Language Tests for Canada University Admissions
A comprehensive guide to language proficiency requirements, accepted tests, and preparation resources for applying to universities in Canada.
Most Canadian universities ask students from India and Pakistan to prove their English with an English test: IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. Each university sets its own tests and scores.
- Students whose past study was not mainly in English.
- University of Toronto (U of T) bachelor's: students whose first language is not English.
- University of British Columbia (UBC) bachelor's, for students from India: 75% in senior English (Indian grading scale) can meet the rule.
- UBC graduate: no test needed if your university taught mainly in English.
- University of Waterloo (Waterloo): a school letter can show all your subjects were taught in English. You may still need a test.
Important Considerations
UBC and Waterloo each set the oldest test date they accept: UBC 1 January 2025, Waterloo 1 May 2025.
UBC: you must reach the minimum scores in one test. You cannot mix scores from two tests.
UBC does not accept IELTS General Training, IELTS Indicator or IELTS One Skill Retake.
The test company must send your score. Waterloo does not accept emails, faxes or copies you send yourself.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT is widely accepted. Since 21 January 2026, TOEFL scores go from 1 to 6. The old scores went up to 120. Score reports show both until 21 January 2028.
Score Requirements for Canada Universities
| University Tier | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| U of T graduate (all four academic divisions) | - | 93 overall, 22 in writing and speaking (0 to 120 score); 4.5 overall (1 to 6 score) |
| UBC bachelor's | 90 overall (0 to 120 score); 4.5 overall (1 to 6 score) | - |
| Waterloo bachelor's | 90 overall (0 to 120 score); 4.5 overall (1 to 6 score) | - |
These are general ranges. Always check the specific requirements of each institution and program.
Official Website & Registration
IELTS Academic is accepted by all the universities on this page.
Typical Minimum Requirements
e.g., University of Toronto (U of T), University of British Columbia (UBC)
e.g., University of Waterloo
e.g., U of T School of Graduate Studies
Special Considerations
- • Graduate programs may require higher scores
- • Some schools require minimum scores in each section
- • English-focused majors often have higher requirements
Official Website & Registration
Some universities accept the Duolingo English Test. Check the part scores each one asks for.
Score Requirements by Tier
Official Website & Registration
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is accepted by UBC and Waterloo for bachelor's programs.
Primary AlternativePTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic)
Test Overview
PTE Academic is a computer-based English test.
Canada University Requirements
Important Considerations
Check the list: Waterloo does not accept tests that are not on its list.
Each university sets its own minimums. Departments may ask for more.
| University Category | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic | Duolingo English Test | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor's e.g., U of T | - | 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in each part | 120 overall, 120 in Production | - |
Bachelor's e.g., UBC | 90 | 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in each part | 125 | 65 |
Bachelor's e.g., Waterloo | 90 | 6.5 overall (6.5 writing and speaking) | 120 | 63 |
Graduate e.g., U of T | 93 (22 writing and speaking) | 7.0 overall, 6.5 in each part | - | - |
Score Requirements Variations
Each university has its own rules.
Common Exemption Categories
Indian school English (UBC bachelor's)
75% in senior English on the Indian grading scale.
English-medium university (UBC graduate)
No test if your university's main language of teaching was English.
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