Entrance Exams for Canada 2026: PTE, MCAT, LSAT & Complete Guide

Canada's world-class education system, multicultural environment, and post-graduation work opportunities attract over 800,000 international students annually. However, before embarking on your academic journey after appearing in entrance exams for Canada, it is crucial to understand the entrance exams. From English language proficiency tests like IELTS and CELPIP to specialised assessments such as MCAT for medicine and LSAT for law, each exam serves as a gateway to your desired program.

English Language Proficiency Tests for Canadian Universities

English language proficiency is mandatory for international students from non-English-speaking countries. Canadian universities require these tests to ensure students can succeed in English-medium academic environments.

Note: The fees are subject to change as per the current exchange rates. Visit the official sites to know the current and updated exam fees.

1. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

IELTS is the most widely accepted English test in Canada, recognised by over 350 Canadian institutions, including all universities and colleges.

What it tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
Speaking test: Face-to-face with an examiner
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Score required:

• Most universities: 6.0–6.5 overall
• Top universities (Toronto, McGill, UBC): 6.5–7.0, with no section below 6.0
• Competitive programs (Medicine, Law, MBA): 7.0–7.5+
• Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa: 6.0 in each band (mandatory)

Fees: CAD 319 (Canada) / £215 (UK) / ₹18,000 (India) / $255 (International)
Validity: 2 years

Best for: Students seeking the safest, most universally accepted option for Canadian admissions and visa processing.

2. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

TOEFL is a computer-based test, popular with students comfortable with digital exams and those applying to both US and Canadian universities.

What it tests: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Speaking test: Recorded responses (no human examiner)
Duration: About 2 hours

Score required:

• Undergraduate: 80–90
• Postgraduate: 90–100
• Top programs: 100–110 (section minimums may apply: Reading-22, Listening-22, Speaking-26, Writing-24)

Fees: $200–250 USD / CAD 265 or Rs.16,900
Validity: 2 years

Best for: Students familiar with American-style testing and those applying to multiple North American universities.

3. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

PTE is fully computer-based and known for fast results (typically 48 hours), with growing acceptance across Canadian institutions.

What it tests: Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening (integrated)
Duration: 2–3 hours

Score required:

• Visa minimum: 60 (SELT requirement for Indian students)
• Most universities: 60–70
• Engineering/Technical programs: 55+
• MBA/Graduate programs: 65–70

Fees: ₹18,000 (India) / CAD 275 (Canada) / $245 (International)
Validity: 2 years

Exemption: International students who completed 3+ years in English-medium institutions may be exempt.

Best for: Students who prefer no face-to-face speaking test, want quick results, and are applying through SELT pathways.

4. CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

CELPIP is a uniquely Canadian test, specifically designed for Canadian immigration and academic purposes.

What it tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (Canadian English focus)
Duration: About 3 hours
Format: Fully computer-based

Test Types:

• CELPIP General: For immigration and permanent residency
• CELPIP Academic: For university admissions

Score required:

• SDS visa: CELPIP 7 in each skill
• Universities: CELPIP 60+ (on academic test)
• Competitive programs: CELPIP 70+

Fees: CAD 280 (Canada) / ₹20,000 (India)
Validity: 2 years

Accepting universities: University of British Columbia, NorQuest University, and growing

Best for: Students planning Canadian permanent residency alongside studies, as scores serve dual purposes.

5. CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)

CAEL is designed specifically for Canadian academic institutions and measures English proficiency in academic contexts.

What it tests: Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking in academic scenarios
Duration: 3.5 hours
Format: Paper-based, online, or computer-based

Score required:

• Most universities: 60 overall
• Competitive programs: 70+
• Graduate programs: 70–80

Fees: CAD 260 / ₹12,500 (India)
Validity: 2 years

Acceptance: Recognised by 82% of English-speaking Canadian colleges and all English-speaking universities

Test centres: Available in Canada, USA, India, UAE, Philippines, China

Best for: Students applying exclusively to Canadian institutions who want a Canada-specific assessment.

6. Duolingo English Test

Duolingo is an emerging online English proficiency test gaining acceptance across Canadian universities due to its convenience and accessibility.

