IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada in 2024

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

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Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Sep 30, 2024 16:11 IST

Several universities in Canada offers admission on IELTS 5.5 band score. Candidates who may not meet higher IELTS score requirements should be aware of the list of IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada. Generally, candidates are require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each module for undergraduate programs for admission in decent univeristy of Canada. 

IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada

IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada 2024: IELTS is the most accepted exam as proof of English language proficiency when applying to Canada; whether for studying or for a Canada PR. Since it takes effort to score 7.0 and above on the IELTS exam, many students are not able to achieve this score due to different reasons. However, students with a lower IELTS score can also gain admission to some of the top universities in Canada.

Brock University, Concordia University, Capilano University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University are some of the popular IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada in 2024. In this article, we will cover the IELTS 5.5 band Colleges in Canada and the IELTS 5.5 band universities in Canada. Moreover, we have also covered details of the admission process, Canada student visa, and Canadian immigration.

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List of IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada

Most Universities and Colleges in Canada accept an IELTS score of more than 6.0. However, students who score below 6.0 can also apply to study at Canada colleges which accept 5.5 bands on the IELTS exam. Some of the IELTS 5.5 band colleges in Canada are ranked well and provide high-quality academics. Here is a list of Colleges in Canada accepting 5.5 bands on the IELTS exam:








IELTS 5.5 Band Universities in Canada

Here is a list of IELTS 5.5 band universities in Canada:

Free IELTS Class by Shiksha - Registration 

IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada

Here is a list of IELTS 5.5 band colleges in Canada:

Sectional Cut-off for IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada

Now that students are aware of the Canada 5.5 band colleges, it is important for them to understand the section-wise cut-off of IELTS 5.5 band colleges in Canada in order to prepare for the IELTS exam accordingly. The table given below provides the section-wise cut-off for Canada 5.5 band colleges:

University

Overall IELTS

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Brock University

6.0

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

Athabasca University

6.5

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

MacEwan University

6.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

Lethbridge College

6.0

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology

6.0

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

Charles Sturt University

6.0

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

Camosun College

6.0

5.5

5.5

5.5

5.5

Campion College

6.5

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

Huron University College

6.5

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

IELTS scores for Canadian universities and colleges vary on the basis of courses. For instance, language or linguistic courses might require a higher IELTS cut-off. Hence, it is vital for students to research the English language requirements for their particular course as well.

Minimum IELTS Band Requirement for Top Colleges in Canada

Top universities in Canada usually require an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in each sub-section of the IELTS exam. Moreover, these requirements might change with the course as well. English and linguistic courses might require a higher IELTS score as the University expects a higher level of English proficiency for these courses. Here are the IELTS requirements for the top 10 universities in Canada:

1) The University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is ranked at 21st position on the QS World University Rankings 2024. Here are the University of Toronto English requirements:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each section.

(Shiksha Grade: A++)

2) McGill University

McGill University is ranked at 30th position on the QS World University Rankings 2024. Here are the McGill University English requirements:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each section.

(Shiksha Grade: A+)

3) The University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is ranked at 34th position on the QS World University Rankings 2024. Here are the University of British Columbia English requirements:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each section.

(Shiksha Grade: A++)

4) University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is ranked at 112th spot on the QS World University Rankings 2024. Here are the University of Waterloo English requirements:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing, 6.5 in speaking, 6.0 in reading, and 6.0 in listening.

(Shiksha Grade: A)

5) Western University

Western University is placed at 114th position on the QS World University Ranking 2024. Here are the Western University English requirements:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each section.

(Shiksha Grade: B++)

6) University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is placed at the 182nd spot on the QS World University Ranking 2024. Here are the University of Calgary English requirements:

  • IELTS: At least 6.0 overall.

(Shiksha Grade: A)

7) McMaster University

McMaster University is ranked at 189th spot on the QS World University Ranking 2024. Here are the McMaster University English requirements:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each section.

(Shiksha Grade: A)

8) University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is ranked at 203rd spot on the QS World University Ranking 2024. Here are the University of Ottawa English requirements:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in the writing section.

