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Entrance Exam for Canada: Exams Required to Study in Canada

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Sumeet Jain
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Holding 25 QS World University Rankings in 2022, home to recognizable academic certifications and a preferred choice amongst the top universities to study abroad, Canada requires no introduction. The country's education system is widely recognized and is divided into two sectors, private and public. Whether it is a private or public university, Canada prioritises education over other sectors which is why the former is the most invested.

Due to its multicultural environment, the country offers courses in English and French as well. However, you are required to pass certain entrance exams to study in Canada. A suitable score in these entrance exams will increase your acceptance chance in the universities. Thus, to give you better insights about which exam is required for study in Canada, this blog will be your guide.

Table of Contents

Top Reasons to study in Canada

Canadian universities rank high among the world’s leading universities, which provide internationally praised education and globally recognized degrees. When an international student gets a degree from a Canadian university, it is a mark of trust and excellence. Some of the reasons to study in Canada are:

  1. 25 Universities listed in QS World University Rankings 2022
  2. Work and Stay in Canada up to 3 years with work Permit Programs
  3. Hosts 5 million international students on average
  4. Toronto ranks as the most preferred student destination
  5. Home to the largest Co-op program provider (University of Waterloo)

Suggested:Why Study in Canada?

Top Exams Required to Study in Canada

A student must have IELTS/ TOEFL or PTE scores to study in Canada. Apart from this, reliant on the course and university you have selected, scores of various other exams might also be required, such as GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc. There are certain entrance exam for studying in Canada. These exams are divided into three categories:

  • English language requirements
  • French language requirements
  • Academic requirements

Let’s understand each of these exams for Canada with their description and score list.

English Language Test to Study in Canada

The English language requirement is one of the important factors to study in Canada. International students whose primary language isn’t English are required to mandatory take any of the below-listed English language exams. However, not every student is subjected to this English language test. To be exempted from this exam, you should have:

  • Lived/attended high school or university for 4 years where English was the prime language
  • Completed either an English Baccalaureate (IB) Group 1 English, British Curriculum A-Level English with a grade of C/equivalent or British Curriculum GCSE / IGCSE / GCE O-Level English with a grade of B or 5.

To help you understand this topic better, we have listed the scores from the top universities in Canada for better insights. 

1. IELTS

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is one of the most considered English language tests undertaken to study in Canada. Most of the universities consider either the Academic or online version for IELTS. Also, note that most universities like McGill University, etc do not accept the IELTS Indicator test scores.

University

IELTS Score Requirement

University of Toronto

Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0

McGill University

Band score of 6.5 or better, Individual component score of 6.0 or better

University de Montreal

Advanced- 7,7.5 & 8

Advanced Intermediate- 5.5,6 & 6.5

University of Alberta

6.5 with no band less than 6.0

University of British Columbia

Overall score 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component for academics

2. TOEFL

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is another widely considered exam score in Canada. TOEFL consists of Internet base scores (iBT) that includes listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

University

TOEFL Score  Requirement

University of Toronto

Minimum total score of 100 + 22 on writing

McGill University

Management, Education- 100

Music- 79-80

Agricultural, Nursing, etc- minimum 90 with 21 components in reading, writing, and listening

University de Montreal

Advanced- 95-114

Advanced Intermediate- 72-94

University of Alberta

90 with minimum of 21 points in each section

University of British Columbia

Based on degree programs- overall 90-100

Listening- 22

Reading- 22-27

Speaking- 21-22

Writing- 21-29

3. PTE

PTE stands for Pearson Test for English Academics. This is another English language exam that is considered by most universities. With this exam, you stand at a higher chance to be accepted by well-established universities in the country. For Indian students applying for SELT, PTE is a mandatory exam that needs to be undertaken. However, for a few universities PTE scores are not required.

University

PTE Score  Requirement

McGill University

Overall 65 or better, Individual component score of 6.0 or better

University of Alberta

61 no less than 60 in communicative skills

University of British Columbia

Overall 65 ( academics) with minimum 60 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking

4. CAEL

CAEL stands for Canadian academic English language. This test should be undertaken by all those students pursuing their education in Canada. This test is accepted in three ways, paper, online, and computer-based.

University

CAEL Score  Requirement

University of Toronto

Overall 70 no band less than 60

McGill University

Band score of 70 or better

Individual component score 60 or better

University de Montreal

NIL

University of Alberta ( paper or computer)

Overall 70 no band less than 60

University of British Columbia

Overall 70, 60 on speaking sub set

5. MELAB

MELAB stands for Michigan English Language Assessment Battery. MELAB is a widely recognized score offered by multiple top Canadian universities. Most universities in Canada have MELAB scores for science-based subjects such as Biotechnology and Computer Science.

