Are PTE and TOEFL accepted as alternatives to IELTS for Canadian study visa applications?
Yes, you can use PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT instead of IELTS for your Canadian study permit application, including under the Student Direct Stream. IRCC typically expects around 83 overall for TOEFL iBT and 60 overall for PTE Academic, though your specific university may set higher score requirements for admission.
You do not need to sit for IELTS if you are applying for a Canadian study permit, since both PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are accepted alternatives. Canadian universities and colleges recognise both tests widely, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts them for study permit applications, including the expedited Student Direct Stream (SDS).
Typical SDS Score Requirements
| Test | Approximate Overall Score for SDS |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Around 83 |
| PTE Academic | Around 60 |
What to Check Before You Decide
Your specific university or college may ask for a higher score than the SDS minimum, so always confirm the exact requirement on your program page before booking a test. Keep in mind that these two tests only cover your study visa stage, not your future immigration plans.
My Advice
If you eventually want to move from a study permit to Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry, remember that TOEFL is not accepted for PR applications, and PTE Academic is only valid for the student visa stage. For PR, you would need PTE Core or IELTS General Training instead, so plan your test choice around your long term goal, not just your visa.
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