When it comes to studying abroad, there are many choices like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, etc. Canada remains one of the top 10 study destinations due to its relaxed and friendly environment and high quality of life and education. It is a popular option for international students as they can easily work in Canada after their educational degrees.
IELTS or International English Language Testing System is an international English language exam that tests the individual in four capacities, i.e., Writing, Speaking, Listening, and Reading. IELTS is a requirement for studying abroad in native English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada. However, there are ways to study in Canada without IELTS.
Ways to Study in Canada without IELTS
IELTS was never a language requirement for the Canadian embassy for the visa, but it is a requirement in certain universities in Canada. You must be thinking that without IELTS, there is no way you can get admission into a Canadian university? Well, you are wrong, as the following are some of the alternatives to IELTS that can ensure your admission to a reputable Canadian university.
1. Other English Tests like TOEFL, PTE, CAEL, CanTEST
There are several available alternatives to IELTS. If you wish to study in Canada but don’t want to take IELTS, you can opt for other proficiency tests like TOEFL that is computer-based, and it is conducted in one day within hours. You don’t have to talk to an instructor in person; everything is computer-based.
If you are a beginner, then there is a high chance that you will get puzzled when it comes to language tests that you may end up wasting money on the wrong test. Thankfully there are many professional Study abroad consultants in Islamabad to guide you with the test that suits your requirements. Following are some of the alternatives to IELTS:
- TOEFL: A minimum score of 90, i.e., minimum 20 in Reading and Listening, minimum 25 in Speaking and Writing Sections.
- CanTEST: A minimum band score is 4.5 in listening and reading section, a score of 4 in the writing section.
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language): A minimum score of 70, with a minimum of 60 in each band but 70 in writing and speaking.
2.English Proficiency Certificate from your Current Universities
With each passing year, more international universities all across the world are accepting English proficiency certificates for admissions. If you do not wish to take IELTS but have studied all your subjects in English, then you can ask your previous school or university to give you an official English proficiency certificate.
The certificate should mention that the schooling of the student has been done in an English medium, and the individual is fully capable of understanding the English language and write in it.
3. Proof regarding English being the official language of your country
Almost all international universities give special treatment to countries that have English as their official language. If your country has English as its official language like Pakistan, then you don’t need to provide IELTS scores. You just need an official certificate from education authority in your country, stating that your official language is English.
4. Take an English Language course
Another approach that you can take to apply to a Canadian university without IELTS is to take an online English language course. These courses are much easier in comparison to IELTS, and there isn’t a universal standard required to pass them. These tests are also cheaper as compared to IELTS. Take the online language course and get admission into a Canadian university with ease.
Reasons Why Students Don’t Consider taking IELTS exam
There are several reasons why individuals applying to Canadian universities don’t want to take IELTS as it might decrease their chances of getting in. Following are some of the reasons why students don’t want to take the IELTS exam and look for alternative approaches:
- The price of an IELTS exam ranges from PKR 30,000 to PKR 35,000 depending upon the level. The testing fee can be challenging for some candidates.
- IELTS exam requires more than one day to complete as the speaking section is conducted on a separate day from the other parts.
- IELTS speaking section is a face-to-face session where you have to talk to an instructor. Some candidates may feel intimated and nervous during the questioning session.
- The exam includes writing short and long essays in limited time, which makes it difficult for individual candidates to meet the short time limit.
Canadian Universities you can apply to without IELTS
Canada hosts some of the world’s top universities. According to Times Higher Education (2020), 30 Canadian Universities are recognized as the best universities in the world. Below are some of the universities that don’t require an IELTS exam for application.
- University of Winnipeg
- Concordia University
- University of Saskatchewan
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- Cambrian College
- University of Regina
- Seneca College, Toronto
- Okanagan College
- Memorial University
There are several universities and colleges in Canada that have different admission requirements as there is no universal standard there. You can also get in touch with Study Abroad Consultants in Islamabad to help you find a top-ranking institution in Canada that does not require IELTS scores.
Studying in Canada Made Easier
Canada has recently introduced new visa regulations for international students who want to study in Canadian universities. It will not only help students in application process but will also give them freedom to work part-time for specified hours per week. Another plus point is most Canadian universities don’t have strict language requirements.
Therefore, don’t waste any time and start looking for Canadian universities that don’t require IELTS score and apply to as many universities as you can to increase your admission chances. And don’t forget if you feel overwhelmed, there are many professional consultants out there who can help you with securing admission at a scholarship.
Also Read – How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad
