Here’s what you need to know about IELTS for Canada

Any foreign national hoping to study or immigrate to Canada must complete IELTS for Canada. Short for The International English Language Test, IELTS is used to gauge the English language proficiency of non-native speakers seeking opportunities in English-speaking countries. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know about IELTS for Canada:

Types of IELTS for Canada

There are two types of IELTS tests — which you choose depends on your purpose of going to Canada. Graduates and skilled workers hoping to pursue employment should take the IELTS General Training. It is accepted for Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, and some studies below degree level.

International students should focus on the IELTS Academic version, which is ideal for students who want to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels. It measures English language proficiency for academic settings, ensuring you can follow lessons and blend into your new college or university. IELTS is the only English language test that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Canada (IRCC) has accredited for the Student Direct Stream.

College entrance exams are well and alive at this stage of the pandemic, as are IELTS sessions at open centres. Source: Kim Hong-Ji/Pool/AFP

How IELTS works

IELTS in Canada tests how well you listen, read, write, and speak in English. You will take a test and receive a score for each section. These scores will contribute to your band score on a scale of 1-9, with 9 being “expert” proficiency. There is generally no minimum passing score, but the institution you are applying to may have its own requirement which you can check here.

The listening, reading and writing sections of the exam are to be sat one after the other without a break. Expect several test formats, including multiple-choice, matching, labelling, and chart or summary completion. The speaking test — typically held with an examiner — might be taken on the same day or it could be taken up to a week before or after the other sections.

Now that you have a clearer picture of IELTS for Canada, it’s time to make the necessary arrangements. Find your nearest IELTS centre and book your IELTS test online.