English language proficiency
All applicants are required to give evidence of their oral and written proficiency in English. Applicants who meet all admission requirements, including English proficiency, at the time of application will be given first priority consideration. We encourage applicants to register for an English language proficiency test prior to the application deadline.
This requirement may be satisfied with one of the following criteria:
Formal full-time study in English
You have studied full-time for at least three years (or equivalent in part-time studies) in a university degree program where the language of instruction and examination was English, or you have completed a university degree program where the language of instruction and examination was English. Ontario Tech University may ask you to provide official verification of the aforementioned. Please note: The minimum three-year requirement does not include full-time enrolment in English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
You have successfully completed the required levels of Ontario Tech’s English Language Centre (ELC) EAP program. The ELC delivers a high-quality, focused English program for you to be able to seamlessly enter your graduate program. The ELC curriculum will place you in relevant language-learning contexts and real-life situations, and will provide you with opportunities to develop the skills needed to succeed in post-secondary education and in a multicultural world.
EAP requirements for admission
- Graduate programs in the Faculty of Education and Faculty of Health Sciences: Level 6 (EAP 6000) must be completed
- Graduate programs in all other faculties: Level 5 (EAP 5000) must be completed
Learn more about the English Language Centre
English test
You have achieved the required proficiency on one of the tests in the English language acceptable to the university as listed below. We encourage applicants to register for an English language proficiency test prior to the application deadline. Test results dated more than 24 months prior to the date of the application for admission will not be considered.
A hard copy of the test score is not required. Applicants may upload a copy of the official test score, using the upload links we provide to you, after your application is submitted.
It is important to note that English language proficiency requirements may be higher for employment, including teaching assistant duties.
Please note: If you take an approved English language proficiency test, its score shall prevail as the determining evidence of your English language proficiency.
| English language test | Minimum score |
| CAEL | 70 overall. All sub-scores must be a minimum of 60. |
| Duolingo |
Acceptable only for the listed course-based programs below and for the Spring/Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Winter 2026 intakes. Please note that if you are applying to both a course-based and thesis-based program at Ontario Tech, you will be required to submit an acceptable English test for the thesis-based program. |
| IELTS |
6.5 overall for most programs. |
| TOEFL (Internet-based) |
83 overall for most programs. |
| TOEFL (paper-based) |
560 for most programs. The university's TOEFL code is 7178. |
