Under SDS, IELTS test-takers are not required to achieve a minimum of six bands in each section to qualify for a Canadian study permit
According to IDP Education, the co-owner of IELTS, as of August, IELTS test-takers applying for Canadian study permit through the Student Direct Stream category will no longer be required to achieve a minimum score of 6.0 bands in all sections of the exam.
The changes to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement made by Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will take effect on August 10.
“In light of the recent changes made by the IRCC, we are pleased with the decision that IELTS Academic applicants to the SDS program no longer require an overall score of 6 bands. There is no longer a minimum score requirement of six bands in each section, according to IDP Education’s Regional Director for South Asia and Mauritius, Piyush Kumar.
This update represents a positive shift toward recognizing the comprehensive abilities of test-takers, as opposed to concentrating solely on individual band scores. We believe this change will enable more talented students from around the world to pursue their educational goals in Canada, and it also demonstrates the Canadian government’s faith in the IELTS,” he explained.
IELTS is one of the most common English language proficiency examinations for study, migration, and employment. Each year, more than three million individuals take the exam, which is recognized by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools, and immigration agencies worldwide.
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a streamlined Canadian study permit processing initiative for international students applying to study in Canada at a designated postsecondary institution.
Consistently, the SDS program has provided eligible students with a streamlined and expedited path to study in Canada. It expedites visa processing and facilitates students’ transition into Canadian educational institutions.
“Test participants will now find the SDS program even more appealing. IELTS has the most extensive network of testing centres. It offers paper-based tests in over 150 locations in over 80 cities in India, as well as computer-delivered exams in 46 centres, making it extremely convenient for candidates. In addition, we plan to introduce IELTS One Skill retest (OSR) in India in the near future so that candidates can retest any section of the examination, said Kumar.
“We encourage students interested in pursuing an education in Canada to take advantage of the revised English examination requirements for the SDS program. He said, “represents a more inclusive and holistic approach to evaluating students’ language proficiency, thereby facilitating the pursuit of higher education by a wider range of talented individuals.” The minimum score requirement for the IELTS Academic test across all bands has been eliminated.
This follows Canada’s recent acceptance of the TOEFL and PTE Academic tests for Student Direct Stream.
Beginning on August 10, 2023, students will be able to submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT scores as part of their SDS application.
Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam are eligible to register for the SDS.
