Top 15 Universities in Canada Without IELTS in 2025: Check List!

To study in Canada without IELTS, you must take other recognised English language tests or meet certain eligibility requirements. 

Over 20 top universities and colleges in Canada are already allowing international students to apply without IELTS. You can submit TOEFL, CAEL, PTE, Duolingo, CanTEST, or other scores instead of IELTS. 

Students coming from English-speaking countries or with previous education in the English medium may also qualify for a waiver. Below, you will find the top 15 Canadian universities, such as McGill University, University of Saskatchewan, Brock University, and more, where you can study without IELTS in 2025. This guide also explains alternative language tests, study abroad requirements, and popular Master's in Canada programs available to international students.

Universities Without IELTS in Canada

The following is a list of top Canadian universities that accept admission without an IELTS score from international students. 

University / College	Popular Courses for International Students
University of Winnipeg	Business and Economics, Computer Science, Applied Project Management, Digital & Social Media Marketing, Human Resource Management
University of Saskatchewan	Agriculture, Engineering, Computer Science, Education, Business Administration
Cambrian College	Nursing, Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant, Power Engineering Technology, Business Analytics, Global Business Management
Seneca College	Data Science, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Business Administration, Engineering
Brock University	Business, Computer Science, Health Sciences, Education, Psychology
Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador	Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Science, Marine Studies, Nursing
Okanagan College	Information Systems, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Digital Marketing, Aircraft Maintenance
University of Guelph	Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Food Science, Business Administration
McGill University	Microbiology and Immunology, Economics & Finance, Medical Radiation Physics, Computer Science, Engineering
Algoma University	Computer Science, Business Administration, Psychology, Environmental Science, Political Science
Brandon University	Business Administration, Education, Environmental Science, Music, Nursing
Carleton University	Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Public Affairs, Journalism
University of Regina	Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Education, Public Policy
Concordia University	Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Fine Arts, Psychology
University of Prince Edward Island	Biotechnology, Business Economics, Physics, Statistics, Environmental Studies

1. University of Winnipeg

The University of Winnipeg is one of the top public universities in Canada, where students can study without IELTS. Although English is the language of instruction, applicants from non-English-speaking countries must prove their language proficiency by submitting alternative test scores or completing academic English programs.

Accepted alternatives to IELTS are:

• Duolingo English Test – Minimum score: 120
• TOEFL iBT – Minimum score: 86 with at least 20 in each component
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency – Minimum score: 180
• CAEL/CAEL CE/CAEL Online – Minimum score: 60–70
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) – Minimum score: 58
• Academic English Program from University and College Entrance (AEPUCE) – Successful completion
• English Language Program (ELP) – Completion of Academic Level 5 or C+ in Academic Writing 1 and 2

Students can also apply for a waiver of the English Language Requirement by contacting the admissions office.

2. University of Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) accepts international students for master’s and PhD programs without IELTS. However, if your first language is not English, you must submit proof of English language proficiency. If you don’t meet the requirement, you can complete the U-PREP course before beginning your degree.

Minimum scores required:

• TOEFL iBT – 86 overall with 19 in each section
• Cambridge C1 Advanced – 176 minimum
• Duolingo English Test – Overall 115 with a minimum of 95 in each area
• PTE Academic – Overall 63 with no less than 59
• CAEL – 70% overall with 60% per section
• Completion of the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre Level 4 (graduate bridging)
• Completion of the University of Regina Intensive ESL Advanced Level (ESL 50)

Other options include submitting GCE, IB, and AP English qualifications.

3. Cambrian College

Cambrian College is a leading public institution in Northern Ontario, offering career-focused programs. You can study at Cambrian College without IELTS if you provide alternate test scores or complete an English preparatory course.

Accepted English proficiency tests:

• TOEFL (iBT) – 80 for Diploma/Certificate; 84 for Grad Certificate; 88 for Degrees
• TOEFL (Paper-based) – 550 to 570
• PTE – 58 to 6,1 depending on the program
• Duolingo – 105 to 115 for Diploma/Certificate; 120+ for Grad Certificate
• English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP) – Completion accepted

4. Seneca College

Seneca College is one of the most popular colleges for international students in Ontario. IELTS is not compulsory here. You can provide test scores taken within the last two years.

Accepted alternatives:

• TOEFL iBT – Minimum 80 (no section below 20)
• CAEL CE and CAEL Online – Minimum score of 60
• PTE Academic – Minimum score: 58
• Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, or CPE) – Overall 169 with no band below 162

Students from specific English-speaking countries are exempt from submitting English language test scores.

5. Brock University

Brock University uses English as the medium of instruction. International students must prove their English language proficiency if their first language is not English. IELTS is not the only option.

Accepted tests:

• TOEFL, CAEL, Duolingo, MELAB, YELT
• Students can also take Brock University’s Intensive English Language Program (IELP)

6. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador

Memorial University is a respected institution in Atlantic Canada. You can study here without IELTS if you take other recognised tests or complete the ESL program offered by the university.

