Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada with No IELTS Requirement

Introduction:

Study in Canada Without IELTS — Yes, It’s Possible

Dreaming of studying in Canada but worried about the IELTS requirement? You’re not alone.

Every year, thousands of brilliant international students miss out on incredible opportunities because they think IELTS is mandatory for all Canadian universities. But here’s the truth: you can study in Canada, win scholarships, and skip IELTS entirely — legally and officially.

If English isn’t your first language, this guide is your jackpot. Let’s break down the best undergraduate scholarships in Canada with no IELTS, and how you can grab them.

Why Canada? The Ultimate Study Destination

Canada has become one of the top choices for international students, and for good reason:

World-class education
Multicultural environment
Post-study work options
Pathways to permanent residency
Affordable and safe cities

The cherry on top? Some schools waive English tests like IELTS if you meet alternative criteria.

Can You Really Study in Canada Without IELTS?

Absolutely! Many universities offer IELTS waivers if:

Your previous education was in English
You submit alternative test scores (e.g., Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE)
You take their internal English placement test
You have proof of English as the medium of instruction (MOI) from your high school

And guess what? Some scholarships don’t even mention IELTS at all.

Top Canadian Universities Offering Scholarships Without IELTS

Let’s dive into the list of Canadian universities where you can apply for undergraduate scholarships without IELTS.

1. University of Winnipeg Scholarships

The University of Winnipeg is known for welcoming international students—and their scholarships don’t mandate IELTS.

Scholarship: President’s Scholarship for World Leaders
Value: CAD 3,500–5,000
No IELTS if: You’ve completed studies in English or submit a MOI
Apply here: uwinnipeg.ca

2. Carleton University Entrance Awards

Carleton University in Ottawa offers automatic entrance scholarships and doesn’t require IELTS in many cases.

Scholarship: Entrance Awards for International Students
Value: CAD 4,000–16,000
No IELTS if: High school education was in English
Apply here: carleton.ca

3. Memorial University of Newfoundland

This gem in Newfoundland allows several IELTS alternatives—and offers generous scholarships.

Scholarship: International Entrance Scholarships
Value: CAD 3,000–6,000
No IELTS if: You provide proof of English proficiency (MOI)
Apply here: mun.ca

4. Concordia University Scholarships

Located in Montreal, Concordia is a top university with flexible English language requirements.

Scholarship: Concordia International Scholars Program
Value: Full tuition
No IELTS if: You submit proof of English medium instruction
Apply here: concordia.ca

5. Brock University Awards

Brock is one of the most international-student-friendly universities in Ontario.

Scholarship: International Student Ambassador Award
Value: Up to CAD 16,000
No IELTS if: Previous education was in English
Apply here: brocku.ca

Government-Funded Scholarships That May Waive IELTS

Yes, even government scholarships in Canada may accept alternatives to IELTS!

6. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)

Coverage: Tuition, books, residence, and incidental fees
No IELTS if: Your school offers English-medium instruction
Highly competitive
Apply here: future.utoronto.ca

7. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Although this is for graduate study, some universities apply similar language rules across programs—worth checking with your target school.

8. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship

This is for students from Commonwealth countries, and while IELTS is a default, many schools accept alternatives like TOEFL or Duolingo.

Alternative English Proficiency Tests Accepted in Canada

These are your top IELTS alternatives if you want to keep your options wide open:

TOEFL (iBT)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Test)
Duolingo English Test (DET) – fastest and cheapest option
MOI (Medium of Instruction certificate) from your school

Top Undergraduate Fields with No IELTS Requirement

These programs are more likely to admit you without IELTS if other English proof is provided:

Computer Science & IT
Engineering
Business and Management
Social Sciences
Health Sciences (some exceptions)

How to Write a Medium of Instruction Letter (MOI)

Many schools in Canada accept a MOI letter from your previous institution in place of IELTS.

Tips for writing MOI:

Use your school’s official letterhead
Confirm that your instruction was entirely in English
Include dates, name, and contact information
Get it signed and stamped by the school principal or registrar

How to Maximize Your Scholarship Chances Without IELTS

Let’s be real—no IELTS doesn’t mean no effort. To stand out:

Maintain a strong GPA
Craft a personal statement that tells your story
Highlight leadership roles, volunteering, or extracurriculars
Secure top-quality recommendation letters
Apply early (seriously—don’t wait until the deadline!)

Sample Email to Request IELTS Waiver from University

Here’s a handy template:

Subject: Request for IELTS Waiver

Dear Admissions Office,

I hope this message finds you well. I am interested in applying to the undergraduate program at [University Name] and would like to inquire about the possibility of waiving the IELTS requirement.

I completed my secondary education at [School Name], where the language of instruction was English. I can provide an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter upon request.

Kindly let me know if this can be accepted as a substitute for IELTS.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]

Myth Buster: 5 Common Misconceptions About IELTS-Free Study in Canada

❌ “All universities require IELTS.” → Nope, many don’t.
❌ “No IELTS means lower scholarship chances.” → Not true.
❌ “Duolingo isn’t accepted.” → Actually, 70+ Canadian schools accept it.
❌ “Only private universities waive IELTS.” → Many public ones do too.
❌ “Without IELTS, visa gets rejected.” → Visa depends on university admission, not IELTS specifically.

Call to Action: Start Your IELTS-Free Journey Today

Studying in Canada without IELTS is not just a dream—it’s a real, accessible path. Scholarships are available. Schools are flexible. And if you plan early, write clearly, and apply smartly, you can study in one of the world’s best education systems, totally funded.

Conclusion

Canada remains one of the most generous and accessible destinations for international students—even without IELTS. Whether you’re applying through a university, the government, or private foundations, there’s always a way if you’re determined.

Be bold. Be strategic. Be early.

FAQs: Undergraduate Scholarships in Canada with No IELTS Requirement

1. Can I get a full scholarship in Canada without IELTS?

Yes! Universities like Concordia and Winnipeg offer full scholarships without needing IELTS if you provide other proof of English proficiency.

2. Is Duolingo accepted in Canadian universities?

Absolutely. Over 70 Canadian institutions accept Duolingo English Test (DET) as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL.

3. What is MOI, and how does it help?

MOI stands for Medium of Instruction. If your high school taught in English, you can request an MOI letter to waive IELTS.

4. Does skipping IELTS affect my visa chances?

Not at all—your visa depends on your university admission letter and financial proof, not IELTS specifically.

5. Are there any tuition-free universities in Canada?

No tuition-free universities, but many offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and living costs.