Proficiency in English

A student attending Wilfrid Laurier University must have sufficient facility in the use of the English language to understand and profit from instruction given in English. Students whose native tongue is not English are to submit to the Admissions Office, evidence acceptable to the university of their proficiency in English. Normally, this evidence is an acceptable score on one of the following:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A minimum score of 560 is required in the paper-based TOEFL; a minimum score of 220 is required in the computer-based TOEFL; a minimum score of 83 with no component below 20 is required in the ibt (nternet-based) TOEFL.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
A minimum academic score of 6.5 is required in IELTS.

The Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MELAB)
A minimum score of 85 is required in the Michigan Test.

The Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
A minimum score of 70 with no part below 60 is required for CAEL.

English for Academic Success (Renison College)
Advanced Level 400 minimum grade of 75 is required.

English Language Certificate Program (University of Guelph)
Advanced Level minimum grade of 75 is required.

Intensive English Language for Academic Success (Conestoga College)
Level 4 minimum grade of 70 is required.

These tests are offered in Canada, the United States and many other countries. Applicants must make their own arrangements to write the test by contacting:

Applicants who have studied successfully in an English instructional educational system on a full-time basis for a minimum of three years and who can present acceptable grades in English and other humanities/social science courses from their senior secondary year, may submit a request to be exempted from the English Language Proficiency requirement as stipulated above. Applicants who wish to apply for this exemption must provide the Admissions Office with a letter written by them detailing the reasons for their appeal and include a letter of recommendation from their secondary school principal or designate. The appropriate admissions committee assesses the request for exemption of this requirement.

Conditional Admission Policy