Starting today (August 10), IELTS test takers applying through Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) for study permits are no longer obligated to attain a minimum score of 6.0 bands in each individual section. Instead, a cumulative band score of 6.0 is now sufficient for IELTS. The changes have been made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to make the process smoother for the aspirants.
IDP Education’s Regional Director, Piyush Kumar, had earlier cited modification is expected to simplify the application process and broaden opportunities for international students aspiring to study in Canada under the SDS program.
“This update represents a positive shift towards recognising the comprehensive abilities of test takers rather than focusing solely on individual band scores. We believe this change will provide greater opportunities for talented students worldwide to pursue their educational goals in Canada and also reflects authorities’ confidence in IELTS,” he had said earlier.
IELTS is a widely used English proficiency test for education, migration, and work. With three million annual takers, it’s recognized by 11,000+ global employers, schools, and immigration bodies. Canada’s Student Direct Stream expedites study permit processing for those entering designated learning institutions.
Here's all you need to know:
- IRCC announced changes in the IELTS requirement for Canada SDS starting August 10, 2023.
- The IELTS test-takers applying via the SDS program will now be required to score an overall 6.0 band to qualify.
- The decision to eliminate the individual score of 6.0 bands was taken to emphasize the importance of the comprehensive abilities of the test-takers.
- The latest change in the requirement of IELTS is to facilitate better opportunities for international students to pursue their education in Canada.
