Douglas College
1. Academic Requirements
You are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language prior to admission to Douglas College. You may demonstrate English language proficiency by completing and submitting proof of one of the following:
TOEFL IBT (IN-PERSON OR ONLINE)
TOEFL ESSENTIALSIELTS (ACADEMIC MODULE)
DUOLINGOCAEL (CANADIAN ACADEMIC ENGLISH LANGUAGE)
CLB (CANADIAN LANGUAGE BENCHMARK)
PTE (PEARSON TEST OF ENGLISH)
ACADEMIC EIKEN PRACTICAL ENGLISH
BC SECONDARY SCHOOL ENGLISH 12 OR ENGLISH STUDIES 12
BC SECONDARY SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS 12
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) ENGLISH LANGUAGE A (SL OR HL)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) ENGLISH LANGUAGE OR LITERATURE
ENROLMENT IN A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY LEVEL ENGLISH OR COMMUNICATIONS COURSE (RECOGNIZED B.C. POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS ONLY)
GRADUATION FROM A RECOGNIZED BACHELOR OR MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM
EC LANGUAGE SCHOOL
ELS LANGUAGE SCHOOL
ILAC LANGUAGE SCHOOL
ILSC LANGUAGE SCHOOL
KAPLAN PLI LANGUAGE SCHOOL
VGC INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
TAMWOOD LANGUAGE SCHOOL
GLOBAL VILLAGE LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Notes on the English proficiency requirement:
- Undergraduate (diploma, associate degree and bachelor degree) programs:
- High school graduation OR 19 years of age by the end of the first month of studies in the semester of entry to Douglas College; and
- Minimum overall grade average of 60% (or equivalent) in the final year of high school; and
- Minimum final grade of “C” or 60% (or equivalent) in Grade 11 Mathematics or equivalent for most programs
- Post-Degree and Post-Baccalaureate programs:
- Graduation from a recognized degree granting post-secondary institution with a minimum 3-year bachelor degree; and
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 60% (or equivalent) during the bachelor degree program
You are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language prior to admission to Douglas College. You may demonstrate English language proficiency by completing and submitting proof of one of the following:
TOEFL IBT (IN-PERSON OR ONLINE)
TOEFL ESSENTIALSIELTS (ACADEMIC MODULE)
DUOLINGOCAEL (CANADIAN ACADEMIC ENGLISH LANGUAGE)
CLB (CANADIAN LANGUAGE BENCHMARK)
PTE (PEARSON TEST OF ENGLISH)
ACADEMIC EIKEN PRACTICAL ENGLISH
BC SECONDARY SCHOOL ENGLISH 12 OR ENGLISH STUDIES 12
BC SECONDARY SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS 12
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) ENGLISH LANGUAGE A (SL OR HL)
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) ENGLISH LANGUAGE OR LITERATURE
ENROLMENT IN A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY LEVEL ENGLISH OR COMMUNICATIONS COURSE (RECOGNIZED B.C. POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS ONLY)
GRADUATION FROM A RECOGNIZED BACHELOR OR MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM
EC LANGUAGE SCHOOL
ELS LANGUAGE SCHOOL
ILAC LANGUAGE SCHOOL
ILSC LANGUAGE SCHOOL
KAPLAN PLI LANGUAGE SCHOOL
VGC INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
TAMWOOD LANGUAGE SCHOOL
GLOBAL VILLAGE LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Notes on the English proficiency requirement:
- If you do not meet the English language proficiency requirement for admission, you may apply to the Douglas College English Language Learning and Acquisition Program (ELLA) or through one of our ESL Pathways partnerships.
- Official test scores have a validity period of 2 years from the date the test was written.
- Language pathway completion certificates have a validity period of 2 years from the date the program was completed.
- Only the most common ways of meeting the English proficiency requirement have been listed in the table above. There are other acceptable substitutions for International Students to meet the English proficiency requirement for admission to Douglas College. Contact International Admissions if you have any questions.
- For a list of countries that satisfy the English language admission requirements at Douglas College, please click here.
- Minimum age requirement: you must be at least 17 years of age by the end of the first month of studies in the semester of entry to Douglas College.
- Some specialized programs may have other, or higher admission requirements in addition to the ones outlined above. For more details, consult the individual program pages, Admission Requirements section, and contact Douglas College International Admissions.
- For students transferring from other recognized post-secondary institutions in Canada, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required (based on most recent full time studies).
- Due to the competitive nature of admissions into many programs at Douglas College, merely meeting the minimum admission requirements does not always guarantee admission.
- Douglas College reserves the right to request additional English language proficiency results.
- BC secondary school graduation; or
- High school graduation in another school system; or
- 19 years of age by the end of the first month of studies in the semester of entry to Douglas College.
