It is not Mandatory to IELTS Band Score 6 in Individual Sections for the Canadian SDS.

IELTS Band Score : According to IELTS co-owner IDP Education, IELTS test takers applying for a Canadian Study Permit through the Canadian SDS (Student Direct Stream) category will no longer be required to obtain a minimum 6.0 IELTS band score in all individual sections of the test from August.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made changes to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement that will be effective from August 10.

 “In light of the recent changes made by the IRCC, we are pleased with the decision that IELTS Academic test takers applying through the Canadian SDS program will now only need 6 band scores overall. Piyush Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education said, there is no longer any requirement to obtain a minimum score of 6 bands in each section.

 “This update represents a positive shift  towards recognizing the broader abilities of test takers rather than focusing only on individual band scores. We are confident that this change will enable talented students from around the world to pursue their educational goals in Canada and also shows the confidence of authorities in IELTS,” he added.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular English language proficiency tests for study, migration or work. More than three million people take the test every year and it is accepted by over 11,000 universities, schools, employers, and immigration bodies worldwide.

Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an accelerated study permit processing program for those applying to study in Canada at a designated post-secondary educational institution.

The Canadian SDS program has consistently served as a streamlined and accelerated path for eligible students to study in Canada. It provides faster visa processing time and a smoother transition to Canadian educational institutions for students.

Also Read: TOEFL iBT Will Now be Accepted for Canadian Higher Education Institutions