What it tests: Adaptive assessment of reading, writing, listening, speaking
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Format: Online, at-home test

Score required:

• Minimum acceptance: 105–110
• Average requirement: 110–120
• Competitive programs: 125+

Fees: $59 USD / CAD 79 or Rs.6,065
Validity: 2 years

Accepting universities: Over 4,000 globally, including a growing number of Canadian institutions

Best for: Students needing quick, affordable testing with immediate results (48 hours) and remote accessibility.

French Language Proficiency Tests for Canada

Approximately 20.6% of Canadians speak French, predominantly in Quebec. Universities in Quebec and some bilingual programs require proficiency in French.

Note: The fees are subject to change as per the current exchange rates. Visit the official sites to know the current and updated exam fees.

1. TEF Canada (Test d'Évaluation de Français)

Required for francophone immigration pathways and French-medium universities in Quebec and other provinces.

Components: Listening Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Written Expression, Oral Expression
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes

NCLC Levels Required:

• Express Entry immigration: NCLC 7+ in all skills
• University admission: Varies (typically B2 or NCLC 7+)

Fees: CAD 385 / ₹28,000 (India)
Validity: 2 years

Accepting institutions: Université de Montréal, Université Laval, Université du Québec system, bilingual programs at Ottawa

2. TEFAQ (Test d'Évaluation de Français Adapté au Québec)

Specifically designed for Quebec immigration and academic programs.

Components: Oral Comprehension (30 mins), Oral Expression (15 mins)
Duration: Approximately 35 minutes total

Score required: Minimum B2 level for Quebec immigration and universities

Fees: CAD 200 / ₹15,000
Validity: 2 years

Best for: Students planning to study and potentially immigrate to Quebec specifically.

Subject-Specific Entrance Exams for Canadian Universities

Beyond language proficiency, certain programs require specialised entrance exams assessing academic aptitude, subject knowledge, and career readiness.

Note: The fees are subject to change as per the current exchange rates. Visit the official sites to know the current and updated exam fees.

Medicine Entrance Exams

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

Most Canadian medical schools require the MCAT and assess scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and reasoning abilities essential for medical studies.

Test Structure:

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (95 minutes): 59 questions
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (90 minutes): 53 questions
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (95 minutes): 59 questions
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour (95 minutes): 59 questions
• Total Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes (including breaks)

Scoring:

• Scale: 472–528 total (118–132 per section)
• Minimum required: Varies by school (typically 123–125 per section)
• Competitive scores:
• General applicants: 505–515
• Ontario schools: 510–515
• Top programs (Toronto, McGill, UBC): 512–520+
• Average accepted: 512–514

Important Notes:

• McGill University: No longer requires MCAT for applicants with degrees outside Canada (effective 2024)
• Université de Montréal: Does not require MCAT
• Ontario schools (OMSAS): All MCAT scores from the past 5 years must be disclosed
• Validity: 5 years from test date

Fees: $375 USD / CAD 500
Fee Assistance: AFMC offers the MCAT Fee Assistance Program for Canadian students in financial need

Test Dates: Available January through September at Pearson VUE centres

Accepting Medical Schools: University of Toronto, McMaster University, Queen's University, Western University, University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Dalhousie University, University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba, Memorial University, Northern Ontario School of Medicine

Best for: Students committed to pursuing medicine in Canada, particularly outside Quebec.

Canada Entrance Exams for Law

LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

The LSAT is mandatory for admission to all Canadian law schools and measures critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logical thinking skills.

Test Structure:

• Logical Reasoning (2 sections, 35 minutes each): Argument analysis
• Analytical Reasoning (35 minutes): Logic games and puzzles
• Reading Comprehension (35 minutes): Complex passage analysis
• Unscored Variable Section (35 minutes): Research questions
• Writing Sample (35 minutes): Unscored but sent to law schools
• Total Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Scoring:

• Scale: 120–180
• Average score: 150
• Competitive scores:
• General admission: 155–160
• Top Canadian law schools: 160–165
• University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall: 163–167
• McGill University: 158–165

Fees: $215 USD / CAD 285
Additional: $45 per score report to Canadian law schools beyond the included reports

Test Format: LSAT now offered digitally at test centres or remotely (LSAT-Flex)

Validity: 5 years

Test Dates: Offered multiple times monthly

Accepting Law Schools: University of Toronto, Osgoode Hall (York University), McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Ottawa, Queen's University, Western University, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Dalhousie University, University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba, and all other Canadian law schools

Best for: All students pursuing law degrees in Canada LSAT is universally required.

