Undergraduate Language Proficiency Requirements

Programs at Keele Campus are offered in English, while programs at our Glendon Campus are offered in a bilingual environment (English and French). To gain admission, you must demonstrate language proficiency in your program's language of instruction by presenting a minimum proficiency score on an accepted language test.

For English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate programs, refer to the .

Note: These are general guidelines only. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. 911Թϱ reserves the right to require a successfully completed language proficiency test.

You are not required to submit proof of English proficiency (language test scores) if you have successfully completed, or are in the process of successfully completing, one of the following:

  • Four full years of study in English (or French) at an accredited high school in Canada or where English is the official primary language of the country, or
  • Four full years of study at the high-school level where English is the primary language of instruction, or
  • One full year of study in an accredited university degree program in English in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution, or
  • Two full years of study in English, in an accredited college diploma or applied degree program in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution.

Note: Time spent in ESL courses will not be counted towards meeting these requirements. Language requirements will not be waived based on letters written by applicants, SAT/ACT scores or as a result of completing senior-level high-school English course(s).

International Baccalaureate (IB): Students who have completed, or in the process of completing the IB diploma in English or French may meet our language requirements. Students must show achievement of the IB diploma once it has been granted.

GCE/GCSE/IGCE: Students who have completed the GCE curriculum may be eligible for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement if they have achieved a minimum final grade of 'B' (“6” in reformed qualifications) in GCE/GCSE/IGCE Ordinary level English, English Language, or English as a Second Language; OR predicted grade of 'C' in GCE A Level, AS Level, or AICE English or English Language.

CSEC/CAPE: Students who have completed or are in the processing of completing CSEC and CAPE studies may be eligible for a waiver of the English Proficiency requirement.

AP: Students who have successfully completed the Advanced Placement (AP) College Board Examinations at an accredited English medium school may be eligible for a waiver of the English Proficiency requirement.

English Language Proficiency: Exemption List

If you are not from one of the countries listed below, you are required to write an English language proficiency test:

  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Botswana
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominica
  • Eswatini
  • Falkland Islands
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Montserrat
  • Namibia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Pitcairn Islands
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Saint Kitts-Nevis
  • Scotland
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Tanzania
  • The Gambia
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
  • Uganda
  • US Virgin Islands
  • Wales
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Proof of Language Proficiency: Accepted Language Tests and Scores

For admission to most programs at 911Թϱ, applicants required to submit proof of language proficiency, can choose from the 911Թϱ approved English or French language tests listed below: 

Please note there are some programs that require a higher score. See Exemptions below:

Acceptable English Language Tests Minimum Score Required

Test of English as a Foreign Language
York's TOEFL code is 0894
iBT: 88 for tests taken prior to January 2026
iBT: 4.5 for tests taken January 2026 and after
*
International English Language Testing Service
(Academic Module)
6.5
60
 (CAEL) 60
 (CAE, CPE) C1 Advanced (no score below 180)
120

*The IELTS Academic test is required for admission to 911Թϱ. IELTS General will not be accepted for language proficiency requirements.

Please note that English Proficiency tests are valid for a period of two years.

For a list of approved French Language Tests, please visit the .

Additional Program-Specific Language Tests and Scores

Faculty TOEFL
York's TOEFL code is 0894
IELTS
(Academic Module)
Pearson PTE Academic Duolingo Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE, CPE) CAEL
Prior to Jan 2026
Jan 2026 and later
Education: Consecutive Education See the for English language requirements.
Glendon (see for French language tests) iBT: 88 or iBT: 4.5 6.5 or 60 or 120

C1 Advanced

(no score below 180)

60
Health: Nursing iBT: 94 iBT: 5.0 7.0 67 130

C1 Advanced

(no score below 193)

67
Lassonde School of Engineering: Bachelor of Engineering programs

iBT: 88

(no score below 20 in each section)

iBT: 4.5

(no score below 4.0 in each section)

6.5

(no score below 6.0 in each section)

60

(no score below 60 in each section)

120

(no score below 105 in each section)

C1 Advanced

(no score below 180)

60

(no score below 60 in each section)

Liberal Arts and Professional Studies: iBT: 102 iBT: 5.0

7.0

(no score below 7.0 in each section)

N/A N/A N/A N/A
Schulich School of Business iBT: 94 iBT: 5.0 7.0 67 130

C1 Advanced

(no score below 193)

67

Pathway to Admission: Applicants who need to improve English proficiency

Students with unsuccessful English language test results can boost their proficiency and still obtain admission to York by completing a program at the (YUELI). YUELI provides the highest quality English language instruction, serving over 2,000 students from more than 50 different countries every year. YUELI's programs include university academic preparation programs for undergraduate and graduate students, summer language institutes and customized programs. Visit for a full listing of programs and services.

Conditional admission pending English language test results

If you have yet to complete a language proficiency test, we will still assess you for admission based on your academic record and, if eligible, will offer admission while we wait for your language tests results. This conditional admission will reserve your space in your York program. You will be able to enrol in courses when we receive an acceptable language test result or the successful completion of a program offered by the (YUELI).

To check if your language test results have been received by 911Թϱ, please visit your .

Uploading English proficiency results to MyFile is not permitted. You must request your test centre to send your IELTS or TOEFL results electronically to 911Թϱ using our institution number: 0894. Please allow up to three weeks processing time.

To submit a , a , or a you must log in to your affiliated account and select 911Թϱ as a recipient institution.

To submit a Pearson PTE Academic score, please e-mail your Pearson Score Report Code (SRC) to 911Թϱ at study@yorku.ca. Please use subject line: “PTE Score Report” and include your York reference number.

If you have a conditional offer of admission to 911Թϱ in any undergraduate degree program with an English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement, you may choose to fulfill your ELP by completing an eligible pathway program before you begin your studies. Eligibility is determined by your current proficiency level, program of study and/or start date.  

Below are programs designed to prepare you to directly enter your undergraduate degree program (no additional ELP score is necessary). 

Integrated Year One (IYO): During Your First Year

This program provides you with English language training support while you complete your first year of undergraduate studies at 911Թϱ, allowing you to earn academic credit while you fulfill your ELP requirement. 

During your first year you will work towards completing 24 to 30 credits, then progress into the second year of your degree without delay. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • conditional offer of admission from 911Թϱ to one of the following faculties: Liberal Arts & Professional Studies; Science; Environmental & Urban Change
  • an IELTS score between 5.5 and 6.0 (no score below 5.0)

 

Accelerated English

This is an 8-week program designed for students focused on fast-paced Academic English language training. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • IELTS 6 or equivalent
  • 911Թϱ conditional offer of admission

 

Academic Credit English

This is an immersive academic English language training program that will prepare you for university success. You can enrol for one or two semesters and earn up to 9.0 academic credits. 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • To enter at Term 1: IELTS 5 or equivalent
  • To enter at Term 2: IELTS 6 or equivalent
  • 911Թϱ conditional offer of admission

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