(Shiksha Grade: B++)

9) Queen’s University

Queen’s University is placed at 209th position on the QS World University Ranking 2024. Here are the Queen’s University English requirements:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each section.

(Shiksha Grade: B+)

10) Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is ranked 298th position on the QS World University Ranking 2024. Here are the Dalhousie University English requirements:

  • IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each section.

(Shiksha Grade: B++)

Admission Procedure for IELTS 5.5 Band Universities in Canada

Students, who score 5.5 on the IELTS, can apply to colleges and universities in Canada. Students have the following options to prove their English proficiency if they score below 6.0 on the IELTS:

  • CanTEST: Universities and 5 band colleges in Canada accept CanTEST. It is a standardized English proficiency test that can fulfil your English requirements for pursuing higher education in Canada.
  • Submission of an MOI to the University/College: An MOI (Medium of Instruction) Certificate is issued by your previous university/college. The certificate states that you have completed your degree in English language. Certain universities and 5.5 band colleges in Canada may accept an MOI. It is advised that students check with the university/college regarding this provision.
  • ESL Programme: Students, who are not able to score well on the CanTEST, may enrol for the ESL (English as Second Language) programmes at the respective universities/colleges (e.g. University of Regina, St. Clair College, etc.).

Documents for Canada 5.5 Band Colleges

Students, looking to enrol at Canada 5.5 band colleges and universities, need to submit certain documents for gaining admission. Here is an overview of the same:

  • Formal Schooling.
  • Bachelor’s degree with a certain CGPA (if applying for a Master’s or PG Diploma).
  • Academic or Professional experience (course-specific).
  • GRE or GMAT scores.
  • English language proficiency test scores: IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo score.
  • Latest resume or CV.
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP).
  • LORs (Letters of recommendation).

Admission requirements vary on the basis of course and university/college. It is advised that candidates do their research as well.

Canada Student Visa

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) 2022 data suggests that Canada invited 551,405 international students from 184 countries. Out of these, 226,450 were Indian students. In this section of the article, we will look at the Canada student visa requirements for Indian students:

  • Valid Passport: Students applying for a Canada student visa require a valid passport. Your passport must be valid during your stay in Canada.
  • Acceptance Letter: You need an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institute (DLI). In the case of a Quebec institution, you will need a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
  • Financial Proof: Students need to prove that they have sufficient funds to sustain themselves during their stay in Canada. In the case of Quebec, a student (18 years or above) needs to prove CAD 13,134 per year. In the case of other provinces, a student needs to prove CAD 10,000 per year.
  • IELTS Score: Students need to provide their valid IELTS scores.
  • Immigration Medical Examination (IME): International students need to undergo Immigration Medical Examination.
  • Letter of Explanation: It explains the reasons behind your visit to Canada as an international student.

Canada Immigration and IELTS

Let us now look at how your IELTS score and Canada PR are connected through the Express Entry route. Your IELTS score is connected to a certain CLB level, which in turn is connected to certain scores that are added to your CRS points, which are considered for your Canada PR application. Consider the following points:

  • On the CRS, you are ranked amongst a pool of applications on the basis of your score out of 1200.
  • The following tables will help you understand how your IELTS scores are linked to your CRS score.

First, your CLB level is determined on the basis of your IELTS scores:

CLB Level

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

10 or Above

8.5-9.0

8.0-9.0

7.5-9.0

7.5-9.0

9

8.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

8

7.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

7

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6

5.5

5.0

5.5

5.5

5

5.0

4.0

5.0

5.0

4

4.5

3.5

4.0

4.0

Next, on the basis of your CLB level, you receive your score on the CRS:

CLB Level

Language Scores Without Spouse

Language Scores With Spouse

Less than 4

0

0

CLB 4 or 5

24

24

CLB 6

32

32

CLB 7

68

64

CLB 8

92

88

CLB 9

124

116

CLB 10 or More

136

128

Under the Express Entry system, the following points are important:

  • For the Canadian Experience Class, CLB 7 is required for TEER 0 or TEER 1 and CLB 5 is required for TEER 2 or TEER 3.
  • For the Federal Skilled Trades Program, CLB 5 is required for speaking and listening and CLB 4 is required for reading and writing.
  • For the Federal Skilled Worker Program, CLB 7 is required.
  • TEER 0 means management jobs.
  • TEER 1 means professional jobs that require a degree from a University.
  • TEER 2 or 3 means technical jobs and skilled trades that required a college diploma.

