The desire to study at a Canadian university, immigrate to Canada, or advance your career often requires taking international English language exams. Two of the most popular tests for these purposes are IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). For newcomers to Canada and Ukrainians planning to move to Edmonton, understanding how to find quality preparation courses is a critical step on the road to success. Edmonton offers a variety of preparation options, from traditional classrooms to online platforms, each with its own advantages and characteristics.
The difference between IELTS and TOEFL and choosing the right exam
Before you start looking for preparation courses, it is important to understand the difference between these two exams and what your specific needs are. IELTS consists of four main components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The exam is offered in two formats — Academic for those planning to study at higher education institutions, and General Training for those planning to immigrate for work or work in an English-speaking country. The IELTS scoring system uses a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest score.
TOEFL, on the other hand, has traditionally been more popular in the United States, but is perfectly acceptable for Canadian universities. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) also tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking, but is scored on a scale from 0 to 120. An important detail is that TOEFL is widely recognized by all Canadian colleges and universities and is used for student visas, but is not accepted for Canadian permanent residence and immigration programs. IELTS, on the other hand, is officially recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is mandatory for Express Entry and other immigration programs.
If you are planning to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry program or other immigration programs, you will need IELTS. If you are planning to study at a Canadian university or college, both exams will be accepted, but it is recommended that you check the requirements of the specific educational institution.
Test centers in Edmonton and cost
First of all, you need to know where you can take these exams in Edmonton. The city has several official test centers recognized by the organizations that administer IELTS and TOEFL.
IELTS test centers
There are several official IELTS test centers in Edmonton. BITTS Testing Services is located in the city center at 10357 109 Street NW (lower level, unit 140) and offers both paper-based and computer-based versions of the IELTS exam. This center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including wireless headphones, large high-resolution monitors, and new processors. The cost of the exam at BITTS is approximately 339-340 CAD.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is also an official IELTS center in Edmonton, located at 10240 Princess Elizabeth Ave NW, Room L142. NAIT serves individuals who wish to take the exam in a modern environment with the best conditions. The cost of the exam at NAIT is 360 CAD. The center is easily accessible by public transport as it is located near the NAIT station on the LRT line.
Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) also offers IELTS in both paper and computer-based formats. Both paper and computer-based versions of the exam are available at their center, speaking tests are conducted at the same location, and the center's staff is friendly and professional.
TOEFL iBT Test Centers
TOEFL iBT exams in Edmonton are administered through official test centers. Manhattan Review offers both live TOEFL prep classes and private tutoring, with some classes conducted online.
Cost Comparison
The cost of both exams is somewhat similar. The cost of IELTS in Edmonton ranges from 325 to 385 CAD, depending on the testing center and whether you take the test on paper or on a computer. The cost of TOEFL iBT is usually around $245 (approximately $340-350 CAD), depending on the current exchange rate.
| Test Center | Exam | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| BITTS Testing Services | IELTS | 339-340 CAD |
| NAIT | IELTS | 360 CAD |
| Concordia University of Edmonton | IELTS | Varies |
| Manhattan Review | TOEFL iBT | ~245 USD (340-350 CAD) |
Preparation courses through educational institutions
Naturally, before taking the exam, you will need quality preparation. Edmonton offers several educational institutions that specialize in IELTS and TOEFL preparation.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
NAIT offers a specialized IELTS preparation course called “NESL717 - IELTS Preparation Course - Writing Focus”. This course is designed for students who want to improve their scores, especially in the writing component, which is traditionally considered the most difficult. In the course, teachers with experience in IELTS take an individual approach to each student, providing personalized feedback.
The course covers all four components of the exam — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — with a special emphasis on writing. At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to test their skills in a realistic practice test conducted in real testing conditions. Contact NAIT for more information about the courses: [email protected].
Alberta Academy
Alberta Academy is a globally recognized English language school with programs in Edmonton. It offers a specialized IELTS preparation course for adults (18+) designed under the guidance of Alberta's experienced teachers. The program is rated at levels 8-17 on their system, which corresponds to pre-intermediate and advanced levels in the CEFR.
The course structure at Alberta Academy consists of each English level lasting 4 weeks. Students can start their studies every Monday, which provides flexibility for different schedules. One of the unique features of this program is that students take a practice IELTS test every other week to track their progress. This allows students to clearly see when they are ready to take the official exam.
The program's placement system requires students to take a placement test on the first day. Those who test at level 8 or above can enter the IELTS preparation course directly. However, students who test at level 7 or below will first start with a general English program to prepare for specialized IELTS training.
English Training Center (ETC)
English Training Center (ETC) has been operating in Edmonton for over 11 years and has served over 3,200 students worldwide. The center offers comprehensive preparation for both IELTS and TOEFL, as well as preparation for CELPIP, which is a Canadian English language proficiency test.
ETC offers group preparation courses and private one-on-one lessons. Group IELTS preparation courses include practice of all four skills with real materials and feedback from experienced teachers. The course is specifically designed to boost student confidence and teach the most effective test-taking strategies.
