Canada is among the most preferred study abroad destinations by Indian students whether they are seeking undergraduate studies or graduate studies. Before planning to study in Canada, the students must be aware of the eligibility criteria for the program they are applying for, including exams accepted in Canada. There is a range of exams accepted in Canada with some of them having different purposes. Let’s move further and explore the list of exams to study in Canada including subjects they are applicable for.
Exams for Canada: English Language Proficiency Tests
In order to receive a Canadian student Visa, the applicant must fulfill ELP requirements through the submission of English language test scores. The most common English test accepted in Canada is IELTS but other exams like TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE are also acceptable. Every non-English native citizen must prove his English proficiency skills whether he is planning to study, work or live in Canada.
Given below is the test requirements to get into top-ranking universities for MBA in Canada, the most popular program amongst Indian students:
| University | IELTS | TOEFL | Duolingo | PTE | CAEL | MELAB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 6.5, with no band below 6.0 | 100, with 22 in Writing | 120 | N/A | 70, with no part below 60 | N/A |
| McGill University | 6.5 | 86 or above | Not accepted | 65, with 60 in each component | 70, with no part below 60 | N/A |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5, with no band below 6.0 | 90 | 125 | 65, with 60 in each component | 70 | 85 |
| University of Alberta | 6.5, with no band below 5.5 | 90, with 21 in each component | 115 -125 | 59 | 70 | 85 |
| McMaster University | 6.5 | 86, with 20 in each component | Not accepted | 60 | 70, with no part below 60 | 85 |
IELTS
Every university or college in Canada accepts IELTS scores as a part of ELP requirements. The IELTS exam costs around 15,500 INR for Indian students and is valid for up to 2 years.
The general training test is majorly required immigration and those planning to work in Canada. On the other hand, the academic test is required from prospective international students. The candidates may select up to 5 universities or colleges to study in Canada and directly send their IELTS Academic test l results without any additional cost.
The candidate may NOT have to give the test if:
- He/she lived in an English-native country for at least 4 years.
- The applicant holds citizenship of a country where English is the official language.
- The candidate has studied in an institute for a minimum of 3 years and it had English as the official language of instruction.
Those seeking IELTS students Visa, must have achieved a minimum overall score of 6.0 in IELTS but the majority of institutes ask for a score of 6.5. The 6.5 scores is mostly required for graduate-level courses in top Canadian universities.
IELTS for Canada Immigration
As part of the immigration process in Canada, each applicant must achieve a score between 6.5-8 in each section of the IELTS test. Also, just studying is not enough for IELTS as candidates are required to practice side by side.
Some conditions a candidate must meet for immigration in Canada without IELTS submission:
- Enrol in an English study language program which is basically a pathway course to degree programs in Canada offered in various universities.
- The international applicants may appear for CBL if they couldn't attempt the IELTS test.
IELTS for MBA in Canada
To be eligible for MBA in Canada, the candidates must provide test scores of GMAT and IELTS test together. However, some institutions may only ask for an IELTS score. So, those who failed to appear in the GMAT test or haven't achieved the minimum required score may study MBA in Canada with IELTS.
Find out more on: Without IELTS Study in Canada!
TOEFL
Other than IELTS, TOEFL is the most commonly accepted English test in Canada that costs around 15,652 INR for Indian students. The students may either choose to give internet-based or paper-based TOEFL in Canada. Though, internet-based or TOEFL-IBT is mostly preferred by top universities in Canada.
After receiving the test results, the students may apply and be accepted into the university of their choice within a duration of 2 years. In Canadian universities, the minimum TOEFL score in internet-based tests ranges between 80-100.
Applicants do NOT have to give the test if:
- Those achieving a minimum score of 35 in SAT reading section while applying for an undergraduate degree.
- Achieved above 670 in the critical trading section of SAT or a reading score above 35.
- Attended an institute for at least 4 years where the primary language of instruction was English.
PTE
PTE has recently gained recognition in Canada, thus very few universities may accept its scores. All international students planning to appear in PTE are advised to check universities that accept PTE test scores before applying. International students are advised to book their slots for PTE in 14 days prior to the exam date and pay the non-refundable fee of 13,300 INR. The prospective international students can be exempted for PTE submission if they studied in an institute for 3 years with English being a major language of instruction.
Duolingo
Unlike other English language tests, Duolingo is a language learning tool that is especially designed for international students belonging to non-English speaking countries. The exam consists of various tools for learning such as flashcards, listening exercises, multiple-choice questions, sentences and phrases. It is one of the cheapest English tests that generally cost around 3,678 INR.
CAEL
CAEL or Canadian Academic English Language is a test specifically accepted in Canada. The test costs 280 CAD(~16680 INR). The test is used to assess the English skills of any candidate through Reading, Writing, Speaking and listening. The scores are given on a scale of 10 - 90. Also, the results for the CAEL test are generally released within 8 business days after completion.
MELAB
The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery, formerly known as MELAB, is offered by the English institute of University of Michigan. Students from over 70 countries are eligible to appear in the MELAB test. The cost of this test is 80(~4,766 INR) without the speaking test and overall 120 CAD(~7,149 INR) including speaking.
