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.
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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:
- 25 Universities listed in QS World University Rankings 2022
- Work and Stay in Canada up to 3 years with work Permit Programs
- Hosts 5 million international students on average
- Toronto ranks as the most preferred student destination
- 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 |
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Overall 6.5, no band less than 6.0 |
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Band score of 6.5 or better, Individual component score of 6.0 or better |
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Advanced- 7,7.5 & 8 Advanced Intermediate- 5.5,6 & 6.5 |
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6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
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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 |
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University of Toronto |
Minimum total score of 100 + 22 on writing |
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Management, Education- 100 Music- 79-80 Agricultural, Nursing, etc- minimum 90 with 21 components in reading, writing, and listening |
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University de Montreal |
Advanced- 95-114 Advanced Intermediate- 72-94 |
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90 with minimum of 21 points in each section |
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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 |
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McGill University |
Overall 65 or better, Individual component score of 6.0 or better |
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University of Alberta |
61 no less than 60 in communicative skills |
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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 |
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University of Toronto |
Overall 70 no band less than 60 |
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McGill University |
Band score of 70 or better Individual component score 60 or better |
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University de Montreal |
NIL |
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University of Alberta ( paper or computer) |
Overall 70 no band less than 60 |
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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 |
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University of Toronto |
Overall 85 and no score below 80 |
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McGill University |
85% or higher |
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Overall 85 and 80 per section |
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University of Alberta |
85 |
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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 |
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University of British Columbia |
4L for each component |
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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
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B2 |
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Universite de Montreal |
Advanced C1- 500-599 Advanced Intermediate B2- 400-499 Intermediate- B1- 300-399 Basic A2- 200-299 |
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Université de l’Ontario francais |
600 or more out of 900 |
Suggested:IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE
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 |
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Rotman School of Business |
550 or higher |
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Universite de Montreal ( MBA Program) |
620 or higher. Minimum 578 |
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University of Alberta Business School |
Minimum 550 |
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DeGroote School of Business |
612 ( full-time program) |
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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 |
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University of Alberta |
124 minimum |
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University of British Columbia |
124 minimum in each section |
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University of Toronto |
125 in each section ( allowed 124 in one section) |
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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 |
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University of British Columbia |
166 |
93rd percentile |
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McGill University |
Average 164 |
91.7 percentile |
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University of Alberta |
161 |
90th percentile |
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University of Victoria |
160 |
80.4 percentile |
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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 |
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University of Western Ontario |
Combined score 1100 in critical reading or Math |
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McGill University |
Evidence-based reading and writing- 670 Math ( Engineering and Architecture)- 580( 620) |
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University of Alberta |
Overall 1200 or higher, not below 600 |
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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.
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