Canada is one of the top destinations for studying abroad, especially for Indian students. Canada is known for its high-quality affordable education, quality of life, diversity, and more. If you are intending to study abroad in Canada, then taking an English language proficiency test is a must.
To successfully start your study abroad journey, a good IELTS score is a must for admission to Canadian universities. The minimum IELTS score required for Canada is 5.5 – 6.0 or higher (depending on your program and university).
Table of Contents:
- Minimum IELTS Band Required for Canada
- Minimum IELTS Score for Canada – Top Universities
- IELTS Score for Canada PR
- Tips to Achieve a High Score in IELTS for Canada
- Frequently Asked Questions
Minimum IELTS Band Required for Canada
The minimum band requirement for Canada depends on the level of study. The minimum band requirement is as follows:
| SDS Canada | Overall 6, with no bands less than 6 |
| For UG Programs | Overall 6, with no bands less than 5.5 |
| For PG Programs | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 5.5 – 6 (depending upon the institution) |
Minimum IELTS Score for Canada – Top Universities
The minimum IELTS score for Canada is band 6 or 6.5 with no bands less than 5.5 or 6. The score can vary based on the university and program. The details for the same are as follows:
| University | Minimum IELTS Score |
| University of Toronto | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
| The University of British Columbia | Overall 6.5 – 7.5, with no bands less than 6 |
| McGill University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
| University of Alberta | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
| McMaster University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
| Western University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
| University of Waterloo | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
| University of Calgary | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
| Queen’s University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
| Simon Fraser University | Overall 6.5, with no bands less than 6 |
IELTS Score for Canada PR
The minimum IELTS score required for Canada PR is 6.0 overall. For skilled workers, CLB level 7 is required to qualify for a PR visa. The details are tabulated below:
| CLB Level | Points Per Ability | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
| 7 | 4 | 7 (6.0) | 7 (6.0 – 7.0) | 7 (6.0) | 7 (6.0) |
| 8 | 5 | 8 (6.5) | 8 (7.5) | 8 (6.5) | 8 (6.5) |
| 9 | 6 | 9 (7.0) | 9 (8.0) | 9 (7.0) | 9 (7.0) |
| 10+ | 6 | 10 (7.5 – 9.0) | 10 (8.5 – 9.0) | 10 (7.5 – 9.0) | 10 (7.5 – 9.0) |
IELTS scores for each section are provided in brackets in the table.
Tips to Achieve a High Score in IELTS for Canada
Achieving a good score in IELTS is essential and can be beneficial in many ways. Here are some tips to achieve a high score in IELTS for Canada:
- Speaking: Avoid using filler words such as ‘um’, ‘er’, and ‘ah’. Practice speaking clearly and without any long pauses. Watching TV shows in English or listening to podcasts from native English speakers can help you improve your pronunciation of words.
- Listening: Expand your vocabulary and develop listening skills. Try to understand different accents such as Australian, Scottish, British, Welsh, Canadian, and more. Identify your listening weaknesses and work on improving them.
- Reading: During the exam, don’t try to read every word. Instead, skim the passage and main points of your text. Start reading more newspapers to boost your reading speed.
- Writing: Avoid informal writing and repetitive words and ensure your word count is met. Practice is the best way to improve your writing, take as many tests as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bands are required for Canada PR from India?
Aspirants are required to score a minimum overall band 6 for Canada PR from India.
How much IELTS score is required for a Canada work permit?
A minimum overall band of 6 is required for a Canada work permit.
Which IELTS exam for Canada should I take, Academic or General?
The IELTS General test is for those who are planning to work or migrate to Canada (or English-speaking countries). The IELTS Academic test is for educational purposes only.
How many bands are required for Canada after 12?
An overall score of band 6 is required for Canada after 12.
I took the IELTS exam in 2022. Is my IELTS score applicable?
No, the IELTS exam scores are valid only for 2 years from the result date. You cannot apply in 2025 with scores of 2022.
