Many international students dream of pursuing higher education in Canada, but one of the biggest challenges they face is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirement. This is why many students search how to Study in Canada Without IELTS 2025.
Nowadays IELTS has been a traditional admission standard and it’s usually not given that much importance. Many top universities in Canada are now offering students the opportunity to study without IELTS in 2025 and 2026.
Instead of IELTS, universities are increasingly accepting alternative English language proficiency tests like TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, CAEL, providing conditional admissions, or even granting waivers based on prior education. Studying in Canada without IELTS in 2025 eliminates all the hurdles from the talented students. The flexibility in language proficiency test can pull thousands of talented students to the Canadian universities across the world.
Canada is offering more fully and partially funded scholarships than ever for international students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels with this alternative english proficiency tests. Apart from that, studying in Canada lets you experience a diverse culture, attend top universities, and access many career opportunities, making it a great choice for students around the world.
In this guide we covered everything you need to know about studying in Canada without IELTS in 2025.
Why Study in Canada Without IELTS?
Reason 1: Studying in Canada without IELTS offers many benefits. One of the main advantages is that students do not have to take the IELTS exam and can instead use other widely accepted English tests such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CAEL, CELPIP, or Cambridge exams to prove their language proficiency.
Reason 2: Students who have completed their education in English-medium schools or universities, or who come from countries where English is the official or primary language, may be exempted from taking the IELTS exam. Universities usually consider the duration of education in English and the level of courses studied to decide whether an exemption can be granted.
Reason 3: Canada is home to top-ranked universities that are known worldwide for their high academic standards and excellent research opportunities. Studying here gives students access to quality teaching, advanced facilities, and the chance to learn from leading experts in their fields.
Reason 4: Many scholarships are available for international students, including both fully funded and partially funded options. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs, making it easier for students to study in Canada without financial worries.
ALSO READ: Top 10 MBA Scholarships for International Students
Top Scholarships to study in Canada Without IELTS
Here is a list of the top scholarships available for international students to study in Canada without IELTS, including details on eligibility and funding.
McCall MacBain Scholarships (McGill University)
- Fully funded graduate scholarship covering tuition fees, living stipends, and mentorship.
- Who is Eligible: Graduate students with outstanding academic and leadership achievements.
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Level: Graduate
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition + living stipend + mentorship support
- Funded Type: Fully Funded
- For more details, McCall MacBain Scholarships
University of Alberta Scholarships
- Short Description: Scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students with various funding packages.
- Who is Eligible: International students across all degree levels.
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Level: Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral
- Scholarship Amount: Varies depending on program and merit
- Funded Type: Fully & Partially Funded
- For more details, University of Alberta Scholarships (UG)
- For more details, University of Alberta Scholarships (Graduate)
University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship
- Short Description: Partially funded scholarship for undergraduate students for up to four years.
- Who is Eligible: International undergraduate students demonstrating academic excellence.
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Scholarship Amount: Partial tuition coverage
- Funded Type: Partially Funded
- For more details, University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship
University of Ottawa International Scholarships
- Short Description: Supports international undergraduates and graduates with tuition and research funding.
- Who is Eligible: International students at undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition and research support
- Funded Type: Partially Funded
- For more details, University of Ottawa International Scholarships
York University Scholarships
- Short Description: Merit-based awards covering tuition, living expenses, and research funding.
- Who is Eligible: International undergraduate and graduate students with strong academic records.
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Level:
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition + living expenses + research support
- Funded Type: Partially Funded
- For more details, York University Scholarships
Canada Graduate Research Scholarship
- Short Description: Prestigious doctoral program fully funded by the Canadian government.
- Who is Eligible: Doctoral students with exceptional academic and research potential.
- Host Country: Canada
- Study Level: Doctoral
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition + living stipend
- Funded Type: Fully Funded
- For more details, Canada Graduate Research Scholarship
University of Montreal Scholarships
- Short Description: Scholarships covering tuition and living expenses for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
- Who is Eligible: International students at all degree levels.