CELPIP
There are two types of CELPIP tests where the general test is for permanent residency and the general LS test is for citizenship application issued by IRCC. Majority of the students take the general test which costs 10,845 INR and has a validity of 3 years. To be eligible for Canadian Visa, the applicant must score a minimum of 7.0 in CELPIP.
Exams To Study In Canada: French Language Tests
French is the second most spoken language in Canada after English. More than 20% of the people living in Canada speak French, especially in the Quebec region. Not only this, many universities in Quebec have French as the primary language of instruction.
Hence, international students planning to study in the Quebec region must be proficient in the French language. The common French Tests accepted in Canada are TEFAQ and TEF.
TEF
Through the TEF test, an applicant's French proficiency is evaluated on the scale of 7 levels on CEFRL or CLB. The CEFRL is the common European framework of reference for languages and CLB is the Canadian Language Benchmarks. The test is quite expensive compared to the English test with an approximate cost of 26,212 INR. The test consists of 4 sections including writing, reading, speaking and listening. The scores are not only required for admission into French language courses but also for Visa.
TEFAQ
TEFAQ is a French language test applicable.only in the Quebec region. However, those applying in regions other than Quebec must go for TEF as it is recognized across all parts of the country.
Exams To Study In Canada: Subject Aptitude Tests
There are some exams in Canada that are specifically required for admission into certain subjects such as GMAT or GRE tests. While GRE is required for all master of science and Ph.D. courses, the GMAT is only applicable for business or management courses at the graduate level.
GRE
Many universities in Canada consider GRE as an optional requirement for graduate admissions. Though, students are still recommended to submit GRE scores to make their application stand out and receive priority consideration for admission. Those applying for graduate business courses in Canada can appear in GRE general test while those applying for subjects other than business may take the GRE subject test.
GRE can also be accepted as an alternative to GMAT in case the candidate couldn't appear in the exam or failed to achieve minimum satisfactory scores. The test costs around 294 CAD(17,535 INR) for applicants seeking admission in Master of Science in Canada.
| University | Average GRE Score |
|---|---|
| University of British Columbia | Verbal: 130 | Quantitative: 155 | Writing: 4.0 |
| University of Toronto | Verbal: 140 | Quantitative: 150 | Writing: 5.0 |
| University of Victoria | Verbal: 140 | Quantitative: 156 | Writing: 4.0 |
| McGill University | Verbal: 160 | Quantitative: 165 | Writing: 4.0 |
| Queen’s University Kingston | Verbal: 160 | Quantitative: 150 | Writing: 4.0 |
GMAT
Students planning to apply for MBA in Canada are required to appear in the GMAT exam which costs approximately 246 CAD(20,655 INR). The minimum GMAT score requirement differs for each business school in Canada. Talking about the top business schools in Canada, the GMAT requirements are generally above 650. The below table shows the minimum GMAT scores required in top Canadian business schools:
| Business School/Faculty | Average GMAT Score |
|---|---|
| Rotman School of Management | 658 |
| Desautels Faculty of Management | 660 |
| Schulich School of Business | 660 |
| Ivey Business School | 661 |
| Sauder School of Business | 650 |
MCAT
MCAT is a general medical test required for admission into graduate level medical courses. It is conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges and is accepted by various top medical schools in Canada. The test helps medical schools or colleges to shortlist top candidates by evaluating their knowledge in biology, biophysics, biochemistry, and socio-psychology alongside their reasoning and critical thinking skills. To register for MCAT test, international students are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of 320 USD or 441 CAD(26,333 INR). Tabulated below is the minimum MCAT score required in top Canadian universities:
| University/College | MCAT Score |
|---|---|
| McMaster University | 123 in Critical Analysis and Reasoning |
| University of British Columbia | 496, with 124 in each section |
| McGill University | Overall 510 |
| University of Toronto | 500, with 125 in each section |
| University of Montreal | N/A |
While applying for university in Canada, the applicants must go through all the eligibility requirements and exams applicable for the program they applied for in the particular university. The requirements differ in each university and college in Canada. Some universities may consider test scores as optional requirements or offer a waiver option. On the other hand, the top universities may have a compulsion to submission of standardized test results.
FAQS
Ques.Which exam is best for studying in Canada?
Ans.To study in Canada international applicants may submit scores of IELTS, TOEFL or PTE. Other than language scores, the universities in Canada may also require scores of subject-specific tests such as GMAT, GRE, MCAT etc. The test requirements may differ from university to university with some having mandatory test requirements while other have optional or waiver options.
Ques.Is IELTS enough for Canada?
Ans.There is no minimum IELTS requirements in Canada each university has there own set of criteria. The top universities in Canada require a minimum score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. For PR in Canada, a minimum score of 7.0 or above may be required.
Ques.Do I need GRE for Canada?
Ans.The GRE scores are required for admission to Master of Science courses in Canada. The average GRE requirements for MS range between 310 - 320. Those achieving higher GRE scores are preferred more for admissions.
Ques.How much TOEFL score is required for Canada?
Ans.The minimum TOEFL score for Canadian Visa ranges between 80 to 100. However, students can also be accepted below with a TOEFL score below 80 in some universities. Achieving higher TOEFL scores will help international students to get enroll in top universities like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and UBC.
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