Undergraduate Admissions Tests

1. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

SAT is required or recommended by many Canadian universities for students from American curriculum schools or those without traditional Canadian/British qualifications.

Test Structure:

• Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (100 minutes):
• Reading Test: 52 questions, 65 minutes
• Writing and Language Test: 44 questions, 35 minutes
• Mathematics (80 minutes):
• Calculator section: 38 questions, 55 minutes
• No calculator section: 20 questions, 25 minutes
• Total Duration: 3 hours

Scoring: 400–1600 (200–800 per section)

Canadian Requirements:

• Most universities: 1200–1300+
• Competitive programs: 1300–1400
• Top universities (Toronto, UBC, McGill): 1350–1450+
• Engineering programs: 1400+ with a strong math section

Fees: $60 USD (base) + regional fees
International (Canada): Approximately $100–120 USD total

Test Dates: Offered 7 times annually (March, May, June, August, October, November, December)

Best for: Students from American high schools, international schools following the US curriculum, or those without A-levels/IB credentials.

2. ACT (American College Testing)

ACT is an alternative to SAT, accepted by Canadian universities alongside SAT scores for undergraduate admissions.

Test Structure:

• English (45 minutes): 75 questions on grammar, usage, and rhetoric
• Mathematics (60 minutes): 60 questions covering algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
• Reading (35 minutes): 40 questions on reading comprehension
• Science (35 minutes): 40 questions on scientific reasoning
• Optional Writing (40 minutes): Essay
• Total Duration: 2 hours 55 minutes (3 hours 35 minutes with Writing)

Scoring:

• Composite: 1–36 (average of four sections)
• Each section: 1–36
• Writing: 2–12 (scored separately)

Canadian Requirements:

• Most universities: 24–26
• Competitive programs: 26–29
• Top universities: 28–32
• Engineering/Science: 29+ with strong math/science sections

Fees:

• Without Writing: $68 USD
• With Writing: $93 USD
• International fees apply

Test Dates: Offered 7 times annually

Best for: Students who perform better with science reasoning sections and prefer consistent question formats across sections.

Canada Entrance Test for Graduate

1. GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

GRE is required or recommended for many master's and PhD programs across Canadian universities, particularly in the sciences, engineering, and social sciences. You can consider this option as an entrance exam for MBA in Canada.

Test Structure:

• Analytical Writing (60 minutes): 2 essays
• Issue Task: 30 minutes
• Argument Task: 30 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning (60 minutes): 40 questions across 2 sections
• Quantitative Reasoning (70 minutes): 40 questions across 2 sections
• Total Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes

Scoring:

• Verbal Reasoning: 130–170
• Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170
• Analytical Writing: 0.0–6.0
• Total (Verbal + Quantitative): 260–340

Canadian Requirements:

• Minimum competitive: 300+ total
• Good score: 310–320
• Top programs (Toronto, UBC, McGill): 315–325+
• STEM programs: Quantitative 160+
• Humanities/Social Sciences: Verbal 155+

Fees: $220 USD / CAD 290
Validity: 5 years

Test Dates: Available year-round at Prometric test centres

Accepting Programs: Graduate programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities at most Canadian universities

Best for: Students pursuing research-based graduate degrees, particularly in STEM fields.

2. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

GMAT is essential for MBA and business-related master's programs at Canadian business schools.

