Minimum IELTS & PTE Scores for Canada Study Visa from Nepal

For a Canadian study permit, most colleges and universities ask for at least 6.0 to 6.5 overall in IELTS Academic, with no band below 5.5 to 6.0, or 53 to 65 overall in PTE Academic. Colleges sit at the lower end of that range and universities at the higher end. IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) does not set one fixed score for study permits (the Student Direct Stream, which had fixed scores, closed in November 2024). The minimum is set by your college or university, and it is higher for competitive programs.

The required score depends on the institution, program type, and level of study. Competitive or professional courses like Nursing, Engineering, or postgraduate research often demand higher scores than standard academic programs.

This guide outlines the minimum IELTS Academic and PTE Academic scores required for a Canadian study permit for various degree levels and program types.

What Is the Minimum IELTS Score for a Canadian Student Visa?

Most Canadian colleges and some universities accept a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no band lower than 5.5. This is generally the minimum required to qualify for a study permit, especially for diploma or undergraduate-level programs.

The exact minimum score also depends on the university, program, and level of study. Highly ranked universities like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University typically require 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0 for undergraduate courses, and even higher for postgraduate programs.

For regulated fields like Nursing, Medicine, Engineering, Education, or Law, institutions may ask for 7.0 or above to make sure the students meet professional and academic communication standards.

Minimum IELTS Score Breakdown by Skill

Canadian institutions also require minimum scores in each IELTS skill, not just the overall band. The table below reflects the minimums for study permit eligibility.

Note: Many universities and competitive programs require higher scores in one or more skills. Always check the program-specific requirements before applying.

IELTS Score Requirements by Level of Study

IELTS requirements in Canada vary by degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD) and the field of study. The higher the academic level or the more regulated the profession, the higher the expected score.

What IELTS Score Is Required for a Bachelor’s Degree in Canada?

Most universities require an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, for direct entry into undergraduate programs. Some colleges or diploma programs may accept a score of 6.0, but competitive universities often expect more.

Aiming higher than the minimum increases admission chances and provides more course and institution options.

What IELTS Score Is Required for a Master’s Degree in Canada?

An IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0, is commonly required for most Master’s programs in Canada. Competitive fields like Business, Law, Engineering, and Data Science may require IELTS 7.0 or higher.

Since different courses may have varying score requirements, applicants should always check the specific program requirements.

What IELTS Score Is Required for a PhD in Canada?

The IELTS score required for a PhD in Canada typically ranges from 6.5 to 7.0 overall, depending on the university and research focus. Research-intensive PhD programs may require a higher Writing band score because strong academic writing skills are essential for completing such doctoral studies.

What IELTS Score Is Required for Nursing in Canada?

For Nursing programs in Canada, an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with no band below 6.5 or 7.0, is commonly required. These standards are set by provincial nursing regulatory bodies to make sure students can effectively communicate in critical healthcare environments.

What Is the Minimum PTE Score for Canada?

The minimum PTE Academic score for Canada is 53 to 65 overall, depending on the program level, institution, and field of study. Professional courses and competitive universities may set stricter benchmarks.

Colleges usually ask for 53 to 60. Conestoga asks for 53 for diplomas and 58 for advanced diplomas and degrees. Seneca Polytechnic asks for 58 for diplomas and 60 for degrees and graduate certificates. Top universities ask for more: UBC and the University of Toronto require 65 overall, with at least 60 in each skill.

While IRCC does not issue a fixed PTE score requirement, students must meet the English language standards set by their chosen institution to qualify for a study permit. The old rule of 60 overall applied only to the Student Direct Stream, which closed on 8 November 2024.

Scores checked on 27 September 2026 against the official pages of Conestoga College, Seneca Polytechnic, UBC and the University of Toronto. Always confirm the score on your program page.

PTE Score Requirements by Level of Study

PTE English requirements in Canada vary by the level of study (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD) and the field of study. Higher scores are generally expected for graduate, research, professional, or strictly regulated courses like Nursing.

What PTE Score Is Required for a Bachelor’s Degree in Canada?

The PTE score required for a Bachelor’s degree in Canada typically ranges from 58 to 65 overall, with minimum skill scores of 50 to 60. College degrees sit at 58 to 60. UBC and the University of Toronto ask for 65, with no skill below 60. Diploma programs can accept less, such as 53 at Conestoga.

