According to IDP Education, the co-owner of IELTS, IELTS test takers applying under the Student Direct Stream category for Canadian study permits will no longer be needed to attain a minimum score of 6.0 bands in all individual sections of the IELTS exam beginning from August 10, 2023.
IELTS is one of the most widely used English language competency examinations for study, migration, and work. Every year, over three million people take the test, which is approved by over 11,000 businesses, colleges, institutions, and immigration authorities worldwide.
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On the other hand, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a scheme that expedites the processing of study permits for students applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary-approved learning institution. The SDS initiative has regularly provided qualified students with a simplified and accelerated approach to study in Canada. It gives students a speedier visa processing time and a more effortless transfer to Canadian educational institutions.
Piyush Kumar, Regional Director, South Asia and Mauritius, IDP Education, reviewed the IRCC's recent revisions and expressed excitement that IELTS Academic test takers enrolling through the SDS programme will now just need an overall 6 band score. There is no longer any necessity to score at least 6 bands in any area.
He also stated that this modification indicates a beneficial trend towards recognising test takers' overall ability rather than relying primarily on particular band results or scores. IDP also feels that this development will create more chances for exceptional students from around the world to pursue their higher educational ambitions in Canada and reflect authorities' trust in IELTS.
After this modification, test takers will find the SDS programme much more appealing. IELTS offers the most extensive network of test centres. It offers paper-based examinations in more than 150 locations throughout 80 cities in India, as well as computer-delivered tests in 46 locations, making it incredibly handy for candidates. IDP also plans to implement IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) in India shortly to provide applicants with the option of retaking any one of the sections of the test.
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Kumar further added that IDP aims to motivate students interested in pursuing their higher studies in Canada to take advantage of the SDS program's increased English exam requirements. The elimination of the minimum score criterion in all individual bands of the IELTS Academic exam represents a more comprehensive and holistic approach to evaluating students' language skills, enabling a broader spectrum of outstanding individuals to pursue higher education.
Source: The Indian Express
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