Test Structure:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (30 minutes): 1 essay
• Integrated Reasoning (30 minutes): 12 questions
• Quantitative Reasoning (62 minutes): 31 questions (data sufficiency, problem solving)
• Verbal Reasoning (65 minutes): 36 questions (reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction)
• Total Duration: 3 hours 7 minutes

Scoring:

• Total Score: 200–800 (based on Quantitative and Verbal)
• Quantitative: 0–60
• Verbal: 0–60
• Integrated Reasoning: 1–8
• AWA: 0–6

Canadian Requirements:

• Minimum acceptance: 550–580
• Competitive programs: 600–650
• Top business schools: 650–700+
• Rotman (Toronto): 660–680
• Sauder (UBC): 650–670
• Desautels (McGill): 660–680
• Ivey (Western): 650–670
• Smith (Queen's): 640–670

Fees: $275 USD / CAD 365
Validity: 5 years

Test Format: Computer-adaptive test at Pearson VUE centres

Accepting Business Schools: Rotman School of Management (Toronto), Sauder School of Business (UBC), Desautels Faculty of Management (McGill), Ivey Business School (Western), Smith School of Business (Queen's), Schulich School of Business (York), Haskayne School of Business (Calgary)

Best for: Students pursuing an MBA or a specialised master's in business/management fields.

Top 5 Canadian Universities – Popular Programs, Exams & Why Choose

Comprehensive Cost Breakdown

Financial Aid:

• MCAT: AFMC Fee Assistance Program for Canadian students
• LSAT: Fee waivers available through LSAC for eligible candidates
• GRE/GMAT: Fee reduction programs for students demonstrating financial need
• English tests: Some institutions offer bursaries; check individual test websites

Important Deadlines & Test Dates 2025-2026

Strategic Preparation for Canada Entrance Exams

Essential Preparation Resources

Official Resources (Always Primary):

• IELTS: British Council / IDP official materials
• TOEFL: ETS official practice tests and materials
• PTE: Pearson official practice platform
• CELPIP: Official CELPIP practice tests and study guides
• MCAT: AAMC official resources, practice exams
• LSAT: LSAC official prep materials, Khan Academy partnership
• SAT: College Board official practice tests
• ACT: ACT official study guides
• GRE: ETS PowerPrep software and official guides
• GMAT: MBA.com official prep materials

Effective Test-Taking Strategies

• Time Management: Plan time per question, flag tough ones, move on quickly, review later
• Strategic Guessing: Answer every question, eliminate wrong options, and make educated guesses
• Real Exam Practice: Take full-length mocks, use computer-based practice, simulate test-day conditions
• Question Familiarity: Learn common question types, use section-wise strategies, and review mistakes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Late Registration: Book tests 2–3 months early; missed deadlines can delay intake by a year
• Wrong Test Type: Take the correct academic version (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, CELPIP Academic)
• Poor Preparation: Allow minimum prep time (Language: 2–3 months; MCAT/LSAT: 3–6 months; GRE/GMAT: 2–3 months)
• Score Validity Issues: Check validity (2–5 years), so scores remain valid through admission + visa processing
• Ignoring SDS Rules: Meet band-wise minimums (IELTS 6.0 each, CELPIP 7 each, PTE 60)
• Hiding Scores: Some programs require that all test attempts be non-disclosed, which can lead to rejection

Student Direct Stream (SDS) - Express Visa Processing

• What it is: Fast-track Canadian study permit processing (20 days)
• Who can apply: Students from eligible countries (incl. India, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and others)
• Language requirement (mandatory):
• IELTS Academic: 6.0 in each band
• CELPIP: CLB 7 in each skill
• PTE Academic: 60 overall
• TEF Canada: NCLC 7 in each skill
• Other requirements: DLI offer letter, GIC CAD 20,635, medical entrance exam for Canada, first-year tuition paid, clean record
• Best for: Students seeking the entrance exam for Canada visa through a fast forward process.

Final Thoughts

Successfully navigating entrance exams for Canada requires strategic planning, dedicated preparation, and an understanding of the specific requirements for your target universities and programs. Canada's welcoming immigration policies, including post-graduation work permits (PGWP) for up to 3 years and pathways to permanent residency, make it an excellent investment in your future. Hence, this guide can lead you to the best Canada entrance exam for a job and opportunities ahead.