Nigerian students looking to study in Canada need to meet specific English Language Requirements. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements, so you can be sure you’re prepared.
As the language of instruction and communication in Canada, the English requirement is compulsory for every college applicant. You must demonstrate your knowledge of English to meet the demands of classroom learning, class discussions, written assignments, and other forms of communication.
As a Nigerian student, you must meet the English language requirement to study in Canada, as that is the primary language of communication. However, by virtue of living and obtaining an education in the country, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and other native English speakers do not need to prove their English ability.
You must meet the English language standards by providing proof of proficiency if you must study at any Canadian university. However, some countries are exempt from English language proficiency proof. As we continue, we will know whether Nigeria is among them.
Table of Contents
- 1 English language proficiency test options
- 2 What are the Criteria for English Language Proficiency Waivers?
- 3 Countries exempt from English language requirements
- 4 What level of English do I need to study in Canada?
- 5 Do Nigerian students need IELTS to study in Canada?
- 6 When can I commence my studies in Canada?
- 7 Can one do a Master’s program in Canada with HND or Third Class?
English language proficiency test options
If English is not your primary language, you must prove your English ability by meeting the standard test options in Canada. However, some departments, like law, have their test options and minimum test scores. Also, the English language tests expire two years from the test date.
They must be valid at the commencement of your admission session. If possible, find out the expiry date before applying for admission. Among the tests required include IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. In addition, those who wish to study in Quebec must meet the minimum requirements for French tests. Below are the test options that are acceptable in Canadian institutions:
- Intensive Academic English Program (IAEP): The minimum required score is Pass Level 5/AEPUCE (Academic English Program for University and College Entrance)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): The minimum required score is 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each of the four modules (listening, reading, speaking, writing)
- Canadian Academic English Assessment (CAEL) – Online or Test Centre: The minimum required score is 60
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The overall minimum required score is 86, and 20 component scores (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
- Cambridge Assessment English (C1 Advanced): The minimum required score is 180
- Cambridge Assessment English (C2 Proficiency): The minimum required score is 180
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): The minimum required score is 58
IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standard English language proficiency test across all countries. Most Canadian universities prefer it as a testing tool for prospective students. IELTS is of two types, and they are:
- Academic Training module
- General Training Module
You need the Academic Training Module to obtain your study permit as a student. On the other hand, those seeking permanent residency can obtain the General Training Module or PTE.
TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language)
TOEFL is another acceptable language test for most Canadian colleges and universities. It includes paper- and internet-based testing versions; students can choose either, depending on convenience.
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
Some Canadian universities and colleges also accept PTE as their standard test. Many Nigerian students prefer PTE as their preferred test instead of IELTS or TOEFL.
In addition, the PTE is a more simplified test and does not require human participation to participate. As a result, the waiting time is somewhat shorter than others – as fast as 24 hours. You can present the PTE score to study for an undergraduate program, postgraduate program, or advanced diploma. However, it would be best to find the universities that accept it before applying.
Read also: Ultimate guide to study in Canada.
What are the Criteria for English Language Proficiency Waivers?
You may request an English language proficiency waiver in certain situations. However, you must tender supporting documents in that regard. Below are the conditions under which you can request the waiver:
- Ten consecutive years of residency in Canada, including years of your study in Canada. This residency period is between the date you landed in Canada, which is on the record of your landing document, and the commencement of your studies.
- Successful completion of a three-year secondary school program or three years of recognized post-secondary education in Canada. It could also be any combination of three successful calendar years of secondary and recognized post-secondary education in Canada.
- Graduation from a Canadian curriculum secondary school, with a year-12 English literature grade of 75% or higher.
- Attainment of grade four or higher on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level English course or the Advanced Placement English examination (Language Composition, Literature, and Composition).
- Completing thirty credit hours of university-level coursework and six transferrable English courses at 1000 or more. This must be with the least B grade at an accredited university where English is the basic language of instruction and in a country where English is the basic language.
- Graduation from a degree program at an accredited university where English is the basic language of instruction and in a country where English is the primary language. This must be within two years of attending the Canadian university.
- Completing the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Level) with the least grade of B in English (non-ESL) at the GCSE/IGCSE O Level, AS Level, or A-Level.
- Completing the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSC) or National Examination Council (NECO) with a minimum grade of 75% in the senior English subject.
Read also: How to get a Canadian student visa.
Countries exempt from English language requirements
Students from the following countries are exempt from the English language proficiency requirements to study in Canada:
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Belize
- Botswana
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Channel Islands
- Dominica
- Falkland Islands
- Fiji Islands
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Grenada
- Guam (USA)
- Guyana
- Isle of Man
- Ireland (Republic of)
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Namibia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Pitcairn Islands
- Puerto Rico
- St. Helena
- St. Kitts & Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent & Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turks & Caicos Islands
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Virgin Islands (USA)
- Virgin Islands (UK)
- Wake-Midway Island (USA)
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What level of English do I need to study in Canada?
For International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module, the minimum requirement is an overall band of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
Do Nigerian students need IELTS to study in Canada?
As a Nigerian, you do not need IELTS or any English language test to study in Canada. This is only possible depending on the college or university you apply to. However, some Canadian institutions assess Nigerian applicants for English language ability during the application process.
Also, if you have your WAEC or NECO result with at least C5 or C6 in English, you may be exempt from the English language requirements to study in Canada. If you are applying for a postgraduate study, you may be exempt if you have completed a three to a four-year undergraduate program. This is because universities in Nigeria teach the English language. Generally, if the Canadian university requires English language proficiency, you will have to tender the proof.
Find out the expected cost of studying in Canada here!
When can I commence my studies in Canada?
Usually, the main intake for Canadian study is during fall or September. The next intake takes place during winter or January. However, the program or school the student applies to determines the timing. In addition, some schools have the summer or May intake. The best bet is the fall semester because most scholarships or entrance awards are offered at that time.
Can one do a Master’s program in Canada with HND or Third Class?
Canada is yet to incorporate the acceptance of HND or third-class undergraduates from Nigeria into its institutions. Thus, you can consider applying for a postgraduate diploma or an advanced certificate in Canada to qualify for a master’s degree program.
Alternatively, you can pursue an undergraduate program in Canada, using your HD or third-class result, whereby the university may waive some courses for you. Aside from the two options, Canada will not accept any result below a second-class lower degree or HND certificate.
Read also: How to study in Canada without breaking the bank
Conclusion
English language requirements to study in Canada are as strict as every other requirement. You may be waived from submitting an English language proficiency test result as a Nigerian student. However, having it will be a plus to your admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of English do I need to study in Canada?
The level of English you require to study in Canada will vary depending on your school. However, most universities in Canada require students to have a minimum level of English language proficiency to enroll. Generally, you will need an overall band of 6.5, in IELTS, with no band below 6.0.
Do Nigerian students require IELTS to study in Canada?
It depends on the universities’ specific requirements to which you are applying. However, most Canadian universities will require IELTS for entry for Nigerians, and many also have specific English language requirements.
What are the requirements for a Nigerian to study in Canada?
There are general requirements for studying in Canada. You will need a valid passport and visa. In addition, You should also have a strong academic record and be able to speak English well. Check out our complete list of Canada Visa Requirements for Nigerian Students.
Which English test is required for a Canada student visa?
To demonstrate your English abilities, the English language test required for a Canada student visa is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).