Studying in Canada can be a very exciting and rewarding experience for international students who are passionate about advancing their educational careers. This is due to the reputation of Canadian institutions for being world-class in both academics and research as well as for being welcoming to students from all backgrounds.
However, some international students may be faced with the challenge of sitting for and passing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. IELTS is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP. If you fall into such a category of international student, never worry as there are institutions and schools you would apply for admission to without having to write the IELTS.
Scholarships in Canada for International Students without IELTS
McGill University Scholarship
McGill University is one of the famous universities in Canada with research and academic excellence. The university has provisions for international students without IELTS if such a student’s mother tongue (language first learned and still used on a daily basis) is English. If such a student has obtained (or is about to obtain) an undergraduate or graduate degree from a recognised institution where English is the language of instruction. Also, if such student has lived and attended university, or been employed, for at least four consecutive years, in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language.
University of Alberta Scholarship
The University of Alberta is among the top 5 Canadian universities located in Edmonton, Alberta, and home to 40,000 students in a wide variety of programs. The University also boast of lucrative scholarships and funding options available to international students. The University of Alberta has made provisions for international students without IELTS to be admitted into their programs with the following options:
Previous education in English as recognised by the University of Alberta.
Complete the U of A’s Bridging Program.
Complete certain courses that have been approved by the University of Alberta and achieve a certain minimum grade in that course.
Complete a test of English Language Proficiency and earn the minimum score required by the University.
University of Montreal Scholarships
With its roots in Montreal and its eyes on the international horizon, the University
de Montréal (UdeM) is one of the world’s leading research universities. UdeM also offers world-class education in all fields of study and places great emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. Here, you have everything you need for an enriching international experience that will open you to new horizons. The requirements for study in the University includes a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), a study permit and in some cases, a visitor visa from the Government of Canada. The University has several scholarships to support international students in their academic pursuits. For example, the UdeM exemption scholarship program is designed to support international candidates in their university studies.
University of Toronto Scholarships
The University of Toronto is Canada’s top university with a long history of challenging the impossible and transforming society through the ingenuity and resolve of its faculty, students, alumni and supporters. University of Toronto has provided conditions for students who do not have proof of English Language proficiency. This is one of the big universities that provide scholarships in Canada without IELTS.
If English is not your first language (i.e. is not the first language you learned at home as a child), you will need to provide evidence of adequate English facility for admission consideration, unless you qualify for an exemption.
You may qualify for an exemption from the English facility requirement if one of the following applies to you:
You have completed/are completing four or more years of full-time academic study in a recognized Canadian school (in Canada) that teaches in English
You have completed/are completing four or more years of full-time academic study in an English language school located in a country where the dominant language is English
Your first language is French and you have completed four or more years of full-time academic study at a Canadian school.
University of Waterloo Scholarships
University of Waterloo, Canada is known for its interest in supporting innovation to solve problems on a global scale. Located on the Haldimand Tract, the University is home to more than 42,000+ students with a global network spanning more than 220,000 alumni in 151 countries. Waterloo is #1 in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections. The University provides several scholarship opportunities for international students. The following exemptions are provided for students not having IELTS or other English Language proficiency certificates:
– You have completed three or more years of post-secondary education or completed a graduate degree in an -exempt country. or
– You have been employed for at least three years in a position in which English was the language of business in an exempt country. or
– You have completed three or more years of post-secondary education or completed a graduate degree at a university where English is listed as the only language of instruction on the International Association of Universities World Higher Education Database (WHED).
Queen’s University Scholarships
Queen’s University is home to thousands of international students studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Canada. The University provides funding resources to international students with excellent academic credentials. International students without IELTS are to take advantage of this opportunity and be trained in one of the reputable universities in Canada as the following exemptions have been made:
Students who have lived in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language for the most recent three years prior to beginning their university studies or
Students who attended an educational institution full-time where the medium of instruction is English for the most recent three years prior to beginning their university studies
As an international student passionate about studying in a Canadian university, IELTS test score should not be a barrier or setback for you not to apply for studies in Canada as there are several options available for those without IELTS certification. Therefore, go ahead and apply for admissions into Canadian Universities that provide exemptions that you meet as part of their requirements.
