Language Requirements for Canadian Study Permits

Canadian Designated Learning Institutions require proof of English or French language proficiency for international student admission. IELTS Academic is the most widely accepted and recommended test for Canada.

When Do You Need a Language Test?

Required if:

• Your previous education was not in English or French

• You are from a non-English/French speaking country

• Your institution requires specific minimum scores

May be waived if:

• You studied in English/French-speaking countries (with transcript proof)

• You provide a Medium of Instruction letter from your previous institution

• You complete an English pathway or bridge program

Always confirm with your specific DLI - requirements vary by institution and program.

Accepted English Tests: Score Comparison

⭐ Recommended: IELTS Academic is accepted by virtually all Canadian institutions.

Note: Most institutions also require minimum scores in individual sections (typically IELTS 6.0 each skill).

IELTS Academic: Score Requirements

By Institution Type

Why IELTS is the Canadian Standard

• Universal acceptance - Accepted by 100% of Canadian universities and colleges

• Dual purpose - Can also be used for Express Entry and other immigration applications

• Well understood - Admissions officers are most familiar with IELTS scoring

• Most resources - Extensive support and verification systems

Canadian-Designed Alternatives

CAEL Score Equivalents

CELPIP (CLB System)

CELPIP uses Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels:

• CLB 7 = approximately IELTS 6.0 in each skill

• CLB 8 = approximately IELTS 6.5-7.0 in each skill

• CLB 9 = approximately IELTS 7.0-7.5 in each skill

Accepted French Tests

Validity: 2 years from test date

Score Requirements by Program Type

Universities

Top-tier (Toronto, UBC, McGill):

• Undergraduate: IELTS 6.5-7.0 minimum

• Graduate: IELTS 7.0-7.5 minimum

• Competitive programs may require higher

Other universities:

• Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0-6.5

• Graduate: IELTS 6.5-7.0

Colleges

Diploma programs: IELTS 6.0 (5.5 - 6.0 each skill)

Certificate programs: IELTS 5.5-6.0 (5.5 - 6.0 each skill)

Pathway programs: IELTS 5.0-5.5 (5.5 - 6.0 each skill)

Competitive Programs

• Business/MBA: IELTS 7.0-7.5

• Engineering: IELTS 6.5-7.0

• Health sciences: IELTS 7.0+

• Law: IELTS 7.5+

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Language Requirements

New requirements effective November 1, 2024:

Critical: You must submit valid language test results with your PGWP application.

Strategic recommendation: Even for college programs, aim for CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 each skill) to ensure PGWP eligibility without restrictions.

Test Validity: 2-Year Rule

All language tests are valid for 2 years from the test date (not score report date).

Key Timing Issues

For admission:

• Check if your DLI requires validity at application submission or program start

• Most require validity at time of application

For PGWP:

• Test must be valid when you submit PGWP application

• If your admission test expires before graduation, take a new test in final year

Example timeline:

• Test taken: January 2025

• Test expires: January 2027

• Graduation: May 2027

• Problem: Test expired; need new test for PGWP in June 2027

Student Direct Stream (SDS) - Closed November 2024

The Student Direct Stream was discontinued on November 8, 2024.

What this means:

• No more expedited processing based on test scores

• All students apply through standard study permit process

• Country of origin no longer affects processing streams

• Applications submitted before November 8, 2024 continue under SDS rules

Submitting Language Scores

To Your DLI

Required:

• Official scores sent directly from testing agency

• Electronic delivery (preferred) or sealed envelope

• Test Report Form (TRF) number for verification

How to send:

1. Log into your test account (IELTS, CAEL, etc.)

2. Request score send to institution

3. Enter institution code or contact details

4. Allow 3-7 days for electronic delivery

To IRCC for Study Permit

Include in your application:

• Test type and date

• Test Report Form number

• Overall score and individual section scores

• IRCC may verify directly with testing agency

Score Comparison Chart

Cross-Test Equivalencies (Approximate)

Important Reminders

✅ IELTS Academic is universally accepted - the safest choice for Canada

✅ IELTS General Training is NOT accepted - only IELTS Academic for study permits

✅ Check your DLI's minimums - requirements vary by institution and program

✅ Validity is 2 years - plan ahead for PGWP applications

✅ PGWP requires CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 each skill) for degrees - aim for this even if admission requires less

✅ Individual section scores matter - meeting overall score isn't enough if sections are too low

✅ Order official scores early - can take 1-2 weeks to reach institutions

✅ Keep your test report - needed for multiple applications throughout your studies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can clients use IELTS General Training?
No. Study permits require IELTS Academic only.

What if the test expires during studies?
Fine for admission, but clients need valid results for PGWP applications.

Can scores from different test dates be combined?
No. Institutions require one complete test result from a single test date.

Is Duolingo widely accepted?
No. Many institutions don't accept it. IELTS is the safer choice.

Do clients need tests if they studied in English before?
Possibly waived with Medium of Instruction letter, but many universities still require it.

Which test is best for Canada?
IELTS Academic - universal acceptance and can be used for immigration later.

How do we verify test scores?
Request official TRF number from client and verify through testing agency portals or wait for official electronic score send.