Private one-on-one lessons at ETC are tailored to your specific goals, schedule, and learning style. You will work directly with an experienced instructor, focusing on the skills you need most—whether that's speaking, writing, reading, or a combination of all three. The schedule for these lessons is determined by your availability and the instructor's calendar.
Before starting courses at ETC, students must take a placement test costing CAD 75. This 60-minute test includes questions on grammar, vocabulary, and reading, as well as a short writing assignment. The test can be taken in person at the ETC office in Edmonton or online from anywhere. Online test results are sent within two business days with a clear indication of your overall English level (e.g., Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) and course recommendations. The results also highlight your strengths and weaknesses, providing personalized advice on how to best proceed with your studies.
Contact information: [email protected] or 780-705-0515.
NorQuest College
NorQuest College is a leading college in Edmonton, serving over 17,500 students annually in the province of Alberta. One of its offerings includes an IELTS preparation course under the code XLAN 2003 - W003.
This course is designed for adults and is conducted online with a schedule of Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. The course duration is one day (April 22, 2026), but it is most likely an intensive one-day work session. This type of course is well suited for those who already have some English language skills and just need final preparation and advice on exam strategy.
NorQuest also offers an EAL Intensive (English as an Additional Language) program for those who need more comprehensive English language training before beginning their ELTS preparation. The minimum level for admission to the IELTS course at NorQuest is CLB level 5 or higher, which is equivalent to IELTS level 5.
Free preparation resources
One of the biggest advantages for Edmonton residents is that the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) offers free resources for IELTS preparation.
The EPL provides access to “Road to IELTS”, a comprehensive online IELTS preparation program developed by the British Council. This program includes:
- Over 300 interactive exercises
- 17 videos with tips and learning materials
- 40 practice tests
The EPL offers both versions of Road to IELTS:
- Academic Edition for those planning to study at an English-speaking university
- General Edition for those planning to immigrate to Australia, Canada, or New Zealand
These resources are completely free for EPL library card users.
In addition, EPL organizes free group English classes, including:
- English Conversation Circle
- Intermediate Grammar & Conversation
These classes can greatly assist in preparing for the speaking and grammar sections of the exam. They are held in partnership with organizations such as e4c and Catholic Social Services (LACE).
Private Tutoring and Online Options
For those who prefer a more personalized approach or have specific needs, private tutoring options are available in Edmonton.
Manhattan Review
Manhattan Review offers both group classes and private tutoring for both IELTS and TOEFL.
Group classes are held on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. local time and cover 28 hours of instruction. The cost of a group class is CAD 1,590. Private lessons can be taken in person or online, with flexible packages ranging from 12 to 48 hours.
Online platforms
Online platforms for preparation, such as IELTS Ready: Premium, are also available. When you book an official IELTS test with British Council partners, you get free access to IELTS Ready: Premium, which includes:
- 75 interactive exercises
- Video lessons
- 8 practice tests
This provides a good starting point for your preparation.
Private online tutors
In addition, platforms such as ostado.com offer over 1,000 private IELTS tutors in Canada, starting at CAD 10 per hour. These online tutors offer flexible scheduling and personalized learning.
How long should you prepare?
The length of your IELTS or TOEFL preparation depends on your current English level and target score. A general recommendation is to give yourself at least 6-8 weeks of preparation if you already have an intermediate or advanced level of English. However, many experts recommend allowing 2-3 months for more thorough preparation.
Short-term preparation (2-4 weeks)
Short-term preparation is suitable for people with a high level of English and those who are already close to their target score. It is only sufficient for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and test-taking strategies.
Medium-term preparation (2-3 months)
Medium-term preparation is the most common duration. During this period, you can work on significant improvements in all four components of the exam.
Long-term preparation (3+ months)
Long-term preparation is necessary for those who need significant improvement in English or have an ambitious target score. This includes extensive vocabulary and grammar study and regular practice with practice tests.
Time commitment
Experts recommend 3-4 hours of study per day for optimal results. This can be divided between working on the different components of the exam.
How to choose the right course
When choosing an IELTS or TOEFL preparation course in Edmonton, there are several factors to consider:
Your current level of English
It is important to start with a course that matches your level. If you are a beginner, you may need a general English program before starting specialized exam preparation.
Your target score
If you need a high score (7.5 or higher for IELTS), consider intensive courses or private tutoring.
Your schedule
Decide whether you prefer in-person group classes, online courses, or private tutoring with a flexible schedule.
Cost
Costs range from free EPL resources to paid courses that cost between CAD 75 and CAD 1,590.
Specialization
Some courses, such as those at NAIT, focus on specific components, such as writing. If this is what you need, such courses can be particularly helpful.
Conclusion
Finding IELTS or TOEFL preparation courses in Edmonton doesn't have to be a difficult task. The city offers a variety of options, from free EPL resources to professional commercial courses and private tutoring. The choice depends on your current level of English, your financial capabilities, and your schedule.
Regardless of the path you choose, passing an international English language exam is a realistic goal that can be achieved through systematic preparation and perseverance. Good luck with your preparation!