Is IELTS Mandatory for a Canada Student Visa?

No, IELTS is not mandatory for all student visa applications in Canada, but it is one of the most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests. If you're applying for a study permit, you generally need to prove your proficiency in English (or French, for programs in French-speaking institutions) through an approved language test.

Common language tests accepted by Canadian authorities include:

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) — widely accepted for most institutions.

2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) — another globally recognized test.

3. PTE (Pearson Test of English) — increasingly accepted by Canadian universities.

4. CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) — specifically recognized by many Canadian institutions.

5. CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) — another test sometimes required for Canadian immigration purposes.

Some Canadian universities or colleges may accept other tests, or even waive the language proficiency requirement for students who have completed their education in English or in a country where English is the primary language.

It’s important to check the specific institution's language requirements before applying and to verify which language proficiency test is required. Make sure to also consult the official Canadian immigration website for the latest guidelines on study permit requirements.

Sources:

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website

• Canadian universities and colleges' admissions pages.