University

MELAB Score  Requirement

University of Toronto

Overall 85 and no score below 80

McGill University

85% or higher

University of Waterloo

Overall 85 and 80 per section

University of Alberta

85

University of British Columbia

85

6. CELPIP

CELPIP stands for Canadian English language Proficiency Index Program. It is an exam that measures an individual’s reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. This form of English language is highly considered during the time of applying for Canadian citizenship. There are countable universities that offer this exam.

University

CELPIP Score  Requirement

University of British Columbia

4L for each component

NorQuest University

4-5

Suggested:Which Colleges accept TOEFL in Canada?

French Language Exams Required to Study in Canada

There are a range of universities that use French as their language of instruction in Canada. The most popular city in Toronto that has this language of instruction is Quebec. In fact, most of their courses have French as their language of instruction. Similar to the English language test concept, if students don’t have their prime language as French, they need to undergo a set of French language exams. There are multiple French language exams such as DALF/DEF, TEFAQ, etc but TEF is the most considered.

TEF

University of Ottawa

B2

Universite de Montreal

Advanced C1- 500-599

Advanced Intermediate B2- 400-499

Intermediate- B1- 300-399

Basic A2- 200-299

Université de l’Ontario francais

600 or more out of 900

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Academic Exams Required to Study in Canada

Here’s a list of other subject aptitude tests you may have to take in order to study at a Canadian institution:

1. GRE

GRE stands for Graduate record examinations. This is an exam that measures a student’s thinking in three sectors, vocabulary, maths, and analytical thinking. In most ranked Canadian universities, this exam is either optional or not required.

 2. GMAT

GMAT stands for Graduate management assessment test. This exam measures a student in three sections, analytical writing, verbal skills, and maths. This exam is undertaken when pursuing any management or business-related courses.

Here are the top 5 universities scores for GMAT:

Business School

Average GMAT Score Required

Rotman School of Business

550 or higher

Universite de Montreal ( MBA Program)

620 or higher. Minimum 578

University of Alberta Business School

Minimum 550

DeGroote School of Business

612 ( full-time program)

Ivey University

Should rank in 75th percentile for verbal and quantitative components

3. MCAT

MCAT stands for Medical college admission test. This exam will be in the format of multiple-choice and is a computer-based exam.  Add more info on the exam

Here are the top universities scores for MCAT:

University

Average MCAT Score Required

University of Alberta

124 minimum

University of British Columbia

124 minimum in each section

University of Toronto

125 in each section ( allowed 124 in one section)

University of Victoria

124 minimum in all four section

4. LSAT

LSAT stands for law school admission test. The exam aims to understand the skills of students to survive the first year of law school.

Here are the top universities scores for LSAT:

University

Average LSAT Score Required

Percentile

University of British Columbia

166

93rd percentile

McGill University

Average 164

91.7 percentile

University of Alberta

161

90th percentile

University of Victoria

160

80.4 percentile

Queen's University

Minimum 157

67.4 percentile

5. SAT

SAT stands for Scholastic Assessment Test. It is a mandatory exam required for students applying to Canadian universities. This exam is an entrance test that is eligible for undergraduate students only. SATs measure the language and maths reasoning of the students.

Here are the top universities scores for SAT:

University

Average SAT Score Required

University of Western Ontario

Combined score 1100 in critical reading or Math

McGill University

Evidence-based reading and writing- 670

Math ( Engineering and Architecture)- 580( 620)

University of Alberta

Overall 1200 or higher, not below 600

University of Victoria

1250

Suggested:University vs College Canada

Canada has been a prominent destination to pursue further education by international students. Ensure the above-listed entrance exam for Canada list is met during your application process. You can also refer to the admission requirement in Canada for detailed insight. And to know more about Canadian universities, you can connect with our Yocket Professionals and resolve your queries easily. 

 

Also Read:

IELTS Score for Canada

Guide to Pursue MBA in Canada without GMAT

Cost of Studying in Canada

Complete Guide to TOEFL Exam

Study in Canada without IELTS

Cheapest Universities In Canada

Frequently Asked Questions about Entrance Exam for Canada

Does Canada have entrance exams?

Which exams are required to study in Canada?

Does Canada accept TOEFL or IELTS?

Which medical entrance exam for Canada is required?

How much is the IELTS exam for Canada?

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