Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements
“The best way to end is to get started.” Studying is considered the first step to getting started,… The post Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements appeared first on Leverage Edu.

“The best way to end is to get started.” Studying is considered the first step to getting started, not just on the professional front, but for an individual’s overall growth. The hunger to grow and evolve is what drives any student towards progress. Whether engineering feats or scientific discovery, a doctor’s miracle or even a journalist’s enriching article, every step was achieved because of rigorous studying. Canada is renowned to be one of the top locations for studying abroad. The pathway to begin studying in Canada is a long one. Want to know Canada Student Visa IELTS band requirements? Read this blog to know the minimum IELTS score for Canada as well as how many bands required for Canada student visa after 12th or graduation!
Minimum IELTS Band Requirement for Canada Student Visa
To apply for Canada student visa, you must have a minimum of 5.5 in each of the IELTS bands and an overall score of 6.0 in IELTS. The IELTS requirements for Canadian universities vary for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Want to know how many bands are required for Canada student visa after 12th? The minimum IELTS requirement for Canada student visa after 12th is a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four sections with an aggregate band score of 6.0 for undergraduate courses in Canada after 12th.
For postgraduate courses, the minimum IELTS score for Canada is at least 6 in all four sections and a minimum total of 6.5 bands as the combined score for the student visa. With the above-mentioned score, the candidate fulfils the Canada Student Visa IELTS band requirements 2021 and just needs to make sure that the rest of their requirements are perfectly on point.
Student Life in Canada
Canada is a beautiful and diverse place. They are very passionate about professional sports, with Hockey being considered the most popular sport among Canadian youth. Apart from sports, Canadians also have a rich artistic and cultural history, as it learns and encourages traditions and festivities of all kinds to flourish. There are also different cuisines to choose from; a fun side effect of the myriad of cultures inhabiting the country. The Canadian locals are polite and tolerant of foreigners in their country. With a good study environment and world-class facilities, the students will learn and grow in a vibrant and diverse university that makes them feel right at home. They also get to learn about different cultures and understand various traditions too. Taking care of every little detail, including Canada’s Student visa IELTS band requirements, better academic institutions, and professors from around the world are waiting for you in Canada.
Canada Student Visa IELTS Band Requirements
There is a certain prerequisite in terms of the Canada Student Visa IELTS band requirements. The minimum IELTS requirement for Canada Student Visa is overseen by the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), the national standards used in Canada for defining, recognizing, and quantifying English language proficiency. The CLB varies from 1 to 12, with each CLB score being equal to a particular IELTS score in the Speaking, Listening, Writing, and Reading section.
To help you understand better what is IELTS Reading score, IELTS Listening score, IELTS Writing Score, IELTS Speaking score are in terms of CLB, we have devised this descriptive table:

Minimum IELTS Score for Canada Immigration 2021
To apply for a Canadian PR or work visa, you will have to qualify IELTS General with the score specified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The visa processing time taken by IRCC is a minimum of 6 months. When it comes to the IELTS score for Canada immigration 2021, you must CLB 7 as the minimum level of language proficiency, i.e. at least 6.0 IELTS band for each section for Canadian PR.
Why IELTS is Required to Study in Canada?
Since IELTS is needed by all of Canada’s top universities and colleges, a rising number of candidates pick it for their Canada student visa. It evaluates the language skills of non-native English speakers like Indians, who desire to study in a nation where English is the predominant language of communication like Canada. It is divided into four important parts – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Minimum IELTS Score for Canadian Universities
The IELTS score for Canada varies for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The minimum overall IELTS band and section-wise score for Canadian universities 2021 is as follows:
Undergraduate Courses in Canada [Bachelor’s, Diploma or Short-term] | Overall: Minimum 6 IELTS Each Band: No less than 5.5 |
Postgraduate Courses in Canada [PG Diploma/Masters] | Overall: Minimum of 6.5 IELTS Each Band: No less than 6 |
*While the mentioned universities accept section-wise 5.5 IELTS Band scores, the minimum IELTS score for study visa Canada is 6.0.
Also learn about the Cost of Studying in Canada for Indian Students!