- You must submit proof of ONE of the following:
- TOEFL - minimum score 45 IBT ((Douglas College only accepts an official TOEFL score. Douglas College's institutional code is 9568).
- IELTS – minimum score 4.5, no band below 4.5
- Douglas College ELLA Assessment test offered only to students living in the Vancouver area. For details, contact International Admissions
- An official post-secondary transcript showing successful completion of English for Academic Purposes courses as outlined in the Articulation Handbook for ESL Programs in the British Columbia College and Institute System (transcript must show four skill areas: Reading, Writing, Listening and Conversation)
- Note: Official test scores are valid 2 years from the date the test was written.
- Minimum age requirement: must be at least 17 years of age by the end of the first month of studies in the semester of entry to Douglas College.
Langara College
International students are welcome at Langara in arts and science (university-transfer) programs and many career and limited enrolment programs. The current list of programs open to international students is available on the Langara Global website.Admission Requirements for Arts & Science (University-Transfer) ProgramsPlease refer to the general requirements and to the English language requirements.
Note: If you do not meet the English language proficiency requirements for admission to the university studies/open enrolment program, you may apply to the Langara English for Academic Purposes (LEAP) program. LEAP is a full-time, integrated, intensive English and academic skills program that prepares you for college and university study.
Admission Requirements for Career and Arts & Science Limited Enrolment ProgramsMost career and arts and science limited enrolment programs have admission requirements additional to those listed above. Students are required to meet any additional admission requirements, including English language proficiency requirements, specified for the program of their choice in the programs section of the College website.
Students applying for a career or arts and science limited enrolment program are advised to also apply to an arts and science (university-transfer) program. Because admission to career programs and arts and science limited enrolment programs is not guaranteed, students can pursue a post-secondary education in arts and science to complete university-transferable courses or to upgrade their skills in English, mathematics, and/or science to meet the requirements of their desired career program or arts and science limited enrolment program.
Students should also know that program courses may have specific prerequisites beyond program admission requirements.
Applications that are complete but are received after the published deadline will be processed if and as space becomes available.
Orientation and Course Planning International students are required to attend the orientation and course planning sessions offered by the Counselling Department. Counsellors are available to help with educational, career, and personal concerns.
How to Apply to all Programs - the Application Process
Documents Required for Application Evaluation
Application DatesArts & Science (University-Transfer) Programs and Career Programs
International students should apply at least six months before the start of the semester in which they want to begin their studies. Students may begin to apply 11 months prior to the semester in which they want to enrol.
Arts and science programs have intakes each semester, i.e., January, May, and September. Students interested in a career or arts and science limited enrolment program should check the individual program information for semester start dates.
In many parts of the world, the processing time required to obtain a study permit from a Canadian embassy or High Commission or consulate office is six weeks or more.
International students are encouraged to attend a course planning session on campus, but if they are unable to attend an on-campus session, they are encouraged to do the online course planning session, search the Langara website for course planning and online orientation.
For the latest information on admission to Langara College and application and document deadlines, students may refer to the Langara Global website.
Note: If you do not meet the English language proficiency requirements for admission to the university studies/open enrolment program, you may apply to the Langara English for Academic Purposes (LEAP) program. LEAP is a full-time, integrated, intensive English and academic skills program that prepares you for college and university study.
Admission Requirements for Career and Arts & Science Limited Enrolment ProgramsMost career and arts and science limited enrolment programs have admission requirements additional to those listed above. Students are required to meet any additional admission requirements, including English language proficiency requirements, specified for the program of their choice in the programs section of the College website.
Students applying for a career or arts and science limited enrolment program are advised to also apply to an arts and science (university-transfer) program. Because admission to career programs and arts and science limited enrolment programs is not guaranteed, students can pursue a post-secondary education in arts and science to complete university-transferable courses or to upgrade their skills in English, mathematics, and/or science to meet the requirements of their desired career program or arts and science limited enrolment program.
Students should also know that program courses may have specific prerequisites beyond program admission requirements.
Applications that are complete but are received after the published deadline will be processed if and as space becomes available.
Orientation and Course Planning International students are required to attend the orientation and course planning sessions offered by the Counselling Department. Counsellors are available to help with educational, career, and personal concerns.
How to Apply to all Programs - the Application Process
- Prepare your documents and apply through EducationPlannerBC (EPBC).
- Students will receive an offer of admission if they are admissible to the College.
- Students confirm acceptance of the College’s offer of admission by paying the international student deposit*, which includes a CAD $1500 non-refundable and non-transferable commitment fee. The commitment fee will be applied to tuition.
- Upon receipt of the International student deposit, the College will send you a letter of acceptance confirming your acceptance into the College.
- Students then take their letter of acceptance or provisional letter of acceptance to the Canadian embassy or the High Commission of Canada to apply for a study permit and an entry visa to Canada.
