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