IELTS Requirements for Canadian Universities
Now that you have understood what all are the Canada student visa IELTS band requirements, it is now time to have a look at what all are the expected sectional, that is, speaking; listening; writing and reading IELTS band score along with overall band score of popular institutions in Canada. Tabulated below are the IELTS requirements for Canadian universities:
University | Overall IELTS Score (Tentative) |
University of Toronto | 6.5 |
University of British Columbia | 6.5 |
McGill University | 6.5 |
McMaster University | 6.5 |
University of Alberta | 6.5 |
University of Montreal | 6 |
University of Calgary | 6.5 |
University of Ottawa | 6.5 |
University of Waterloo | 6.5 |
University of Victoria | 6.5 |
University of Winnipeg | 6.5 |
University of Windsor | 6.5 |
Trent University | 6.5 |
Simon Fraser University | 6.5 |
University of Lethbridge | 6 |
List of Universities Accepting IELTS 6.5
- Acadia University
- Brandon University
- Cape Breton University
- Capilano University
- Dalhousie University
- Grant MacEwan University
- McGill University
- McMaster University
- Memorial University
- Mount Allison University
- Mount Royal University
- Ontario College of Art and Design
- Ryerson University
- Simon Fraser University
- St. Francis Xavier University
- St. Mary’s University
- St.Thomas University
- Thompson Rivers University
- Trent University
- Trinity Western University
- University of Alberta
- University of British Columbia
- University of Guelph
- University of Manitoba
- University of New Brunswick
- University of Northern British Columbia
- University of Regina
- University of the Fraser Valley
- University of Toronto
- University of Victoria
- University of Windsor
- University of Winnipeg
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- York University
- Athabasca University
- Lakehead University
- Laurentian University of Sudbury
- University of Ottawa
- University of Prince Edward Island
- University of Western Ontario
- Bishop’s University
- Brescia University College
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Campion College
- Emily Carr University of Art + Design
- Huron Univerity College
- King’s University College at The University of Western Ontario
- Laurentian University
- MacEwan University
- NSCAD University
- OCAD University
- Redeemer University College
- Saint Mary’s University
- St. Thomas More College
- The King’s University College
- The University of British Columbia
- University of Ontario Institute of Technology
- University of St. Michael’s College
- University of Sudbury
- University of Trinity College
- Victoria University
- George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology
List of Universities Accepting IELTS 6
- Nipissing University
- University of Lethbridge
- Vancouver Island University
- Algoma University
- Concordia University College of Alberta
- HEC Montréal
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Luther College
- Camosun College
- Canadian National Institute of Health
- College of New Caledonia
- Confederation College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Niagara College
- Oxford College
- The Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Community Sciences
- Charles Sturn University
- Niagara University in Ontario
- State University of New York: SUNY Potsdam
List of Universities Accepting IELTS 5.5
- Royal Roads University
- Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology
- St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology
IELTS & TOEFL Scores for Canada
Here is a list of minimum IELTS score for Canada as well as TOEFL scores that you need to attain in order to apply to a Canadian university:
Education Level | IELTS & TOEFL Scores |
Bachelor’s/Diploma/Certificate Courses | IELTS: 6/6.5 For TOEFL PBT: 550 Min. CBT: 213 Min. |
Post-graduate/Masters Courses | IELTS: 6.5 overall with no bands less than 6 For TOEFL: PBT: 580-600 min. CBT: 237-250 min. |
Note: The above-given requirements are for indicative purposes. However, the score might vary as per the university you choose to apply for. Check the language test requirements of the course beforehand.
How to Crack IELTS to Study in Canada?
Now that you are aware of how many bands required for Canada student visa after 12th and after graduation, let’s now understand what are the ways to grab a higher band score in IELTS. To start their preparatory journey early, either by reading the best books for IELTS preparation or through coaching classes. As the exam is mandatory not only to study at the university but also for the VISA process, candidates focus on completing and revising the IELTS syllabus thoroughly. You can also reach out to our experts at Leverage Live offering exclusive online classes and premium study material by best-in-class experts along with doubt clearance sessions and flexible timings to help you achieve your dream IELTS score for Canada!
What are the Best Colleges of Canada?
Now that the Canadian Student visa IELTS band requirements are taken care of, there are numerous colleges and universities in Canada to choose from. There are IELTS 6 Band Universities in Canada for Masters as well as IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada. Here are the top colleges in Canada:
- Humber College
- Centennial College
- Seneca College
- Red River College
- George Brown College
Here are the top universities in Canada:
- University of Waterloo
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- University of Toronto
- University of Alberta
Canada Work Permit
Issued by the government of the country, Canada Work Permit is an imperative license that allows eligible people from other countries to work in Canada for a specified period of time. People generally apply for this permit after receiving an employment offer or contract from a company or organisation in Canada. Further, applicants must also check that their employer has obtained the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) which accredits them to recruit people from other countries for posts that cannot be filled by Canadian residents.
Note: Candidates moving to Canada for work or permanent residency must take the IELTS General Training exam. Those planning to apply for a work visa, professional registration, or permanent resident status must get a band that meets the criteria of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The English language competency is tested using the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB), which are necessary to meet the work immigration requirements.
How to Obtain Canada Student Visa?
To fulfil your dream of seeking Canadian education, it is mandatory for one to first attain a study permit. Once students have received their study permit for Canada, they are all set to apply for a Canada student visa and live up to their dream. Listed below are some important points to keep in mind while applying for Canada study permit-
- It is mandatory for you to be accepted by a Canadian academic institution
- Candidates must be able to prove their financial background ensuring proper funds for their educational course
- Availability of medical health insurance
- Documents proving that candidate has no criminal record to ensure your risk-free security in the country
FAQs
Canada student visa IELTS band requirement varies as per the program an university that you have chosen. However, the majority of the universities demand a minimum score o 5.5 for UG courses and 6.5 for PG courses.
If you are looking forward to entering the country for educational purposes such as pursuing a course, student exchange program, etc.; you will have to qualify for IELTS Academic. On the other hand, those willing to pursue a job or business in Canada have to give IELTS General.
Yes, 6.5 is a good band score for IELTS students visa. Through this score, you can apply to ample universities at your preferred level of study.
If you are applying for UG courses, generally, the Canada student visa band requirement is 6.0. So, if you have 6.0 band you can apply to a plethora of the UG courses in the country. But, candidates are advised to get in touch with Leverage Edu experts to check the exact IELTS score requirement before applying to the university.
With a 5.5 as minimum score in each of the section and 6.0 as your overall band score, you can seek Canada student visa. However, under some special categories, visa is even granted with a minimum score band of 5.5.
IELTS is the most popular choice of candidates planning to study in Canada. It assesses the English capabilities of the candidates on the basis of listening, reading, writing and speaking tests.
Whether a college or a university, your dreams are our priority and we at Leverage Edu strive to make the journey towards your dreams and goals as smooth as possible. Whether the decision is which college to choose or how to get the minimum Canada Student Visa IELTS band requirements 2021, we have you covered. Call us at 1800572000 and book your first free e-meeting with our experts today!
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