Which IELTS do you need for immigration or studying in Canada – Academic or General?

Date of the last update: 30.08.2025

Are you planning to move to Canada – either for studies or immigration – and wondering which IELTS exam you need to take? This is one of the most common questions among people preparing to live in Canada. Choosing the correct version of the test is crucial, as it determines whether your score will be accepted by a university or immigration office.

Table of contents:

1. IELTS General Training – for those planning immigration
2. IELTS Academic – for those planning to study in Canada
3. IELTS General vs. Academic – key differences
4. Preparing for IELTS for Canadian immigration
5. Summary

You can read this article in 3 minutes.

IELTS General Training – for those planning immigration

If you want to immigrate to Canada – for example through programs such as Express Entry, apply for Permanent Residency, or a work permit, you will need IELTS General Training.

The score from this version of the exam is counted in the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System), which is used to assess candidates in immigration processes.

Important: IELTS Academic is not accepted for immigration purposes. Even if you already have a high Academic score, you will still need to take the General Training test.

IELTS Academic – for those planning to study in Canada

If you plan to apply for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies, most Canadian universities require an IELTS Academic score.

This version of the exam tests your academic language skills – writing essays, understanding lectures, and working with academic texts.

There are some exceptions for vocational programs or certificates below university level – some institutions may accept IELTS General, but it is always necessary to check the specific requirements of the school or program.

IELTS General vs. Academic – key differences

Both versions have the same structure (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) but differ in the nature of tasks in the Reading and Writing sections.

IELTS General Training

• Reading includes texts related to everyday situations, 
• In Writing Task 1, you need to write a formal or informal letter based on the given topic.

IELTS Academic

• Reading includes academic and specialized texts,
• In Writing Task 1, you need to describe and analyze a graph, chart, or table.

Learn more: IELTS Academic vs General Training

Preparing for IELTS for Canadian immigration

1. Check the required score – immigration programs and universities have different score thresholds.
2. Take a placement test – to find out which areas you need to improve.
3. Practice all exam parts regularly – not just grammar and vocabulary, but also writing and speaking.
4. Use official IELTS materials – they help you get familiar with the exam format.
5. Consider a preparation course – especially if you need a high score.

Summary

If you plan to immigrate to Canada, you will most likely need IELTS General Training, as it is the only version accepted for immigration purposes.

If you want to study in Canada, most universities require IELTS Academic, which evaluates your ability to use English in an academic context.

Regardless of your plans, always check the specific requirements of the immigration program or institution to avoid taking the wrong version of the exam.