The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - MS In Canada
Students who are coming from non-native English speaking countries like India need to submit valid evidence to prove mastery of English language, if you are applying for a Master’s program in Canada. You can prove your English language proficiency through any globally accepted English Language Test certificates. The IELTS and TOEFL exams are two of the most famous choices for English language assessments. These exams are well known by all Canadian institutions. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized English exam that assesses all aspects of the language – reading, listening, writing and speaking. This section will guide you on all the phases involved in the IELTS.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - MS in Canada
Students who are coming from non-native English speaking countries like India need to submit valid evidence to prove mastery of English language, if you are applying for a Master’s program in Canada. You can prove your English language proficiency through any globally accepted English Language Test certificates. The IELTS and TOEFL exams are two of the most famous choices for English language assessments. These exams are well known by all Canadian institutions. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized English exam that assesses all aspects of the language – reading, listening, writing and speaking. This section will guide you on all the phases involved in the IELTS.
Typical time required: 2-8 weeks
Test Fee: Rs. 12,100- Rs. 13,250 as of June 2019
Before You Start
- Check the minimum required band score for eligibility for the master’s program you are applying to (E.g. Overall band score of 6.00)
- A few institutions might also mention the minimum band score per section (E.g. 5.50 in every section)
- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) can be either Computer-based / Paper-based.
Required Documents
- Your Passport
- Credit/Debit card
- List of 5 universities to which the TRFs are to be sent (optional)
Step by step guide
- Visit the official portal for the IELTS Exam
- Go to the “Find Test Date” option; enter the criteria mentioned below, click on ‘Find’.
- Date: Enter the month you will be sitting for the test
- Town/City: Select the city closest to you
- Module: Academic
- (Find Test Date and Check Availability): You will see all available dates at your chosen city and the fee for the respective exam. If nothing is displayed, change the city or the test date and retry. Choose a suitable date and ‘Apply’ for the test.
- TERMS & CONDITIONS: Read the Terms and Conditions involved, click the radio box and click ‘Continue’.
- CANDIDATE DETAILS: Enter your information accurately. Fill in all the details as they appear in the Passport. Then click ‘Continue’.
- Make sure your name and passport details are spelt correctly.
- PAYMENT DETAILS: You can now pay using either a debit or a credit card. This is a convenient option.
- You can also choose to pay offline as well. The fee needs to be paid within the next 3 days. You can pay by cash at any of the ICICI Branches by filling an ICICI challan. You can also pay with a DD in the name of “British Council” (payable at ‘New Delhi’).
After You Register
- You will get an email in your inbox confirming the payment receipt. It will also contain the details to access a free online preparation course – Road to IELTS Points.
- Your Test Centre will send you a confirmation on the test center venue, date and time, at least a week before the test.
- The Speaking test time may be conducted either on the same day as the other 3 sections or on a different day. This would be within a 7-day gap, any time before/after the written test. You will be informed about the Speaking test venue, date and time.
| SECTION | Questions | DURATION |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 sections - 40 questions | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 3 sections - 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 Tasks (150 words, 250 words) | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 parts | 11 – 14 minutes |
On the Test Day
- Arrive at least 20 mins earlier to the test center. It will give you some time to relax.
- At the venue, the IELTS test staff will check your Passport. Without the Passport, you shall not be permitted for the test.
- Usually, your photograph will be clicked for security purposes.
- Once you arrive at the test center, switch off all electronic devices. You will be asked to keep all your personal items in a separate room. You can carry only a pen/pencil, sharpener, an eraser and your ID (Passport) to your desk.
- The Reading, Listening, & Writing sections are conducted over a total duration of 2 hours 40 minutes. There will be no/small breaks between every part.
- Speaking section takes around 11-14 minutes (usually scheduled on a different day).
Test Results
- The International English Language Testing System band score (score ‘band’ between 1 to 9) is an indicator of your proficiency in English.
- Your test results will be ready after 5-7 days of your exam date (if you have attempted the Computer-based test), or after 13 calendar days (if you have given the Paper-Based test).
- Test centers will post the Test Report Form (TRF) to you.
- You can also view your results online after 5-7 calendar days/13 calendar days of the test, depending on the test you have opted for. Your results will be online for 28 days.
- You need to your test date, date of birth, passport number and candidate number to view the results online.
- You can request for 5 additional TRFs to be forwarded to your preferred Institutions within a month of your exam.
Useful Tips
- It typically takes between 2 weeks to 2 months to prepare for the IELTS test. It depends on your current proficiency in English. It takes about 13 calendar days for the test results to be released. If you need to forward the TRF along with your Masters’ application, plan your exam date accordingly.
- Attempt many mock tests to get an idea of the exam.
- A band score of 6.0 is usually the requirement for master’s programs in Canada.
- You can send the International English Language Testing System scores to 5 institutions within a month of your test.
- The IELTS TRF is valid for a period of two years.
Resources
There are several resources available online to help you get the best IELTS score. Most of these resources are absolutely free.
You should make the most use of the free preparation course – Road to IELTS. It contains 4 e-books, 9 practice tests and advice videos given by British Council.
Websites
Facebook Groups
YouTube Channels
Smartphone Apps
Websites
Facebook Groups
YouTube Channels
Smartphone Apps
Links and Downloads
