Canada eases IELTS requirement

  • Scoring minimum 6 IELTS bands in individual sections not mandatory for Canada’s SDS
  • IELTS is one of the most popular English language proficiency tests for study, migration or work

IndiGlobal Bureau

Here is good news for students aspiring to go to Canada for studies. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) changed the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement which will be effective from August 10.

IELTS test takers applying through the Student Direct Stream category for Canadian study permits will not be required to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 bands in all individual sections of the test from August, according to IDP Education, the co-owner of IELTS.

“In light of the recent changes made by the IRCC, we are delighted by the decision that IELTS Academic test takers applying through the SDS programme will now require only an overall 6 band score. There is no longer any requirement to achieve a minimum score of 6 bands in each section,” said Piyush Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education.

“This update represents a positive shift towards recognising the comprehensive abilities of test takers rather than focusing solely on individual band scores. We believe this change will provide greater opportunities for talented students worldwide to pursue their educational goals in Canada and also reflects authorities’ confidence in IELTS,” he said.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit processing programme forthose applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution. The SDS programme has consistently served as a streamlined and expedited pathway for eligible students to study in Canada. It offers faster visa processing time and a smoother transition for students to Canadian educational institutions.