If English is not your first language and you would like to apply to a post-secondary institution in Canada, you will need to provide proof of your language proficiency in English.
You can be exempted from a proficiency test if you satisfy the following criteria:
- You have completed/are completing four (4) or more years of full-time study in a recognized Canadian school (in Canada) that teaches in English.
- You have completed/are completing four or more years of full-time study in an English language school located in a country where the dominant language is English.
- Sometimes: You have completed full-time study in an English-language school located in a country where the dominant language is NOT English. Documentation is often required to support this experience.
Important to note: All applicants will be required to present a senior level English course (ENG4U or ENG4C) for admission to all programs. Your ENG4U/ENG4C mark will be considered in the admissions process and will be calculated as part of your admission average.
Institutions will not accept your ENG4U/ENG4C results, your results in any other English course/test, or letters of reference from your school or employer as a replacement for a language proficiency test.
There are multiple English language proficiency tests available to you. Be sure to check out the post-secondary institution’s website to find out the following:
- accepted language proficiency tests for that post-secondary institution;
- the minimum overall test score required for that post-secondary institution (depending on the program you applied to, the scores may differ);
- how to submit your test score to your post-secondary institution (institutions accept official test results sent directly from the testing agency and often you need to know the institution’s code);
- the deadline to submit your test score to the post-secondary institution.
While there may be many similarities regarding the rules/deadlines/scores/etc. for English proficiency tests at various post-secondary institutions, there are often some differences from school to school. It is very important that you check specific details for each post-secondary institution you applied to and ensure you are meeting expectations and requirements for that institution. You can do this by visiting the institution’s ‘English Language Requirements’ page on their website. You can also contact Enrolment Services or the Admissions office at the school to get more information.
Very important: Be sure that you register for a language proficiency test using the same first (given), surname (last/family name), date of birth, and gender that you used on your application to that postsecondary school. This is how the school will match your language test results to your application.
Types of Language Proficiency Tests:
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
- Cambridge Assessment English
- Duolingo English Test
- International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Preparing for your test:
Language proficiency testing agencies often provide preparation kits, courses, or guide books, but you need to purchase these and it can be costly. There are some testing agencies that provide practice tests for free on their website. There are also options to register for online webinars in English where you can get facts and information about the test.
Do your research and be sure to take advantage of free practice tests, from multiple testing agencies, to help you practice and improve your skills before you book your test.
Best of luck!