Accepted alternatives:

• TOEFL iBT – Minimum 79
• Duolingo – Minimum 115
• CAEL – 50 to 60
• Cambridge English – 176 minimum
• CanTEST – 4.5
• PTE – Minimum 58
• MET – Minimum 59

Note: Bachelor of Engineering has separate English language score requirements.

7. Okanagan College

Okanagan College offers admission to international students without IELTS. Students from British Columbia high schools can use their English 12 grade as proof of proficiency.

Accepted options:

• Duolingo English Test
• TOEFL iBT
• OCELA (Okanagan College English Language Assessment)

Minimum scores depend on the program applied for.

8. University of Guelph

The University of Guelph allows students to submit alternative English proficiency test scores instead of IELTS. The university also accepts its in-house English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) for meeting requirements.

Accepted alternatives:

• TOEFL iBT – Minimum 89
• Duolingo – Minimum 110
• PTE Academic – Minimum 60
• CAEL – Minimum 70
• Cambridge English (C1/C2) – 176 overall, no band below 169
• ELCP – Level 9 and 10 required

9. McGill University

McGill University is one of Canada’s most prestigious universities. IELTS is not required if the applicant submits a TOEFL score or has completed a degree in an English-medium institution.

Minimum TOEFL requirement:

• TOEFL iBT – Minimum score: 100 (with no section less than 20)

Only results from certified test centres are accepted. McGill’s ETS code is 0935.

10. Algoma University

At Algoma University, international students can apply to Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programs without IELTS. You must show proof of English proficiency using one of the accepted methods.

Accepted tests:

• TOEFL iBT – 79
• CAEL – 60
• PTE – 60
• Duolingo – Overall 110 with no band below 90
• Cambridge English – 176 overall, 169 per band

Students with ENG4U (OSSD) or ENGL12 (BC) – 3 years with a minimum of 70% may qualify for a waiver.

11. Brandon University

Brandon University requires all students to prove English language proficiency. IELTS is not compulsory if you submit equivalent tests and meet the minimum score.

Accepted options:

• TOEFL iBT – 80
• CAEL – 60
• Duolingo – 110
• PTE – 58
• Cambridge English (C1 or C2) – 176
• CanTEST – 4.5 in Reading/Listening and 4.0 in Speaking/Writing

Documents must be sent directly from the issuing institution.

12. Carleton University

Carleton University accepts students without IELTS, especially at the graduate level. If you have studied in English or meet the required scores in other tests, you do not need IELTS.

Requirements:

• TOEFL iBT – Total score of 100 with a minimum of 24 in each area
• CAEL – Overall band score of 70 or higher
• Applicants from English-medium institutions can submit the Confirmation of Language Proficiency Form.

13. University of Regina

The University of Regina allows students to study without IELTS if they meet alternative test score requirements or complete the in-house ESL course.

Accepted alternatives:

• TOEFL iBT – Minimum 20 per skill
• CAEL – 70
• PTE – 59
• CanTEST – 4.5 overall, 4.0 in each skill
• MELAB – 80
• Completion of Advanced EAP 050 accepted

14. Concordia University (H3)

Concordia University in Montreal ranks highly among North American universities. Students can apply without IELTS by submitting alternative English test scores.

Accepted tests:

• TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CAEL
• Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)

15. University of Prince Edward Island

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) accepts several English proficiency tests in place of IELTS. You must meet the program-specific requirements.

Accepted alternatives:

• TOEFL
• CAEL
• Duolingo
• PTE
• Cambridge English (B2, C1, or C2)
• GTEC CBT or English 621

How to Study in Canada Without IELTS?

Yes, candidates can apply to Canadian universities without IELTS. They just need to follow some basic steps to meet the English language requirements. Most Canadian universities accept other standardised English tests. Some may offer an internal language program before the main course.

To study in Canada without IELTS, the following steps need to be followed:

• Check if the university accepts students without IELTS. The list of top 15 universities in Canada without IELTS is mentioned in the article above, one can refer to the list. 
• Choose an alternative English proficiency test like TOEFL, CAEL, PTE, Duolingo, or Cambridge English. 100% of universities in Canada accept TOEFL as the English language proficiency test.
• Check the minimum English proficiency test score required by the university, as it varies for each course and level of study.
• If you don’t want to take any test, check if the university accepts proof of English-medium education for 3 or 4 years.
• Some universities allow students to enrol in their English Language Pathway Program or ESL course. You must complete this before starting your academic program.
• Students from exempt countries may not need to submit any test scores. Check with the admissions office.
• One has to submit all of their official documents, including test scores, school transcripts, and a passport copy, before the deadline.
• After a successful review, the university will issue the letter of acceptance.

Conclusion

Please remember, every university has different policies. It is advised to visit the official website or contact the admissions team before applying. Candidates seeking more details on studying in Canada with or without IELTS can connect with upGrad abroad experts. The experts can guide you in choosing the best universities in Canada and make your higher studies journey better.