Proficiency in English

Students attending Laurier must have excellent facility in the English language in order to fully understand and benefit from university instruction presented in English.

Note: Students whose first language is not English are required, and will be requested, to submit acceptable evidence of their English proficiency to the Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions Office. This may be an official transcript satisfactorily demonstrating a minimum of 3 years in an institution that teaches in the English language, or a successful English-Proficiency test score. ESL studies within the three years of academic study will not be included, as the ESL periods are not considered when looking at three years of full-time studies in an English-instructed institution. Applicants must make their own arrangements to write the test and have the results forwarded directly to the Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions Office.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
A minimum score of 560 is required in the paper-based TOEFL; a minimum score of 83 with no component below 20 is required in the iBT (internet-based) TOEFL. Double degree programs with the University of Waterloo require 580; TWE 4.5 (paper-based); overall 90 with no component below 20, except writing and speaking, each 25 iBT.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
A minimum score of 6.5 is required in IELTS. Double degree programs with the University of Waterloo require a minimum academic score of 7.0 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.

Pearson Test of English (PTE)
A minimum score of 59 is required for most programs. Double degree programs with the University of Waterloo require a minimum score of 65.

English for Academic Success (Renison College)
Advanced Level 400 minimum grade of 75 is required; 80 is required for double degree programs with the University of Waterloo.

English Language Certificate Program (University of Guelph)
Advanced Level minimum grade of 75 is required; 80 is required for double degree programs with the University of Waterloo.

Intensive English Language for Academic Studies (Conestoga College)
Level 4 minimum grade of 70 is required; 75 is required for double degree programs with the University of Waterloo.

The Laurier English & Academic Foundation (LEAF) Program
Successful completion of Level 5 with a grade of 70%. Double degree programs with the University of Waterloo require a minimum grade of 75%.

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:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Website: www.toefl.org

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Website: www.conestogac.on.ca/ielts Website: www.ielts.org (International Inquiries)

The English Language Institute (MELAB) Website: www.lsa.umich.edu/eli

Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Website: www.cael.ca

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Website: www.pearsonpte.com/pteacademic/Pages/home.aspx

Renison University College Website: www.renison.uwaterloo.ca/english-language/index.shtml

English Language Certificate Program (University of Guelph) Website: www.uoguelph.ca/esl

Conestoga College Language Institute Website: www.conestogac.on.ca/international/admissions/languageinstitute.jsp

The Laurier English & Academic Foundation (LEAF) Program Website: www.wlu.ca/page.php?grp_id=1928&p=16638

Applicants who have studied successfully in an English instructional education 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 requirements as stipulated above. Applicants who wish to apply for this exemption must provide the Recruitment & 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 school representative. The appropriate admissions committee assesses the request for exemption of this requirement.

Conditional Admission Policy
Laurier may conditionally admit students into degree programs who are academically qualified but do not meet English proficiency requirements, provided they successfully complete English language training at Laurier or an approved institution prior to commencing their degree. Our partner institutions are Conestoga College, the University of Guelph, Renison University College at the University of Waterloo, and the Laurier English and Academic Foundation (LEAF). Please see the Admissions website at www.wlu.ca/admissions for further information.