English Language Test Options – Study in Canada

Studying in Canada: English Test Options

As the Coronavirus headlines start to wither from news headlines, and global economies open up everywhere, prospective students around the world can start working on their application to study in Canada.

Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) are colleges, universities and other educational institutes that are allowed by the government to welcome international students. Each DLI has its own admissions policy.

One of the areas where the DLI assesses your application is’ Language Skills. In this article, we will be going over different options that are widely accepted by Canadian DLI’s.

Cambridge Assessment English

Proficiency Exams of C1 Advanced & C2 offered by Cambridge Assessment English are accepted by nearly 200 schools and colleges all over Canada. This includes nearly all public universities.

These tests must only be taken at Cambridge test centers. The results for computer-based tests are available within 2-3 weeks, whereas the paper-based tests take around 4-6 weeks.

C1 Advanced and C2 exams certificates are valid for life, and some institutions in Canada are accepting certificates older than 2 years.

Canadain Academic English Language

The CAEL is accepted by over 10 universities across Canada. This includes all English Speaking Universities and around 80% of English-speaking colleges. The test results are available in 8 business days.

Duolingo English Test

This test is accepted by 140 Canadian post-secondary institutions. This test only takes one hour to complete and is administered online, while the test results are available in 2 days.

IELTS Academic Test

The IELTS Academic is operated by three partners; IDP Education, British Council, Cambridge Assessment English. This test is accepted by 400 Canadian Universities and Colleges. The computer-based test takes 5-7 days and the paper-based test takes 13 days for the results.

The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, which can be completed in person at the IELTS Test center are the only English tests approved by the ICCRC for students. ICCRC accepts both paper and computer-based test results.

Pearson Test of English

The PTE is accepted by 90 percent of Canadian universities and colleges and is available in over 50 countries. The test results are also available in 2 days.

Due to the pandemic, PTE is offering “Versant Test”, an AI-driven online test that assesses your English at home, as the results of this test are immediate after the test ends.

Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL is accepted by over 400 Canadian universities and colleges. The results are available in 6-10 days.

Due to the pandemic, they are offering the TOEFL Special Home Edition iBT to international students. This is running everywhere except China and Iran.

There are other options available, where tests are offered by individual universities such University Of Toronto and McGill University. 

Also remember to make sure that the DLI you are applying to, accepts the test you are about to register for.

Language Test acceptable to Canadian Immigration
Regardless of what is acceptable to the various educational institutions as part of their admission requirements, ICCRC (Canadian Immigration) accepts English language tests only from IELTS (academic for SDS) and CELPIP when processing and assessing study permit applications.

If you are looking to pursue study programs in Canada, do consider using our education services for admissions to various colleges and programs in Canada. Use the following link to send us your details, so that our team can revert back to you with suitable options:
Study in Canada