Tests That Make You Eligible for Canadian universities

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

Raj
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Jul 10, 2024 21:02 IST

Do you know about IELTS, CAEL, GRE, PTE and some other popular exams that are required for study in Canada? These exams are popular as standardized test among international students. Canadian universities ask scorecards of these exams at the time of offering admission to international students.

Exams Required to Study in Canada

Exams Required to Study in Canada: Planning to apply to a Canadian college or university? You need to know about the standardized exams that are required to get admission into universities in Canada. The world-class institutions and top ranked universities of Canada offer quality education at a cheaper tuition fee than American universities.

There are some fixed and popular exams in Canada which are required to be eligible to study in Canada. In this article, we will discuss those exams, so you have enough information before making a decision..

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What Exams Are Required to Study in Canada?

Simply put, Canadian entrance exams can be distinguished as academic tests and language tests. The language tests determine the English language proficiency of students, whereas, the academic test scores are required to know the knowledge of students in various areas. Given below is the list of the exams required to study in Canada.








  1. IELTS
  2. TOEFL
  3. GRE
  4. GMAT
  5. PTE
  6. CAEL

1. IELTS

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is one of the exams required to study in Canada. In other words, it is a widely accepted test and evaluates the language proficiency of students. It is accepted in most study-abroad destinations like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The English language skills of students are tested in four key areas: Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening.







6.5 is the generally accepted overall score and 6 per section of IELTS at Canadian Universities. There are two types of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The Speaking and Listening sections are the same, however, the reading and writing sections are different.

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2. TOEFL

TOEFL is one of the major language proficiency exams that a student needs to take in order to take admission into Canadian universities. It is in fact, one of the widely recognized exams required to study in Canada.

TOEFL tests the reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills of the test-takers. Tier I universities in Canada may require a TOEFL score of 110 and above. However, some courses in Canada in Tier I and Tier II universities may require a TOEFL score of 80-90 and above.

3. GRE

One of the other exams to study in Canada is the GRE or Graduate Record Examination. It is one of the most popular graduate exams for students who want to pursue graduate studies abroad. This test helps universities or colleges to measure the ability of applicants for advanced education. GRE is a standardized test for admission requirements for many graduate schools in the US, Canada, and many other countries.

GRE General Test has been developed to evaluate verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that are not related to any specific field of study. On the other hand, the GRE subject test weighs a student's knowledge in a particular subject. Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology are the subjects covered in the GRE Subject Test. 

4. GMAT

GMAT is also one of the exams required to study in Canada. It is a computer adaptive test that evaluates the student’s analytical writing, quantitative, verbal and reading skills in standard written English. GMAT can be taken to gain admission into graduate management programs like an MBA.

To gain admission to good business schools in Canada, students need a score of around 600-650 on the GMAT. However, to gain admission to top universities like McGill University, students are required to have a GMAT score of 650-690. In all, the average GMAT score that is required to gain admission in Canada should be 550+.

5. PTE

Recently, Canadian universities have introduced the PTE or Pearson Test of English as a form of examination for non-native English speakers. However, before applying for PTE, students are required to verify the status of this exam from the university in which they are applying. PTE tests the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of the students. PTE is designed in such a way that every question usually tests two skills together, like listening and reading and reading and speaking.

The average PTE score required to study Engineering in Canadian universities is above 55. In order to take admission into Canadian universities that offer MS and MBA courses, students must have a PTE score between 55 to 70.

6. CAEL

CAEL stands for Canadian Academic English Language. It is a popular English Language proficiency test used by IRCC to assess the proficiency of international students. This standardized test is a good alternative to IELTS, TOEFL and other English proficiency exams. From reading articles to writing brief essays, CAEL Canada test takers do all the activities of a first-year Canadian university or college classroom.

With real-life tasks and academic content to assess students' proficiency in understanding and communicating in the English language. An Indian student who wants to study in Canadian universities can take this test to prove their proficiency in the English language.

FAQs on Tests that make you Eligible for Canadian Universities

Q. Which exam is required for study in Canada?

A. To study in Canada, you must have scores of IELTS or TOEFL or PTE. Apart from this, depending on the course and university you have chosen, scores of various other exams might also be needed such as SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.

Q. Is SAT required to study in Canadian universities?

A. Most of the Canadian universities accept SAT scores. However, it is advised to check the requirements of the universities before applying for a certain course.

Q. Is GRE required for Canada?

A. Yes, GRE is required for Canada. However, it is not mandatory. Many universities look at the GRE scores for admission into graduate programs.

