Canada is one of the most welcoming destinations for international students, offering world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and generous scholarship opportunities. However, many students are held back by one requirement — the IELTS exam. If you’re among those who want to study in Canada without IELTS, this article is for you.
Here are the Top 10 University Scholarships in Canada with No IELTS, along with application tips, eligibility criteria, and alternative English proficiency options.
Why Study in Canada Without IELTS?
While IELTS is widely accepted in Canada, it’s not always mandatory. Many Canadian universities allow international students to prove their English proficiency through alternative methods such as:
- TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE
- English-medium previous education
- In-house English language tests
- Country-specific exemptions
This flexibility opens doors for students from non-English-speaking countries to study and win scholarships without taking IELTS.
Top 10 Scholarships in Canada That Don’t Require IELTS
1. University of Winnipeg President’s Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000
Programs: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Collegiate programs
IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory if you provide proof of English-medium education or take the Duolingo/TOEFL test.
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Eligibility:
- Minimum 80% admission average
- Leadership qualities
- International student status
Application Link: uwinnipeg.ca
2. University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: $16,000 (Master’s), $20,000 (PhD)
Programs: Master’s and Doctoral programs
IELTS Requirement: Waived for applicants from English-instruction institutions or using TOEFL/Duolingo
Highlights:
- Wide range of STEM and social science programs
- No IELTS if you’ve studied in English previously
Application Link: grad.usask.ca
3. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: $4,000 to $16,000 over 4 years
Programs: Undergraduate only
IELTS Requirement: Not needed if you have completed your studies in English or qualify for an exemption
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Eligibility:
- 80% or higher admission average
- Strong academic record
Application Link: carleton.ca
4. Brock University Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: Varies up to $16,000
Programs: Undergraduate and Graduate
IELTS Requirement: Can be substituted with TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or English-medium certificate
Notable Features:
- Offers automatic entrance awards
- Great for arts, business, and sciences
Application Link: brocku.ca
5. University of Ottawa International Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: Up to $7,500 per year
Programs: Undergraduate and Graduate
IELTS Requirement: Waived for students from English-speaking countries or with prior English education
Programs in Both Languages: English and French
Application Link: uottawa.ca
6. Concordia University Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: Varies by program (can include full tuition)
Programs: Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral
IELTS Requirement: Waived for English-medium background or accepted alternatives (Duolingo, TOEFL)
Notable Scholarship: Concordia Presidential Scholarship (fully funded)
Application Link: concordia.ca
7. Memorial University of Newfoundland Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: $3,000–$12,000
Programs: Undergraduate and Graduate
IELTS Requirement: Can be waived for students with English as the language of instruction
Alternative Proof: Letter from your school confirming instruction was in English
Application Link: mun.ca
8. University of Regina Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: Up to $200,000 in total available annually
Programs: Undergraduate and Graduate
IELTS Requirement: Accepts TOEFL, CAEL, Duolingo, or proof of prior English education
Highlights:
- Automatic entrance scholarships
- Strong engineering and computer science programs
Application Link: uregina.ca
9. Simon Fraser University (SFU) Entrance Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: Up to $20,000
Programs: Undergraduate
IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory if students provide TOEFL, PTE, or proof of English instruction
SFU Highlights:
- Among top 15 universities in Canada
- Focus on academic and community leadership
Application Link: sfu.ca
10. University of Guelph International Scholarships
Scholarship Amount: Up to $8,500
Programs: Undergraduate and Graduate
IELTS Requirement: Can be replaced with TOEFL, Duolingo, or English-medium certification
Popular Fields:
- Agriculture, Food Science, Engineering
Application Link: uoguelph.ca
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How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada Without IELTS
Follow these steps to apply for Canadian scholarships without IELTS:
1. Choose the Right University
Research universities that waive IELTS and offer scholarships. Use the official website to confirm.
2. Prepare Alternative English Proof
You can submit:
- Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI)
- TOEFL, Duolingo, or PTE scores
- English exemption letters (for students from certain countries)
3. Meet the Scholarship Criteria
Ensure you have:
- Strong academic results (usually 70% or above)
- Leadership or volunteer experience (where applicable)
- Required documents: transcripts, reference letters, personal statement
4. Apply Early
Most universities have scholarship deadlines between December and March. Some awards are automatic, while others require separate applications.
Countries Eligible for IELTS Waivers in Canada
Many Canadian universities waive IELTS for students from countries where English is the official language or widely used in education, such as:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- India (depending on the institution)
- Pakistan (in some cases)
- Caribbean nations
- South Africa
Always confirm with the university whether your country qualifies.
Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning Scholarships in Canada
- Maintain High Grades: Most scholarships require strong academic standing.
- Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Showcase goals, leadership, and motivation.
- Highlight Extracurriculars: Community service, student leadership, or volunteer work.
- Get Strong References: Professors, employers, or supervisors who know your abilities well.
- Tailor Each Application: Customize your documents to match the scholarship criteria.
Final Thoughts
Canada offers a wide range of scholarships that do not require IELTS, giving international students the chance to study and thrive without taking a costly and stressful language test. By selecting universities that offer flexible language requirements and generous funding, you can start your academic journey in Canada on the right foot.
Don’t let IELTS stand in your way—explore these top 10 scholarships and start your Canada study dream today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I study in Canada without IELTS and still get a visa?
Yes, if the university admits you without IELTS, the Letter of Acceptance is usually enough for a student visa. However, visa officers may still assess your English proficiency.
Q2. Is Duolingo accepted in Canadian universities?
Yes, Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted by over 50+ Canadian universities as an alternative to IELTS.
Q3. What is the easiest university in Canada to get admission without IELTS?
Universities like University of Winnipeg, Brock University, and Memorial University are known for flexible language requirements and strong support for international students.
Q4. Can I get a fully funded scholarship in Canada without IELTS?
Yes. Scholarships like Concordia Presidential Award and University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships can be fully funded and don’t always require IELTS.
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