Dream of studying in Canada but worried about the IELTS requirement holding you back? You’re not alone. Thousands of international students now enrol in affordable Canadian colleges that accept alternatives like Duolingo, TOEFL, or even their high school English scores. In this 2024 guide, we’ll explore 15+ cheap colleges in Canada without IELTS, their application processes, scholarships, and tips to secure your study permit. Cheap colleges in Canada for international students without IELTS offer budget-friendly education options and accept alternative English proficiency proofs like TOEFL, Duolingo, or previous English-medium education. Many diploma and postgraduate diploma programs now offer English proficiency waiver programs, allowing eligible international students to study without standardized language test scores.
Cheap Colleges in Canada for International Students Without IELTS
Study in Canada University programs offer internationally recognised degrees, diverse course options, and a multicultural academic environment for global students. Cheap Colleges in Canada for International Students Without IELTS is a great opportunity for the global students to receive quality education at reasonable prices and without the burden of the tiresome English tests. A lot of institutions like the Cambrian College, Seneca College, and the Bow Valley College acknowledge alternative proofs of English proficiency like TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or former studies in English-medium colleges.
Apart from making entry barriers less stringent, these colleges also offer career-oriented courses such as business, healthcare, and technology, making Canada a welcoming and convenient destination for low-budget students from different countries across the world. Colleges in Canada that offer admission without IELTS accept alternative tests like TOEFL, PTE, or proof of previous English-medium instruction.
Several institutions also support students who want to study in Canada without IELTS requirements, especially if they’ve previously studied in English-medium schools or take a placement test. List of colleges in Canada for international students without IELTS features affordable institutions that evaluate students through other language benchmarks.
| College Name | Province | IELTS Alternative Accepted | Approx. Tuition (CAD/year) | Approx. Tuition (CAD/year) |
| Cambrian College | Ontario | TOEFL, PTE, English-medium transcripts | 9,000 – 11,000 | Engineering, Business, Health |
| Seneca College | Ontario | Duolingo, TOEFL, Pathway Programs | 13,000 – 15,000 | IT, Business, Healthcare |
| George Brown College | Ontario | PTE, TOEFL, Internal English tests | 14,000 – 16,000 | Culinary, Tech, Nursing |
| Conestoga College | Ontario | English-medium, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo | 13,000 – 15,000 | Engineering, Trades, IT |
| Humber College | Ontario | University Pathway Program, TOEFL | 14,000 – 16,000 | Business, Media, Technology |
| Fanshawe College | Ontario | English-medium education proof | 13,000 – 14,000 | Hospitality, Nursing, Trades |
| Sheridan College | Ontario | Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE | 14,000 – 16,000 | Arts, Animation, Business |
| Centennial College | Ontario | Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL | 14,000 – 15,000 | Engineering, Hospitality, Business |
| Langara College | British Columbia | High school transcripts, Pathway Programs | 13,000 – 14,000 | Arts, Business, Health |
| Douglas College | British Columbia | Duolingo, TOEFL, English-medium school | 13,000 – 14,000 | Business, Psychology, Health |
| Bow Valley College | Alberta | DET, PTE, TOEFL | 12,000 – 13,000 | Healthcare, Admin, ESL |
| Red River College Polytechnic | Manitoba | Pathway Programs, Duolingo | 13,000 – 15,000 | Trades, Tech, Business |
| Saskatchewan Polytechnic | Saskatchewan | TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo | 12,000 – 13,500 | Engineering, Health, Applied Science |
| Nova Scotia Community College(NSCC) | Nova Scotia | DET, TOEFL, Pathway Programs | 11,000 – 13,000 | Trades, Health, Technology |
| New Brunswick Community College | New Brunswick | English-medium proof, TOEFL, Duolingo | 10,000 – 12,000 | IT, Trades, Health |
How to Choose the Right College to Study in Canada Without IELTS
Although the affordability and the IELTS waivers are good, choosing the right college is not all about that. The following are some of the key aspects that international students should consider. Canada colleges offer low tuition international students no IELTS, and offer budget-friendly education with alternative language assessment pathways.
Program Availability and What You Want to Do with Your Life.
Various colleges are majoring in special areas. For instance, Conestoga and Saskatchewan Polytechnic are great at engineering, while the arts are represented by Sheridan. Always ensure that your preferred college is on the same plane as your long-time career pursuit. Without IELTS, study in Canada colleges list includes institutions like Seneca College, Cambrian College, and the University of Winnipeg that offer alternative admission criteria.
Location and Cost of Living in Canada
Colleges in Ontario without IELTS include popular options like Centennial College and Fanshawe College, which accept Duolingo or TOEFL scores. Living costs in Canada vary widely. For example
- Toronto (Ontario): CAD 1,500–2,000/month
- Calgary (Alberta): CAD 1,200–1,600/month
- Halifax (Nova Scotia): CAD 1,000–1,400/month
- Ontario: Although it has diverse colleges such as Seneca and Humber, Toronto’s costs of living are high.