Q. Which exam is required to study Masters in Canada?

A. In order to study Masters in Canada, you need to appear for a GRE test.

Q. Do Canadian universities have entrance exams?

A. As such, there is no Canada-wide entrance test. Each university sets its own admission standards requirements and evaluates the qualifications of each applicant individually.

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for IELTS?

A:

There is no specific eligibility criterion for taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. It is open to individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds who wish to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone seeking immigration or work opportunities in English-speaking countries, you are eligible to take the IELTS. There are no prerequisites such as educational qualifications, age restrictions, or prior language learning experience. The IELTS is accessible to anyone who wants to showcase their English language proficiency. However, it is preferable that students above the age of 16 appear for the exam. 

Q:   Can a 10th pass apply for IELTS exam?

A:

Yes, a candidate who is 10th pass can apply for the IELTS exam. There are no specific educational qualifications required to take the IELTS test, but candidates must be at least 16 years old. 

Q:   Can I qualify IELTS?

A:

There are no strict IELTS eligblity criteria. So, any candidates with 16 plus years of age can apply for IELTS and with better preparation can easily qualify for the test. 

Q:   How much percentage is required in 12th for IELTS?

A:

IELTS IDP has not set any 12th score requirements for taking the IELTS. You can take the IELTS irrespective of the marks you scored in the 12th standard. So, one can attempt the IELTS exam without worrying about their class 12th score.

Q:   How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?

A:

Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.

  • Know the exam pattern
  • Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
  • Solve previous year question papers
  • Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
  • Revise regularly
  • Figure out weaker areas and learn them well

With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.

Q:   How many attempts are possible in the IELTS exam for students looking to study abroad?

A:

Students looking to study abroad can take the IELTS exam as many times as they wish. There is no specific limit on the number of attempts for the IELTS. However, it is important to note that frequent retesting without adequate preparation may not yield the desired results. Each attempt requires payment of the exam fee, and test dates are subject to availability. It is advisable for students to focus on improving their English language skills before attempting the exam again, rather than relying solely on multiple attempts. Preparation, practice, and understanding of the test format are key to achieving the desired scores for studying abroad.

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A:

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Q:   How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?

A:

Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024. 

  • Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
  • Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
  • A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
  • Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
About the Author
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Written by
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert

Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio

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Comments

(8)

n

neha durgadsimi

2 years ago

Hi, I am Neha. I want to pursue MBA in Canada. Will only GMAT score do? Or i am supposed to take TOFEL/IELTS?

Reply to neha durgadsimi

P

Piyush Kohli

2 years ago

Hi Neha, mostly universities ask for IELTS score apart from the GMAT for giving admission to MBA courses. IELTS score is used to prove English language proficiency.

S

Shaheen Begum

3 years ago

Hello! I am an undergraduate in B.Tech in ECE. And a postgraduate in MEG (English) from ignou. Do I need to give GRE for further studies in Canada or just ILTES/TOEFL is enough? Please do provide your valuable guidance regarding the same. Thank you.

Reply to Shaheen Begum

P

Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi Shaheen, GRE and IELTS/TOEFL exams are given for different purposes. IELTS/TOEFL are given to prove the English language proficiency, whereas, GRE is taken to assess different skills of the candidate. Please check the entry requirements of the university where you will be applying and move ahead

...Read more

Hello, I want to Study Masters in Computer Science in Canada , So which exams do I need to clear .... 1.Only TOEFL/IELTS 2.GRE , with TOEFL/IELTS Pleased tell me which option is correct ..??

Reply to Venkata Krishna Sree

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Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi Venkata, IELTS and TOEFL both exams are given to prove the English language proficiency, so, you need to give one of them. Apart from this you need to give GRE test as usually universities ask for GRE test scores to give admission to MS courses. Please refer to the list of universities offering

...Read more

m

mubashira khan

3 years ago

Hii I am perusing my B.E in computer engineering I need guidance for masters in USA or Canada

Reply to mubashira khan

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Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi Mubashira, please refer to the below URL and learn how to plan your study abroad application process: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/how-to-plan-your-study-abroad-application-process-articlepage-1179 Also, learn when to start your application process: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/when-to-sta

...Read more

A

Anjani sah

3 years ago

I want to do mba which exam I hv to give

Reply to Anjani sah

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Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi Anjani, usually universities require candidates to submit GMAT score along with IELTS or TOEFL score to prove English language proficiency.