Language Requirements
Laurentian University offers courses in English or French. When pursuing a program, you must demonstrate your proficiency in one of these two languages.
The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request the submission of an approved language test at any time if deemed necessary.
English Program Language Requirement Exceptions
You are considered to have met the general English language requirement and are not required to provide a language test score if you meet one of the following criteria.
For Studies Completed in Canada
You are not required to provide an English language test score if:
- You completed 3 years of full-time studies at a high school in Canada
OR
- You are a bilingual Francophone Canadian
OR
- Your first language is French, and you have completed 3 years of full-time studies in a high school in Canada and obtained a credit in ENG 4U
For Studies Completed Outside of Canada
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Applicants who have achieved a score of 4 or higher in English A: Literature or English A: Language and Literature at the Higher or Standard Level meet Laurentian’s English proficiency requirement.
English B does not meet this requirement.
British Curriculum (GSE/IGCSE/GCE)
Applicants following the GSE/IGCSE/GCE curriculum can demonstrate English proficiency by achieving:
- A minimum grade of ‘C’ in O-level English, or
- Completion of AS or A-level subjects taught in English.
English Program Language Requirements
Academically admissible applicants who do not present the appropriate English proficiency requirements can complete one of the following approved English proficiency tests or English Academic Preparation (EAP) programs.
Presenting an Accepted English Proficiency Test
Laurentian University recognizes several language tests to demonstrate proficiency. English language test scores are valid if completed within 2 years of when your application is received.
Note: When registering for your language proficiency test, make sure that you select Laurentian University as the “Destination” or “Receiving Institution” of your score results so we can review and verify them online when we receive them. This option is available for most tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo.
| English Proficiency Tests | Minimum Required Score |
|---|---|
| Internet-based TOEFL (iBT & iBT @ Home Edition) - Test Of English as a Foreign Language | 88 overall |
| IELTS Academic and IELTS One-Skill Retake - International English Language Testing System | 6.5 overall No band lower than 6.0 |
| Cambridge Assessment English | C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a Cambridge Score of 176 or more |
| CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Assessment | 70 overall No part below 60 |
| Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees - CanTEST | 4.5 overall No part below 4 |
| PTE Academic - Pearson Test of English | 60 overall |
| DuoLingo English Test | 120 overall No Individual Subscore in Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening lower than 110 |
| Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) | 7 score No band below 6 |
Completion of an Approved English Language Program
Students can meet language requirements for direct entry by pursuing one of the 3 approved English Language Programs.
Note: Students who have applied to Architecture or Nursing are not eligible for conditional admission with the EAP, as these admissions cannot be deferred.
Oxford International Digital Institute
Completing Oxford's International Digital Institute Online Pre-Sessional English program with an ELLT score of 7, with no band lower than 6.
This program offers flexible starts and a customized journey for each learner!
Learn more about the Pre-Sessional English Course
International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC)
Complete the International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC) EAP Level 16 or Certificate PW 3.3 for direct entry into Laurentian University programs.
For any questions about the ILAC EAP program, contact info@ilac.com.
Learn more about ILAC's EAP Program
Laurentian University's EAP Program
Complete Laurentian University's EAP Level 3 (CEFR C1) with a minimum overall score of 70%.
- This program is offered at Laurentian University with intakes in September, January and May.
- Each level of the program is 11 weeks.
For any questions about the Laurentian University EAP program, please contact languageprogram@laurentian.ca.
French Program Language Requirements
To be admitted to a program offered in French or a bilingual program, a student must meet one of the following criteria.
Education in French
Three years of full-time study in a high school or post-secondary institution where French is the language of instruction (documentation must be provided by the student).
Presenting an Accepted French Proficiency Test
If you do not have a high school or post-secondary education in French, you can demonstrate French proficiency with one of the following tests.
Note: When registering for your language proficiency test, make sure that you select Laurentian University as the “Destination” or “Receiving Institution” of your score results so we can review and verify them online when we receive them. This option is available for most tests.
| Type of Test | Minimum Required Score |
|---|---|
| Test de connaissance du français (TCF) | A minimum grade of C-1 (advanced) on the Test de connaissance du français (TCF), version for prospective students. |
| Test d'évaluation du français (TEF) | A minimum score of C-1 at the written component. |
| Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) | A minimum score of C-1. |
Submit Your Language Test Scores and English Program Transcripts
Language Proficiency Tests
Where possible, the language score will feature a reference number for the Office of Admissions to authenticate and validate the test. In certain cases where the exam cannot be authenticated, we may prepare a conditional offer of admission requesting an official copy.
CanTEST Scores
Individuals completing a CanTEST score will require official test scores sent by the testing agency directly to Laurentian University’s Office of Admissions.
All Other Test Scores (Except CanTest)
For all accepted English and French proficiency tests, students can upload unofficial copies of their language scores in the myLaurentian Portal.
Scores Below the Level Required For Admission
If you have completed a language test, and your results are below our required scores for admission, please submit your scores anyway. You can always take the test again and request a re-evaluation by our Admissions Office (provided we receive your scores with sufficient time to allow course registration).
English Language Program Transcripts
If you have completed an approved English language program, you must have the test center send an official copy to Laurentian University by email or mail. You cannot upload a copy to the myLaurentian Portal.
To submit your English language program transcript by email, request that the test center email an official copy to admissions@laurentian.ca.
To submit your English language program transcript by mail, request that the test center mail an official copy to the Office of Admissions directly to the following address:
Laurentian University
Office of Admissions
935 Ramsey Lake Rd,
Sudbury, ON, Canada
P3E 2C6
Conditional Admission Pathway
It is possible that you receive a Conditional Offer of admission to a Laurentian University program. This means that you will need to submit additional applicable document to fulfill your admission requirements. It is important that you meet these requirements as you will otherwise not be able to register for courses.
Important Notes
Laurentian University reserves the right to request an English Language test result from any applicant at any time.
Laurentian University reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission if you fail to meet the minimum English Language requirement.
Language proficiency requirements are subject to change without prior notice to applicants.
All English language tests will be verified for authenticity. If evidence of fraudulent documentation is found, the University reserves the right to cancel your application and rescind any offer of admission.
Language proficiency for the BSc.Inf - Sciences infirmières - formation initiale program
- Admission to the BSc.Inf - sciences infirmières program requires competency in both English and French. Please click here to learn more.
Questions?
Office of Admissions
Official Mailing Address:
Laurentian University
Office of Admissions
935 Ramsey Lake Rd,
Sudbury, ON, Canada
P3E 2C6
admissions@laurentian.ca
705-675-1151
1-800-461-4030
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