Each designated Canadian learning institution (DLI) sets its own admissions policies. DLIs are government - approved colleges, universities and other educational institutions that welcome international students.
DLIs evaluate criteria such as candidate transcripts, professional profiles, personal motivation letters, and academic and professional recommendations. They also assess your language skills. And you should contact the DLI school you want to register for accurate information about the language test that the school applies.
Below is an overview of the widely accepted English tests by Canadian universities and colleges, mentioned in alphabetical order:
CAEL
The Canadian Academic English Test (CAEL) is administered by Paragon Tests Enterprises. CAEL is accepted by more than 180 universities and colleges across Canada, including all English-speaking universities and 82% of English-speaking colleges. According to the Paragon website, CAEL is available in India, Philippines, UAE and in most of Canada in early June.
Test results will be available after 8 working days.
CAMBRIDGE ASSESMENT ENGLISH
The C1 Advanced and Proficiency tests provided by Cambridge Assessment English are accepted by more than 200 schools in Canada, including almost all public universities.
Test results will be available within 2-3 weeks for computer tests and 4-6 weeks for paper tests (both must be completed at a test center). Cambridge).
These tests are usually taken after students have completed English language courses. Therefore, the tests are more intensive so that students can apply their English skills in real contexts, including higher education. C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency are valid for lifetime, which means that some organizations in Canada accept results that are more than 2 years old. Cambridge is reopening its global testing centers when local regulations allow and advises students to contact local testing centers for the latest information.
DUOLINGO ENGLISH TEST
The Duolingo English test is accepted by nearly 140 higher education institutions in Canada. The test is done online and can be completed in 1 hour.
Results will be available within 2 days.
IELTS
The Academic IELTS test is administered by three partners: IDP Education, British Council and Cambridge Assessment English. This test is accepted by about 400 Canadian universities and colleges. It is currently available in more than 30 countries, but is commonly administered in more than 140 countries.
Results will be available after 13 days for paper tests and within 5-7 days for computer based tests.
In response to the pandemic, these three partners recently introduced the IELTS Indicator (https://www.ieltsindicator.com/) as a temporary measure to help international students complete their English tests online right at home.
Pearson English test (PTE) is accepted by 90% of Canadian universities and colleges. PTE is currently available in more than 10 countries, including most of India.
Test results are usually available within 2 days.
Pearson is also offering the Versant (https://www.pearson.com/english/versant.html) online during the coronavirus pandemic so international students can assess ttheir English skills at home.
Results will be available as soon as the test has been completed.
TOEFL
TOEFL is accepted by more than 400 Canadian universities and colleges, including 100% of universities.
Results will be available within 6 days.
The TOEFL iBT is usually available in more than 150 countries, but the test management agency, the Education Testing Service (ETS), has had to revise the activities of other organizations. Information about exam schedules will be available in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, ETS is temporarily providing the TOEFL Special Home iBT version for international students in all countries except mainland China and Iran.
Results will be available after 6-10 days.
OTHER OPTIONS
There are other options for international students. For example, there are tests offered by schools themselves, such as the University of Toronto and McGill University.
Before signing up for the English test, make sure that the DLI schools you plan to enroll in will accept the test. Also, be sure to confirm that the DLI will accept online tests currently offered during COVID-19.
IELTS GENERAL AND CELPIP FOR CANADA IMMIGRANTS
Many international students continue to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) and then apply for Canadian permanent residence. Before applying for Canadian immigration, you need to take another language test and two English tests accepted by IRCC are IELTS General and CELPIP.
And certainly the time you spend studying, working and communicating in Canada will help a lot when you take these tests.