Documents Required for Application Evaluation
- A completed Langara College application, submitted online through the EducationPlannerBC (EPBC) website for the applicant’s program of choice.
- Official transcripts/marksheets/academic records that show all the subjects taken and grades obtained for the last two years of secondary school studies. If the date of graduation is not shown on the transcript, proof of graduation such as a graduation certificate or a graduation statement issued by the appropriate educational authorities must be submitted to Registrar & Enrolment Services. Proof of English language proficiency official test scores or transcripts must be sent directly to Registrar & Enrolment Services from the testing authority or school.
- Official post-secondary transcripts may be used in lieu of secondary school transcripts. Transcripts must indicate successful completion of one full academic year, or successful completion of a minimum of 24 university credits at a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Official English translations of the above documents must also be submitted if the original documents are not written in English.
- All transcripts submitted are confidential and become the property of the College.
- Proof of English language proficiency. Official test scores or transcripts must be sent directly to Registrar & Enrolment Services from the testing authority or school.
- When students arrive at the College, they must give the International Education Department a copy of their study permit, a copy of the photo page of their passport, and proof of medical insurance.
Application DatesArts & Science (University-Transfer) Programs and Career Programs
International students should apply at least six months before the start of the semester in which they want to begin their studies. Students may begin to apply 11 months prior to the semester in which they want to enrol.
Arts and science programs have intakes each semester, i.e., January, May, and September. Students interested in a career or arts and science limited enrolment program should check the individual program information for semester start dates.
In many parts of the world, the processing time required to obtain a study permit from a Canadian embassy or High Commission or consulate office is six weeks or more.
International students are encouraged to attend a course planning session on campus, but if they are unable to attend an on-campus session, they are encouraged to do the online course planning session, search the Langara website for course planning and online orientation.
For the latest information on admission to Langara College and application and document deadlines, students may refer to the Langara Global website.
Simon Fraser University
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTEnglish is the language of instruction at SFU. All applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, will be required to have demonstrated competence in the English language prior to admission. Competence is required in all four of the following skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing.
Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English in Canadaa minimum grade of 70% in senior level English is required.OR
Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English in a country in which the principal language of instruction is English
(see list of countries)a minimum grade of 70% in senior level English is required.OR
Completion of the last four (4) years of full-time secondary school education in English at a recognized international school in a country in which the principal language of instruction is not Englisha minimum grade of 70% in senior level English is required.OR
Completion of IB Diploma Program including English A (HL/SL) or English Literature and Performance (SL)a minimum grade of 3 is required.OR
Completion of a three unit English (ENGL) course or a certified W (writing intensive) course for which SFU grants transfer credita minimum grade of C- is required.OR
Completion of SFU’s English Language and Culture (ELC) Low Advanced Levela minimum grade of 80% or higher is required.OR
GCSE O-Level English (or GCSE English Language B)a minimum grade of 4 (or C)OR
- A satisfactory score on one of the following English language proficiency tests:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic). All test formats accepted with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no part less than 6.0.OR
- Cambridge English Qualifications B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum overall score of 176, with no part less than 169OR
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT) with an overall score of 88 or better with a minimum score of 20 in each of the four components (listening, speaking, writing, reading).OR
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) with an overall score of 70, with no part less than 60.OR
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) with an overall score of 65, and a minimum score of 60 in the Communicative Skills, including: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing.OR
- Duolingo English Test (DET) with an overall score of 125 or better. *Only accepted from students in countries where no other English proficiency test is available.
Note that enrollment in first-year writing intensive courses requires higher grades than admission grades. See more information.
SEE MORE INFORMATION ON THE LITERACY REQUIREMENTS >
University of British Columbia
English is the primary language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English before they’re admitted.There are nine ways to meet UBC’s minimum English Language Admission Standard (ELAS) for an undergraduate degree at UBC.
The deadline to submit documents showing you meet the ELAS is February 15. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be interested in one of our academic English development programs.
English language requirement:
English is the primary language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English before they’re admitted.
There are eight ways to meet this requirement
If you are fully proficient in English but do not meet any of the eight options listed above, you may request a waiver for the English Language Admission Standard.
Submitting documentation
You will receive an email if you are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency. If you submit an application that does not have proof of English language proficiency, you will not be evaluated until we receive such proof or until a waiver is granted.
The deadline to submit documents showing you meet the ELAS is February 15. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be interested in one of our academic English development programs.
English language requirement:
English is the primary language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students are required to demonstrate a minimum level of English before they’re admitted.
There are eight ways to meet this requirement
- Complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to attending UBC.
- Complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language. These four years must be immediately prior to attending UBC.
- Achieve a grade of 70% or better on the provincial examination portion of BC English 12 or English Literature 12 or the equivalent.
- Achieve a final grade of 4 or better on Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition; or achieve a final grade of 5 or better on International Baccalaureate English A1 or A2 (higher-level or standard-level).
