counsellors.
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Anuj Gupta, with a decade of experience in higher education, has guided countless students to study in Canada. Known for his detailed knowledge of Canadian education and visa processes, Anuj's mentorship has led many to success. Outside work, he's a football player and scuba diver, adding a personal touch to his expertise.