Reasons to Study in Canada

Here are some top reasons to study in Canada:

  • Quality Education: Canadian universities and colleges are some of the top-ranked institutions that offer excellent academics and global career opportunities.
  • Affordability: Compared to the US or the UK, the cost of living in Canada is relatively less.
  • Post-Study Work: Graduates can work for up to 3 years after completing their studies through the PGWPP Canada.
  • Research & Innovation: Students are provided with state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and research opportunities at Canadian universities and colleges.
  • Quality of Life: Canada is known for its elevated expectation of living, offering a protected and agreeable climate with fantastic medical care, social administration, and framework. Canada reliably positions among the top nations regarding personal satisfaction.

Now that students are aware of the IELRS 5.5 band colleges in Canada, they must try to score a high score on the IELTS so that they do not have to settle for anything less or find any alternatives. IELTS preparation takes about 2-4 months and students can easily score 6.0+ if they put in the right effort.

For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.

IELTS 5.5 Band Colleges in Canada FAQs

Q. Can I get admission in Canada with 5.5 band?

A. While it is possible to get admission in a Canadian university or college with an IELTS score of 5.5, it is vital to understand that admission requirements, including IELTS scores, can vary across institutions and courses. Most top Canadian institutions require an IELTS score of at least 6.5. If you have scored 5.5 or less on the IELTS, here a few things you may want to consider:

  • Submit an MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate: The certificate will be issued by your previous university/college and will state that you have completed your education in English.
  • Consider joining an ESL programme: Institutions such as the University of Regina, St. Clair College, etc. provide ESL (English as Second Language) programmes for students who do not score well on the CanTEST.
  • CanTEST: CanTEST is a standardized English proficiency test that can help you meet the English language requirements for Canadian institutions.

Q. Which are the Canada colleges which accept 5.5 bands?

A. Some of the Canada 5.5 band colleges include the University of Alberta, Concordia University, Brock University, University of Winnipeg, Algonquin College, Canadore College, Camosun College, Capilano University, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Royal Roads University, Charles Sturt University, Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology, St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology, etc. It is important to note that IELTS requirements may vary based on the course you are applying for. Hence, it is important to do your own research as well.

Q. What are the admission requirements for Canada 5.5 band colleges?

A. Admission requirements vary based on the university/college and the course applied to. However, these are the general admission requirements:

  • Formal Schooling.
  • Bachelor’s degree with a certain GPA (if applying for a Master’s or PG Diploma).
  • Academic or Professional experience (course-specific).
  • GRE or GMAT scores.
  • English language proficiency test scores: IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo score.
  • Latest resume.
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP).
  • LORs (Letters of recommendation).
  • Admission Essays.

It is important for students to do their own research about the admission requirements for different courses as they can change over time.

Q. What is 8777 IELTS score?

A. 8777 IELTS score means 8 band score on the listening section and 7 band score on the reading, writing, and speaking sections. A person, who score 8777 on the IELTS, is on CLB level 9. As a consequence of this, he/she has an 82-point advantage over a person who is on CLB level 8.

  • 32 points on the language ability
  • 50 points on Skill Transferability and Foreign Work Experience

However, it is not extremely necessary to score 8777 on the IELTS exam; it does help in improving you position in the Express Entry pool. Hence, candidates must try to score as much as possible on the IELTS exam to maximise their chances of getting selected to a good Canadian university or for a better position in the Express Entry pool.

Q. Which are the top universities in Canada?

A. Here are some of the top universities in Canada:

  • University of Toronto
  • McGill University
  • University of British Columbia
  • Université de Montréal
  • University of Alberta
  • McMaster University
  • University of Waterloo
  • University of Ottawa
  • Simon Fraser University
  • Dalhousie University

Please note that these rankings may vary depending on the source and methodology used . It is advised to research and consider multiple rankings and factors when making decisions about university choices. Students must also look for employment reports, career support services, etc. before making a final decision.