- Achieve the competence standard indicated by one of the tests of English language proficiency that evaluates skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
- Successfully complete six credits of post-secondary first-year English studies at a recognized university in an English-speaking country. A transcript showing completion of these courses is due March 15. For students at North American post-secondary institutions registered in English courses in the January to April term, a final transcript showing completion of these courses will be accepted until May 15 if there are spaces left in your program.
- Graduate from a recognized degree program at an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction in a country where English is the principal language.
- Attend four or more years at an eligible international secondary school that uses English as the language of instruction but operates in a country where the primary language is not English. These four years must be immediately prior to attending UBC. You will need to submit a transcript as soon as possible to the Undergraduate Admissions office.
If you are fully proficient in English but do not meet any of the eight options listed above, you may request a waiver for the English Language Admission Standard.
Submitting documentation
You will receive an email if you are required to submit evidence of English language proficiency. If you submit an application that does not have proof of English language proficiency, you will not be evaluated until we receive such proof or until a waiver is granted.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
English Proficiency Requirements for AdmissionEnglish is the primary language of study at KPU; therefore, all applicants must be able to demonstrate the appropriate level of English language proficiency for their graduate, undergraduate, vocational or preparatory area of study.
Undergraduate English Proficiency RequirementAll applicants to undergraduate studies must satisfy KPU's Undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement through one of the following ways:
High School Courses
Undergraduate Courses
Undergraduate English Proficiency RequirementAll applicants to undergraduate studies must satisfy KPU's Undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement through one of the following ways:
High School Courses
- Completion of BC English Studies 12 , English First Peoples 12 or Literary Studies 12 with a minimum grade of C+ (or equivalents)
- As part of the Adult Dogwood Diploma, completion of English Studies 12 with a minimum grade of C+
- Completion of IB (International Baccalaureate) English A (HL or SL) with a minimum grade of 3 (or C+)
- Completion of AP (Advanced Placement) English Language and Composition or AP English Literature and Composition with a minimum grade of 2 (or C+)
Undergraduate Courses
- Completion of 3 credits of undergraduate English (ENGL) with a minimum grade of C- from a recognized post-secondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction
- Graduation from a baccalaureate degree, or two-year diploma program, or successful completion of two years of study (60 credits) at the undergraduate level, with a minimum CGPA of 2.0, at a recognized post-secondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction
- Completion of ELST 0381 and ELST 0383 (or equivalents) with a minimum grade of B in both, or ELST 0381 with a minimum grade of B and a KPU placement score higher than ELST 0383 level
- Completion of one of ENGQ 1091, ENGQ 1092 or ENGQ 1099 (or equivalents) with a minimum grade of C
- KPU English Placement Test (EPT) with placement into ENGL 1100
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): Score of 70 or higher with no sub score less than 60, taken within the last two years from the term of admission
- Duolingo English Test: Score of 110 or higher, taken within the last two years from the term of admission.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test: overall band of 6.5 or higher, with a minimum 6.0 in each band, taken within the last two years from the term of admission
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Score of 61 or higher, taken within the last two years from the term of admission
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT 88 or higher, with no sub score less than 20, taken within the last two years from the term of admission
- Accuplacer: Reading score of 260, Writing score of 250 and WritePlacer Essay score of 6, or higher, taken within the last 2 years from the term of admission.
Emily Carr University of Art and Design
English ProficiencyClasses at Emily Carr are conducted in English, and your success depends on your English proficiency. Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, if English is not your first language and you do not qualify for an exemption, you will need to provide evidence of adequate English proficiency to be considered for any of our degree programs.
Accepted English Language Proficiency TestsTOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test
Emily Carr institution code: #0032
Creative Art Pathway ProgramEligibilityProspective international students who meet our portfolio and academic requirements but do not meet our minimum English proficiency requirements (IELTS score may not be below 5.5 in any skill area) may apply for the Creative Art Pathway program (CAP). This program provides English proficiency upgrading courses alongside Emily Carr studio courses.
Accepted English Language Proficiency TestsTOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test
Emily Carr institution code: #0032
- minimum of 84 out of 120 total points including a minimum score in each of the four skills; Speaking 20/30, Reading 20/30, Writing 18/30, and Listening 20/30.
- minimum band 6.5, with no component less than 6.0
- minimum level of 70 overall
- minimum score of 56
- minimum scale score of 176 with no individual score less than 169
- minimum scale score of 176 with no individual score less than 169
- minimum level of 81
- minimum Academic Level 4L
- minimum score of 110
Creative Art Pathway ProgramEligibilityProspective international students who meet our portfolio and academic requirements but do not meet our minimum English proficiency requirements (IELTS score may not be below 5.5 in any skill area) may apply for the Creative Art Pathway program (CAP). This program provides English proficiency upgrading courses alongside Emily Carr studio courses.