International College of Manitoba IELTS Requirement: 5.5 (5.0)

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026

ICM direct and mixed entry scores

From ICM's English language requirements page. The same scores apply to Foundation and International Year One; your academic results decide which stage you start in.

Test	Direct entry	Mixed entry
IELTS Academic	5.5, no band below 5.0	5.0, no band below 4.5
Duolingo	95, no band below 80	85, no band below 65
PTE	46, no band below 42	38, no band below 34
TOEFL (from 21 Jan 2026)	3.5; Reading, Writing, Listening 3.5; Speaking 2.5	2.5
TOEFL iBT (before 21 Jan 2026)	69, no band below 15	60
CAEL CE	50, no band below 50	40
Cambridge B2 First or C1 Advanced	162, no grade below 154	B2 First 154, no grade below 147

Exemption and school-leaving routes

Completing a three-year secondary program in a country where English is a primary language exempts you; ICM links to the University of Manitoba's country list. Manitoba-curriculum graduates need one 40S English credit at 70 per cent for direct entry (65 per cent for mixed), and Year 12 English Literature at 70 per cent (65 for mixed) also counts.

TOEFL scores go to ICM under institution code 6961.

Free test: are you at ICM's score yet?

Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

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Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

If you fall short: IAEP

Below mixed entry, the Intensive Academic English Program (IAEP) at the University of Manitoba's English Language Centre is the only English program that gives conditional admission with a combined offer. Completing IAEP level 3 meets mixed entry and level 4 meets direct entry, with no further test.

Requirements vary by program and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your ICM program page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test. Admission scores are separate from immigration rules: see IELTS for a Canada study permit and IELTS for the Canada PGWP.

Minimum vs competitive score

Where the International College of Manitoba (ICM) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.

Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.

If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.

Frequently asked questions

What IELTS does the International College of Manitoba need?+

IELTS Academic 5.5 with no band below 5.0 for direct entry, or 5.0 with no band below 4.5 for mixed entry with an extra English course.

Does ICM accept Duolingo?+

Yes. Duolingo 95 with no band below 80 for direct entry, or 85 with no band below 65 for mixed entry.

Does ICM accept PTE?+

Yes. PTE 46 with no band below 42 for direct entry, or 38 with no band below 34 for mixed entry.

What is the difference between direct and mixed entry at ICM?+

Mixed entry accepts a lower score but adds one academic English course in your first term.

Keep reading

Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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