Canada is renowned for being a student-friendly country that has consistently been setting standards for higher education. It gravitates students for a myriad of purposes, be it for education or getting permanent residency (PR). This is when IELTS props up, as Canada requires a certain level of language proficiency in order to be able to process applicants. Since English proficiency is mandatory, this blog is the perfect guide for you to plan your IELTS journey accordingly.
Minimum IELTS Score Requirements for Top Universities in Canada
While the requirements depend on the type of course that you are going for, it is always recommended that you aim for anything above 6.5. Normally, students are required to have an IELTS score above 6.0 so as to be granted a student visa. However, the language proficiency requirement for Canadian institutions depends heavily on the type of course, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, that you are opting for.
Requirements for Undergraduate Courses in Canada
Canada is home to a pioneering education system that firmly believes in allowing students to fulfill their academic potential to the fullest. Owing to this progressive perspective, Canada is known for offering a plethora of undergraduate courses which require different levels of English proficiency. The level of language proficiency will depend on the nature of your course and the professional market that you will eventually dwell in. Therefore, the answer varies from course to course.
Requirements for Postgraduate Courses in Canada
Pursuing your post-graduate education in Canada is a matter of prestige, given how extensive the course curriculum is. In most circumstances, the degree requirements go.
Minimum IELTS Score Requirements for Top Courses in Canada
As you diversify your options and look for top universities to study in, the IELTS requirement is bound to vary. If your score lies between 6.0-6.5, you can easily avail admission to mid-tier to top ranking universities. However, should you score less, you can still shoot your shot in some universities.
When it comes to in-demand courses like psychology, hotel management, engineering, etc., the course curriculum tends to be advanced. In such cases, universities may demand a score between 6.5 and 7.0.
Minimum IELTS Score Requirements for Canadian Visas
Understanding the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
The Canadian government has maintained a standard that is imperative to follow when it comes to acquiring a visa or permanent residency. The minimum prerequisite is supervised by the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) which is the national standard followed for defining, quantifying, and recognizing a candidate’s proficiency in English. The CLB scales from 1 to 12, with each level being leveled to a standard IELTS score.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Major Federal Immigration Programs: IELTS Score for Canada
Canada is celebrated for being one of the most immigrant-friendly destinations in the world. In the case that you wish to attain permanent residency in Canada and envision your future there, there are a myriad of federal immigration programs that you have the option of availing. Of all the options available, the Express Entry Program is the most sought-after. However, keeping in mind that Canada had rigid language proficiency requirements, IELTS automatically becomes a vital aspect of the entire process.
There are three federal immigration gateways under Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Under this scheme, it is vital to acquire at least 6 in each section of the IELTS test or a CLB level 7.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
This pathway is optimal for those candidates who wish to attain permanent residency on the basis of being eligible for a skilled trade. Apart from achieving an IELTS score, you must also have a minimum of two years’ worth of work experience in any skilled trade in order to start your PR journey.
| CLB Level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing |
| 10 or Higher | 8.5 to 9 | 8.0 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 |
| 9 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Federal Skilled Worker Program
In the case that you have international work experience and no prior connections to Canada, you are eligible to apply under this scheme. In order to be eligible for this pathway, you must acquire a minimum of CLB level 7 or 6 bands in each section of the IELTS test.
| Score Per Band | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | CLB Level |
| 4 | 6.0 to 7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 7 |
| 5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 8 |
| 6 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 9 |
| 6 | 8.5 to 9.0 | 8.0 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 | 7.5 to 9.0 | 10 or Higher |
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is for candidates with skilled work experience in Canada itself. This program is ideal for those who wish to acquire permanent residency status. Moreover, this scheme allows students and foreign workers to make efficient use of their education and experience in order to catalyst the process of PR.
In the case that an applicant is enrolled in a profession that comes under NOC Skill Level A, it is imperative for them to achieve a level 7 on the CLB. Apart from this, if the candidate is engaged with a NOC Skill Level B profession, they must attain a minimum of level 5 on the CLB.
The table below shows the IELTS score needed to secure the minimum CLB levels for the corresponding NOC Skill level:
| NOC Skill Level | Listening | Reading | Speaking | Writing | CLB Level |
| A | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 | 10 or Higher |
| A | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 9 |
| A | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 8 |
| A | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 7 |
| B | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6 |
| B | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5 |
Minium IELTS score required for Canada work permit
The minimum IELTS score required in order to acquire a work permit in Canada is 6 in all bands of IELTS. However, in case an applicant is applying for a NOC B-level job, they must get a score of 4 in the reading component and 5 in the rest of the sections.
Tips for Improving Your IELTS Score for Canada
IELTS may come off as any regular English test, but it is not. It is an international benchmark for English that requires dedicated practice. Having helped numerous students in their respective journeys, we have been able to come up with few very helpful tricks that will help you assess your current level and allow you to achieve an excellent score.
Here at Admissify, we have curated a comprehensive system when it comes to IELTS. We have mastered the very basics of providing quality classes to students by having a British Council-verified faculty on board with us. Rest assured, our faculty is here to aid you in realizing your potential in a holistic manner. to know how to increase your IELTS score read our Blog on Maximizing the IELTS score.
For more information also read our article on Why do students favor Canada to study abroad?.
FAQ About Minimum IELTS Score for Canada
What is the minimum IELTS score required for Canada?Â
A candidate must score at least 6 bands in order to be eligible for a Canada PR through the Express Entry Program.
How much IELTS band required for Canada immigration?
In order to be eligible for Canada PR, you must attain a minimum of 6 bands in reading, writing, listening, and speaking on the IELTS test.Â
How much IELTS score required for Canada Express entry?
In order to be eligible for the express entry program, a candidate must acquire a score of 6.0 in all sections of the test.Â
IS an IELTS score required for a Canada student visa?
Since English is one of the official languages of Canada, it is vital for anyone moving there to have proficiency in it. Therefore, language proficiency tests like IELTS are mandatory and a candidate must score a minimum of 6.0 bands.Â
How much IELTS score does your spouse need for Canada Immigration?
As a co-applicant applying under the express entry pathway, you must acquire no less than 6 bands in the IELTS test.
Avinash Singh is a study abroad consultant with over 10 years of experience helping students achieve their academic goals. He is an expert in the US, Australian, German, and Canadian education systems and has helped hundreds of students secure admission to top universities around the world. In his spare time, Avinash enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and loves to learn new things.
