Language Requirements
Our language proficiency policies exist to ensure students have the requisite skills to succeed in the university learning environment.
In order to verify your IELTS test results, we require an electronic copy of your Test Report Form which can be uploaded through UAlberta Launchpad after you apply. Please make sure that the electronic copy is legible and it contains your Test Report Form number.
Note: Fulfillment of one of the listed requirements does not guarantee admission. The University of Alberta reserves the right to use discretion in determining language proficiency.
Update to Admissions Process
The Duolingo English Test will be made available to all applicants to undergraduate and graduate programs as an additional option to demonstrate English Language Proficiency for Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, and Winter 2021 admission.
Minimum Duolingo English Test score required by University of Alberta:
- 115 for English Language Proficiency
- 125 for Spoke English Proficiency
Applicants who are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency and had intended to fulfill that requirement through final results in English coursework (inclusive of diploma/final exams that were disrupted by COVID-19) will now be required to demonstrate ELP with acceptable scores in an English language test. The chart below outlines specific examples of ELP exams and requirements.
If you completed your coursework through diploma/final exams prior to school disruptions, the university will accept those results to fulfill ELP.
International applicants should visit undergraduate international admissions for further information.
English Language Proficiency (ELP)
English is the primary language of instruction at the University of Alberta. All undergraduate applicants to English-speaking and bilingual programs need an adequate level of English Language Proficiency prior to admission, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin.
Spoken English Proficiency (SEP)
For some programs in the Education and Health Science-related fields, Spoken English Proficiency is also required.
For more information, see Table 2 below.
French Language Proficiency (FLP)
French is the primary language of instruction at Campus Saint-Jean. All applicants to Campus Saint-Jean must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken French (Compétence dans la langue française).
How to meet language requirements
Automatic
If you have completed at least three years of full-time education (or equivalent) in English, in Canada or another country where the primary language of instruction is English (excluding ESL), you will meet the ELP requirement automatically.
For more details see Table 1 below or check the University Calendar»
Exam-based
If you do not meet the requirements automatically, there are several ways that you can demonstrate ELP. Some of the most common methods are listed below.
Note: Test scores more than two years old will not be accepted.
For more details see Table 1 below or check the University Calendar»
Table 1: ELP exams and requirements
| Method | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Written Exams | |
| TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT) | Total score of 90 with no section less than 21 |
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall band score of 6.5 with no band less than 5.5 |
| Canadian Academic English Language Assessment - CAEL (paper) or CAEL CE (computer) | A score of at least 70 |
| CanTEST (Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees) | At least 4.5, with no part lower than 4 |
| CAE (Certificate in Advanced English, also known as Cambridge English: Advanced) | At least 180, with no less than 165 in each skill |
| CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English, also known as Cambridge English: Proficiency) | At least 180, with no less than 165 in each skill |
| PTE (Academic) (Pearson Test of English Academic) | At least 61, with no less than 60 in each communicative skill |
| High school course work | |
| English Language Arts 30-1 (Alberta or NWT) | 75% or higher (final blended grade includes the diploma or provincial exam mark) |
| IB English A1, A2, A Literature, or A Language & Literature | 5 or better |
| IB English B | 6 or better |
| AP English | 4 or better |
| GCE Advanced Level (A-level) or Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS-level), GCSE, IGCSE or O-level English Language or Literature course | B or better |
| All India Senior Secondary School Certificate (ISSC) Functional English, issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education | 80% or better |
| All India Senior Secondary School Certificate (ISSC) Core English, issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education | 75% or better |
| Indian School Certificate (ISC) English, issued by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) | 75% or better |
| Post-secondary course work | |
| ✮6 credits of university-level English studies completed at a recognized English-language institution (must be transferable as 6 credits at the University of Alberta) | B+ or better |
| University of Alberta EAP 140/145 | Successful completion |
| Previous education in English | |
| Three or more years of full-time education in English (excluding ESL) in Canada or another country or institution where English is recognized as the official/primary language of instruction | Successful completion - must include Alberta Grade 12 (or equivalent) if secondary education is the highest level completed, or if a combination of secondary and post-secondary is used |
Table 2: Spoken exams and requirements
| Spoken exams | |
| TOEFL Internet-Based (iBT) | Minimum score of 26 in the Speaking section |
| IELTS (Academic) | Minimum score of 7.5 in the Speaking section |
| Previous education in English | |
| Six years of full-time education in English in Canada or another country or institution where English is recognized as the official/primary language of instruction. | Successful completion - must include Alberta Grade 12 (or equivalent) if secondary education is the highest level completed, or if a combination of secondary and post-secondary is used. |
Bridging Program
The Bridging Program is designed for applicants who meet all other admission requirements for their program of choice, except for English Language Proficiency (ELP). The Bridging Program allows eligible students to complete the ELP requirement by taking English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses during their first year of study, while also being eligible to enrol in academic courses and earn credit toward their degree.
See the Bridging Program page for more details.