Should I Take an IELTS Class? Is It Mandatory?
April 28, 2025
I have trained thousands of students as an IELTS coach for more than 14 years to help them realise their dreams of studying in Canada. As someone who is going to apply for the Canadian student visa in 2025, it is essential that you know the IELTS band requirement. In this article, I will take you through all the information about the IELTS score for the Canada student visa, the varying score requirements of different institutions, and how to obtain your target band.
Why is IELTS Required for a Canada Student Visa?
Education in Canada: Best Places to Study for International Students Canada is one of the top destinations for international students due to its high-quality education, diverse culture, and welcoming immigration policies. Depending on the institution, language tests are required as English is the medium of instruction in most Canadian schools. As a result, a number of widely accepted tests have been circulating in the marketplace, ranging from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), to name just two.
International students must demonstrate their proficiency in English to qualify for a study permit under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It increases the probability of getting your visa approved, along with the ability to cope with academic life in Canada.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirement for a Canada Student Visa in 2025
The minimum IELTS score for a Canadian student visa varies from institution to institution and is also different for various levels of education. Here is a summary of the general requirements:
1. Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates)
The majority of Canadian colleges/universities demand an overall band of 6.0 in IELTS with no band marked below 5.5 (i.e., minimum score of 5.5 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). However, some institutions may have more stringent requirements.
2. Postgraduate Programs (Master’s Degrees, PG Diplomas, and Doctoral Programs)
They usually demand greater English proficiency for postgraduate studies. Most postgraduate courses require an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.
3. SDS (Student Direct Stream) Canada Visa
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) provides faster visa application processing for students from certain countries, including India, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, etc. Eligibility Requirements: To qualify under SDS, you need to have:
- The overall band score was 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for each of the modules (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
- Overall band score of 6.0 or above.
If you do not satisfy this requirement, you might need to apply via the regular research allow stream, which has an extended application time.
4. Non-SDS Category
If you are not eligible for SDS, then you can apply for a student visa under the non-SDS stream. But the minimum IELTS score might differ as per the respective institution’s acceptance criteria. With an overall band of 5.5, students may apply to some universities but obtaining a visa in such a case might be tougher.
University-Specific IELTS Requirements
Although the general requirements are beneficial , considering a base, some universities and colleges in Canada could demand higher IELTS scores. Here are a few examples:
- University of Toronto: 6.5 – 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in each band)
- University of British Columbia (UBC): 6.5 – 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in every band)
- McGill University: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each band)
- Humber College: Overall band score of 6.0 (minimum score of 5.5 in each band)
- Seneca College: a minimum of 6.0 on the overall band score (minimum of 5.5 for each band)
Before applying, it’s always best to check the specific IELTS requirements of your selected institution.
Tips to Achieve Your Target IELTS Score
As an IELTS instructor, I’ve had many students successfully increase their scores using these effective techniques:
Understand the Test Format
Know the four parts of the IELTS test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Being aware of the types of questions that will be asked, along with the limits of time, would help you avail the task in a time-bound manner.
Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is key. Do mock tests, practice sample questions, and also find out where you went wrong. This will help you to come up with areas that need to be improved.
OBSERVE: Improve your vocabulary and grammar
A wide vocabulary and solid grammar will greatly increase your IELTS score, particularly in Writing and Speaking.
Work on Your Listening Skills
Podcasts, news, and academic lectures in English. This will train you to adapt to different accents and enhance your listening skills.
Enhance Your Writing Skills
Write essays, reports, and letters. You are a [sentence paraphraser] चरण 3: लेखन प्रक्रिया
Speak in English Daily
Talk to your friends, family, or even yourself in English on a daily basis. It will increase your fluency and confidence.
Take Professional Coaching
Click here for free IELTS Master classes
On the other hand, if your current IELTS score is far from the one you aim for, then it might be time to join an islanders IELTS coaching program.
Can You Study in Canada Without IELTS?
While IELTS is widely accepted, some Canadian institutions offer alternatives like:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- Duolingo English Test
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
- Completing a previous degree in an English-speaking country
However, if you’re applying for a student visa, an IELTS score is the safest and most widely accepted option.
Conclusion
Meeting the adequate IELTS band score is an essential step for obtaining a Canada student visa in 2025. It’s important to know the specific IELTS requirements of your institution, regardless of whether you’re applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program. If you want to achieve your target score with one-on-one coaching, you can get my help.
So that would be all for that. Reach out if you have any questions or need professional IELTS online coaching. I can help your dream of studying in Canada come true!
