Canadian universities use a variety of factors to assess candidates' English language proficiency. If you meet the alternative language proficiency requirements specified by your chosen university, you can study in Canada without taking IELTS. 


 
Many Canadian universities also require candidates to submit a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from any previous academic institution. Additionally, several international students from specific nationalities are exempt from providing English language proficiency scores. Furthermore, Canadian educational institutions readily accept English language proficiency tests other than IELTS during admissions. Let’s dive deep into it:

Study in Canada without IELTS: Best Alternatives 

There are different options available for those who can’t provide IELTS scores while applying for admission into Canadian universities. Here are the best alternatives recommended by universities for students who want to study in Canada but do not have IELTS:

• You may also submit results from other English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, and PTE.
• As an alternative to English proficiency scores, you can submit proof that you have studied in an English medium school for at least four years.
• Candidates from English-speaking countries are also exempt from providing IELTS scores in Canada.
• The university offers an English language course for those unable to provide English proficiency scores.

Alternative English proficiency test

Canadian universities accept other English proficiency tests if you do not want to take IELTS tests. They are:

• Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Pearson Tests of English (PTE)
• Duolingo
• Canadian Academic English Language Assessment – CAEL, CAEL-CE, CAEL online
• Cambridge Assessment English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency)
• CanTest by University of Ottawa
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
• Academic English Program for University and College Entry (AEPUCE)

Universities to Study in Canada Without IELTS

Now that you know the alternatives to IELTS and other English proficiency tests, you can start looking into popular universities in Canada that admit international students without requiring IELTS scores. Here's a list of major universities and colleges where you can study in Canada without having to take IELTS:

1. University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan allows international students to enroll in its courses without IELTS. However, you are eligible only with an overall score of 86 and minimum TOEFL scores of 19 in each section. 
 
Aside from the acceptance of this test, students interested in enrolling at the University of Saskatchewan can take the CanTEST - Canadian English test for scholars and trainees and participate in the university's English Language Training program. CanTEST and IELTS are comparable in that they assess four sub-skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Furthermore, it is not a computerized exam and includes a face-to-face speaking exam.

2. Brock University

The International English Language Testing System, abbreviated as IELTS, is acceptable but not mandatory at Brock University. Brock University will undoubtedly accept the TOEFL; preferred scores include 88 iBT points, with a minimum of 21 on Speaking and Writing.
 
Furthermore, students can prepare linguistically by enrolling in the Brock Intensive English Language Program, designed to assist international students in improving their English language proficiency. If you have completed an International Baccalaureate diploma or its equivalent with English as the medium of instruction, you are eligible to apply for admission to the programs they offer.

3. Carleton University

To study at Carleton University without IELTS, you will require official transcripts in English for the past three years of high school, college, or university study. You may use some papers to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language. These include:

• Canadian Academic English Language Test, in total 70 points
• TOEFL iBT, 86 average score
• Pearson Test of English, 60 points overall

4. University of Regina

International students wanting to enroll in Advanced English for Academic Purposes must have at least one of the following English proficiency tests:

• TOEFL Paper score of 525 or a TOEFL iBT score of 70
• Duolingo score of 95 – 105
• CAEL score of 50
• IELTS (Academic) Band score of 6.0

5. Cambrian College

Cambrian College will evaluate students' English abilities by not making the IELTS compulsory. Those who do not meet the English language requirement will be required to attend extra English courses before beginning their normal program of study.

6. Concordia University

Concordia University’s primary language of teaching is English, so all the students who look forward to studying at this institution will have to meet one of the three requirements listed below to be exempted from taking IELTS:

• Completing at least three years of full-time undergraduate or graduate studies at a recognized university.
• Candidates applying to the John Molson School of Business's professional programs must have a minimum of five years of full-time work experience in an English environment and a successful personal interview.
• A Quebec Diploma of Collegiate Studies (DEC) and a university degree from a Quebec university are required.

Study visa in Canada without IELTS

Before Applying for a Study Permit, if you have been exempted from taking a proficiency exam, contact your nearest Canadian Embassy and ask whether they will accept your Canada Study Permit application without IELTS. You may be asked to provide documentation from your University in Canada stating that you are not required to take the IELTS exam to pursue your chosen program. Before applying for a Student Visa in Canada without IELTS, it is important to check with the embassy.
 
However, if you do not have the IELTS, you must have a letter of English proficiency. The proficiency letter is one issued by your previous school. The letter demonstrates that your command of the English language is adequate and that you deserve admission to the university. You can study in Canada if universities accept the Proficiency Letter.

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