Q:   Can I take the IELTS exam without my passport?

A:

No. All candidates are required to bring their original valid Indian passport at the IELTS center on the test date, a copy of which was submitted during the IELTS registration process. Candidates who fail to bring their valid passports to the test center will be refused entry to the test.

Q:   How much does it cost to book an IELTS slot in India?

A:

The test fee for booking an IELTS slot in India varies depending on the type of test you choose (Academic or General Training. As of February 2024, the approximate cost range is:

  • IELTS Academic Exam: INR 17,000
  • IELTS General Exam: INR 17,000

Fee for the IELTS exam is bound to change. Candidates are advised to check the official IDP website for the latest fee information.

Q:   How to book IELTS exam centre?

A:

Booking an IELTS exam centre is not very difficult. Applicants can either register for the chosen IELTS exam centre online or go to the nearest IDP kiosk and choose for one. 75+ IELTS exam centres are available across various Indian cities. Thus, applicants will be able to book their IELTS test centres easily based on the available exam centres in India. When applicants will be registering on IDP's website for IELTS exam, they can directly choose their exam centre and register for the exam. On the other hand, when registering offline, people at IDP can help applicants choose their exam centres.

Q:   How do I book a slot for IELTS?

A:

You can book the IELTS slot by two methods, online or offline both.

Online Booking: Booking your IELTS slot online is the most convenient method. Follow these steps:

  • Go to the IELTS IDP India website.
  • Select the option to register for the test.
  • Decide between computer-based or paper-based testing.
  • Choose between Academic or General Training modules.
  • Select your preferred test center from the available options.
  • Select your desired date and time slot from the list provided.
  • Fill in your details and upload a scanned color copy of your passport.
  • Pay the IELTS exam fee (INR 17,000) using a valid credit card (Master/Visa).
  • After completing your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your test details.

Offline Booking: For those who prefer to book IELTS slot in person, you can do so by visiting an IDP IELTS branch or authorized registration center:

  • Locate your the nearest IDP IELTS branch.
  • Use the computers available at the center to register online.
  • Submit a photocopy of your passport (front and back) and any observation pages.
  • Carefully read and sign the necessary documents.
  • You will receive a confirmation receipt detailing your test information after paying the fee.

Q:   When to take IELTS for fall 2025?

A:

For students planning to apply for the fall 2025 intake, it is advisable to take the IELTS exam 2-3 month earlier from the admission deadline. This timing allows for sufficient preparation, result processing, and potential retakes if necessary.

Q:   What if I cannot find a slot on my preferred IELTS date or location?

A:

Finding a slot on your preferred date and location, especially during peak seasons, can be challenging. Here are some strategies to increase your chances:

  1. Be flexible: Consider alternative dates and locations near you. Even a slightly different date or a nearby city might offer more availability.
  2. Check regularly: Slots can open up due to cancellations, so keep checking the official website frequently, especially closer to your preferred date.
  3. Consider alternative tests: Explore other accepted English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or PTE Academic. Their availability might be different, offering you more options.

Q:   What is the fee for IELTS exam 2025?

A:

The IELTS exam fee for 2025 is set at INR 17,000 for both paper-based and computer-delivered tests in India. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or cancellation.

Q:   Can an IELTS candidate pick a date for the IELTS exam at his/her convenience?

A:

Yes, an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test taker can choose a date for the IELTS exam based on their convenience, subject to the availability of test dates at the chosen test center. When registering for the IELTS exam, test takers are typically presented with a range of available test dates to choose from. They can select the date that best suits their schedule and preparation timeline. It is recommended to plan ahead and register for the exam well in advance to secure your preferred test date. Test centers may have limited availability on certain dates, particularly during peak periods, so early registration is advisable to ensure you get the date of your choice. It's important to note that test centers may have different schedules and availability, so it's recommended to check the official website of the test center where you plan to take the exam for accurate and up-to-date information on available test dates.

About the Author
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Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content

Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio

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Prayas
UG & PG expert

Armed with a decade of professional experience, Prayas is a connoisseur of the overseas education industry. He holds a post-graduate diploma in marketing and has the knack for finding ideal study options for student... Read Full Bio

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