- Alberta: Lower living costs and institutions such as the Bow Valley College make it suited for budget Students.
Understanding Accepted Alternative English Proficiency Tests.
University English preparation course helps international students improve academic English skills to meet university admission requirements in Canada. The following are the alternatives to IELTS mostly accepted in many colleges:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language): Highly popular, particularly in the tech and business majors.
- PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): Awarded by several institutions, such as Centennial and Sheridan.
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Becoming increasingly popular because of its online character and affordability.
- Institutional English Language Tests: Some of the colleges even have their own internal assessment.
- English Language Pathway Programs: Presented by such institutions as Humber, students are prepared for a college-level English.
- High School Transcripts: English-medium school graduates may have additional privileges of not having to take any language test.
Specific Requirements of English Proficiency for Each College
Colleges in Alberta without IELTS allow international students to apply using other English proficiency tests or pathway programs. Each institution has certain levels for such tests as TOEFL or Duolingo. Access to the college’s official website or getting in touch with their admissions office should be made to verify the current requirements.
For example:
- Cambrian College (Official Website) accepts a Duolingo score of 110+ or TOEFL iBT 80 for most programs.
- Fanshawe College: Accepts English-medium schooling proof
- Red River College: Offers conditional admissions with ESL
International Student Support Services Provided
Private high schools near me offer personalised education, smaller class sizes, and enriched academic programs for enhanced student success. Look for colleges that offer:
- Orientation programs
- Peer mentoring
- Academic writing centres
- Career counseling
- Language support services
Such resources can significantly make your transition in the Canadian education system easy.
How to Apply for These Colleges without IELTS
Colleges in Canada that does not require IELTS often provide conditional admission or accept students with prior English-language education. Below is a step-by-step procedure for applying to Canadian colleges that do not require IELTS:
Researching Specific Admission Requirements
The English language needs of the colleges are also different. Go through their admissions pages and check whether your qualifications (e.g., PTE score, English-medium education, pathway course) are up to their standards.
How to Write Your Application and Supporting Documents
Commonly required documents include:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copy
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- English proficiency test score instead of IELTS
- Reference letters (where applicable)
- Non-refundable application fees may apply in some colleges (CAD 50 – 100).
Understanding the Study Permit Process
Cheapest way to study in Canada for international students without IELTS is to apply to community colleges with low tuition and flexible language requirements. Even without IELTS, you still need to prove to the Canadian Immigration that you are proficient enough in the language through other acceptable means.
According to IRCC guidelines, to apply for a Canadian study permit, you must:
- Obtain a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Prove financial stability (minimum CAD 10,000/year).
- Pass a medical exam if required (Source: IRCC).
Demonstrate strong connections with your home country and an intention to go back there after graduation.
International Students Scholarship in Cheap Canada Colleges Without IELTS
Some of the colleges provide need and merit-based scholarships for non-IELTS international students. Examples:
- Conestoga College: International Student Regional Scholarship
- Douglas College: International Student Entrance Scholarship (CAD 1,000–2,000)
- Langara College: Entrance Bursaries for high-achieving applicants
Tip: Ensure you apply early to have a good chance of getting financial aid!
Conclusion
Scholarships for international students in cheap Canada colleges without IELTS help reduce financial burden while supporting those applying through non-IELTS routes. Ready to start your Canadian education journey without IELTS? Colleges like Seneca and Bow Valley College offer quality programs under CAD 15,000/year, along with scholarships and post-graduation work permits. Apply now many 2024 intakes fill up by October. With so many colleges that offer quality education, lax English language policies and affordable tuition fee, international students are presented with the golden opportunity of living out their academic desires. Cheap colleges in Canada for international students without IELTS offer affordable programs and accept alternative English proficiency proofs like Duolingo, TOEFL, or previous English-medium education.
From Seneca and Sheridan in Ontario to Bow Valley College in Alberta, these colleges are dedicated to providing an education to all. Aware of your alternatives and with a strong application, you can open your future in Canada – no IELTS is needed for that!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Colleges in Canada for International Students Without IELTS
1. Are the programs offered at these colleges of good quality?
Yes, these colleges are Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) by the Canadian government, and they provide career-relevant programs with practical exposure.
2. Can I get a visa without IELTS?
Yes, and only if the college sends you a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and accepts your alternative English proficiency proof (e.g., Duolingo,TOEFL) – you will be able to apply to the Canadian Study Permit.
3. Are 12th marks important for IELTS?
Your 12th-grade marks and IELTS are both different evaluations. However, good academic performance may at times help avoid IELTS in case you were studying in English-medium schools.
4. Does an IELTS score affect my Canadian study permit?
No, if your college accepts alternative tests like Duolingo or TOEFL, IRCC will base their decision on the language proof provided in your application.
5. What is the fee for IELTS exam?
For the year 2025, IELTS exam in general costs between CAD 300-350 (or INR 15,000 -16,500 in India). Nonetheless, you can avoid this cost by applying for Canada colleges with low tuition for international students with no IELTS programs.
