How To Relocate To Canada From Nigeria Through The Education Route Without IELTS

University or College Conditional Admission

Many Canadian institutions recognize that students from certain backgrounds may have already received their education in English. If your previous studies were conducted in English, you can often provide evidence—such as transcripts or a letter from your institution—confirming that the medium of instruction was English. Some universities even waive the formal language test requirement completely or offer conditional admission, where you enroll first in a language or foundation program.

Steps to Follow:

• Research Institutions: Identify schools or colleges that either waive the IELTS requirement or allow for conditional admission. Look for information on international student pages or reach out directly to admissions offices for clarification.
• Prepare Your Documentation: Gather your academic transcripts, certificates, and an official letter (or affidavit) from your previous institution(s) confirming that your education was in English.
• Application Submission: Apply for admission, clearly noting your proficiency evidence. If eligible, be prepared to join a foundation or pre-sessional English program, which helps bridge any language gaps before you start your degree program.

This method allows you to bypass the IELTS if your academic or professional history supports your English proficiency

Get the English Proficiency Certificate

Universities in Canada now offer international students a different route. Instead of taking the IELTS, you can simply provide an English proficiency certificate. This is easy to obtain. If you studied in a school where you were taught in English, simply request your certificate and use it as proof of English proficiency. With this, you don’t have to go through the rigors of taking the IELTS. 

Here are some Canadian Universities that may accept you without IELTS after you provide the requested certificate:

• University of Saskatchewan
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• University of Winnipeg
• University of Regina
• Brock University

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

University or College Conditional Admission – FAQ

1. Can I be admitted without IELTS if my previous education was in English?

• Yes! Many Canadian universities and colleges waive the IELTS requirement if you provide proof (such as transcripts or an official letter) confirming that your education was conducted in English. However, some institutions might still require you to complete a foundation or pre-sessional English program before beginning your main course of study.

English Proficiency Certificate – FAQ

2. How can I obtain an English proficiency certificate for Canadian university admission?

• If you studied in a school where English was the medium of instruction, request an official proficiency certificate from your institution. This document serves as proof and can be submitted to universities that accept alternative language evidence instead of IELTS. Be sure to confirm the specific requirements of your chosen school before applying.

Final Thoughts

While most of Canada’s mainstream immigration programs, especially those managed under Express Entry, require applicants to submit approved language test scores (such as IELTS, CELPIP, or French tests like TEF/TCF), there are alternative pathways that allow you to bypass the immediate need for a formal language exam. These alternatives primarily involve routes where academic background, employer sponsorship, or spousal relationships may provide some flexibility.

PLEASE NOTE: That even if you have everything done and ready you may still be asked to provide IELTS when you go and apply for your visa.

If you’d like more guidance on a specific pathway or further financial and academic advice on how to build your profile for Canadian immigration, feel free to ask! Here