- Host Country: Canada
- Study level: Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral
- Study level: Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition + living support
- Funded Type: Fully & Partially Funded
- For more details, University of Montreal Scholarships
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) Program
- Short Description: Supports master’s and doctoral students in Ontario universities.
- Who is Eligible: Graduate students enrolled in Ontario universities.
- Host Country: Canada
- Study level: Master’s, Doctoral
- Scholarship Amount: Partial funding for tuition and research
- Funded Type: Partially Funded
- For more details, Ontario Graduate Scholarship
Concordia University Scholarships
- Short Description: Merit-based financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Who is Eligible: International students demonstrating academic excellence.
- Host Country: Canada
- Study level:
- Scholarship Amount: Varies, covers tuition partially
- Funded Type: Partially Funded
- For more details, Concordia University Scholarships
McGill University Mastercard Scholarship 2026
- A fully funded scholarship program aimed at academically talented but economically disadvantaged students from Sub-Saharan Africa, offering leadership training and mentorship.
- Who is Eligible: Undergraduate and master’s students from Sub-Saharan African countries.
- Host Country: Canada
- Scholarship Amount: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and academic materials.
- Funded Types: Fully Funded
- For more details, McGill University Mastercard Scholarship 2026
Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2026 in Canada
- One of the most prestigious scholarships at the University of Toronto, this fully funded award recognizes outstanding international students with exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.
- Who is Eligible: International undergraduate students applying to the University of Toronto for the first time.
- Host Country: Canada
- Scholarship Amount: Covers full tuition fees, books, incidental costs, and full residence support for four years.
- Funded Types: Fully Funded
- For more details, Lester B. Pearson Scholarship 2026
Canadian Universities Accepting Students Without IELTS
Many Canadian universities allow students to apply without IELTS by accepting alternatives or granting waivers:
- Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
- University of Regina
- Cambrian College
- University of Prince Edward Island
- Algoma University
- McGill University
- University of Guelph
- Concordia University
- University of Winnipeg
- Okanagan College
- Brandon University
- Seneca College
- University of Saskatchewan
- Brock University
- Carleton University
- University of Alberta
IELTS Alternatives Accepted in Canada
Many Canadian universities allow students to prove their English proficiency through tests other than IELTS. This provides flexibility and convenience for international applicants. Below are some widely accepted alternatives:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
TOEFL is one of the most popular alternatives. TOEFL is accepted by almost all Canadian universities. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
- Required Scores: 80–100 for undergraduate programs, 90–110 for graduate programs.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)
A test developed in Canada and designed specifically for academic contexts. It measures how well students can use English in a Canadian classroom setting.
- Minimum Score: Around 70 (varies by institution).
Cambridge English Exams (CAE/CPE)
The Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) and Cambridge Proficiency English (CPE) exams are internationally recognized and accepted by many Canadian institutions.
- Score Range: CAE: 180–200 | CPE: 200–230.
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
This test is often used for both academic purposes and Canadian immigration applications. It assesses functional English language ability in daily and academic contexts.
Duolingo English Test
A modern and convenient option, the Duolingo test can be taken online from home. It is increasingly accepted by Canadian universities due to its accessibility and quick results.
- Required Scores: 85–120, depending on the program and institution.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
PTE is widely recognized and provides results within five business days, making it a fast option for applicants. It tests speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.
- Minimum Scores: Vary across universities, but many accept scores in the range of 58–65 for undergraduate programs and higher for graduate programs.
Final Thoughts
In this blog post, we have given various types of scholarships to Study in Canada without IELTS in 2025.
Studying in Canada without IELTS in 2025–2026 is an achievable goal for international students. Many universities accept other English tests, offer language waivers, or provide conditional admissions. Along with fully funded and partially funded scholarships, Canada gives students the opportunity to enjoy world-class education without needing IELTS.”
If you are planning to study abroad without IELTS, Canada is one of the most promising destinations to consider.