Recently, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced changes to the English test requirements for SDS applicants. Applicants for the Canada Study Visa via SDS will only need an overall score of 6 in the IELTS (Academic) test, with no minimum band requirement for each module, starting from August 10, 2023.
The new IELTS Academic band score requirements for SDS applications
The basic requirement for IELTS Academic is a minimum overall band score of 6.0. Previously test takers needed a minimum of 6.0 on all individual skills (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking). This is no longer a requirement. Instead, all test takers need to achieve is a minimum overall band score of 6.0, without any specific minimum scores for the individual skills. This reflects a more holistic consideration of a test taker’s ability to demonstrate their English proficiency while allowing a margin for applicants who may excel in certain areas but need additional support in others. It also provides a more inclusive pathway for international students to pursue their academic ambitions in Canada. The information regarding the revised IELTS score requirements for SDS study visa has been officially confirmed by IDP IELTS.
How do the new IELTS Academic band score requirements for SDS differ from the previous ones?
Previously, applicants for SDS were required to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 in each individual skill area in IELTS Academic. However, with the recent changes this is no longer required. This reflects IRCC’s unwavering trust in IELTS Academic, which has established its credibility over the years.
The table below shows some of the scores test takers can now achieve to be accepted for SDS applications:
| Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking | Overall Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 6 |
| 7.0 | 5.5 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
| 7.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 3.0 | 6.5 |
| 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 6 |
With the changes in IRCC’s English test requirements for SDS, it has now become easier for individuals to study in Canada.