What PTE Score Is Required for a Master’s Degree in Canada?

Master’s programs in Canada usually require a PTE Academic score of 60 to 65 overall, with skill minimums of up to 60. For example, UBC graduate programs ask for 65 with no skill below 60, and Seneca asks for 60 for master’s and graduate certificates. Competitive programs in Business, Engineering, IT, or Law may require scores above 65.

What PTE Score Is Required for a PhD in Canada?

The PTE score required for a PhD in Canada generally ranges from 65 to 70 overall, depending on the institution and field of research. Research programs expect higher Writing scores due to academic research requirements.

What PTE Score Is Required for Nursing in Canada?

Nursing programs set their own scores, often at the top of the range for their level. For example, Conestoga’s Practical Nursing diploma asks for PTE Academic 58 (or IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0), above its usual diploma minimum of 53, and university nursing degrees follow at least the university’s general minimum, such as 65 at UBC. They may also vary depending on the regulatory body and institution.

Minimum IELTS & PTE Scores by Study Level 

The tables below compare the typical minimum IELTS and PTE Academic scores accepted by Canadian institutions for study permits. Actual requirements may vary by university or program.

Minimum IELTS Scores for Canada Study Permit

Minimum PTE Scores for Canada Study Permit

Checked on each institution’s official admissions page on 27 September 2026. Programs can set higher scores, so always confirm on the program page.

Note: University-specific requirements may be higher than these minimums. Always verify details on the official program page.

Which English Tests Are Accepted in Canada?

Canadian colleges and universities accept three main English tests from Nepali students: IELTS Academic (the most widely accepted), PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT. Check the course page of each institution, because some colleges list only IELTS or set different band minimums for each test.

• For study: take the Academic version (IELTS Academic or PTE Academic). This is what colleges and universities use for admission.
• For permanent residence later: IRCC uses different tests for immigration: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core. An Academic score won’t count for Express Entry.
• Studying in French: if you plan to study at a French-language institution (for example in Quebec), you’ll need proof of French such as TEF, TCF or DELF/DALF instead. English-language universities in Quebec, such as McGill and Concordia, still ask for IELTS, PTE or TOEFL.

IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Booking and Result Times

Approximate 2026 test fees in Nepal: IELTS Academic about NPR 33,000 to 36,200 (depends on computer or paper test and on British Council or IDP), PTE Academic USD 220 (about NPR 33,000) and TOEFL iBT USD 180. Fees change often, so confirm the current fee on the official booking site before you pay. Book early: most Nepali students need their score before they can get a Letter of Acceptance and start the study permit application.

Study Materials for IELTS, PTE & TOEFL

Want guided preparation? Join Goreto’s IELTS classes or PTE classes in Kathmandu.

How to Score Better in Any English Test

• Practise with full test books under real test timing.
• Take at least four full mock tests before your test date.
• Get familiar with every question type, especially the ones you find hardest.
• For PTE, practise on a computer with a headset, because the whole test is computer-scored.
• Aim above the minimum: a higher score gives you more course choices and a stronger study permit file.

FAQs: English Tests for Canada

Which is better for Canada, IELTS or PTE?

Both are widely accepted. IELTS is accepted by almost every Canadian institution, while PTE gives faster results and is fully computer-based. Choose the test whose format suits you, after checking that your chosen college accepts it.

Is PTE accepted for a Canada study permit?

Yes. IRCC doesn’t set one fixed score for study permits; you need to meet your institution’s English requirement to get your Letter of Acceptance. Most Canadian colleges and universities accept PTE Academic.

Can I use IELTS Academic for Canadian PR?

No. For Express Entry and most PR programs, IRCC accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core, not the Academic versions.

Important Points to Remember

Does a good IELTS or PTE Score Guarantee a Canadian Student Visa?

A high IELTS or PTE Academic score alone does not guarantee approval of a Canadian study permit. While English proficiency is essential, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) assesses your entire profile before granting a visa.

To be approved, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Hold a valid Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a designated Canadian institution.
• Show financial proof to cover tuition, living expenses, and return travel.
• Satisfy the Genuine Student requirement by demonstrating academic intent.
• Submit complete and accurate documents according to IRCC guidelines.

While the minimum IELTS score for Canada is typically 6.0 overall, higher scores improve both your academic profile and visa credibility. Remember, meeting the minimum score is only the first step. Achieving a higher score strengthens both your university application and study permit profile.