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English language requirement

English is the official language of instruction at the University of Calgary

Learn how to apply

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to meet the UCalgary English language requirement and be considered for admission.

Ways to meet our English language requirement

High school studies

Three years of study in an ELP-exempt country or at an accredited high school (Canadian, American, British or CIS school) where English is the primary language of instruction.

Post-secondary studies

Two years of study in an ELP-exempt country or recognized post-secondary institution in Canada.

English language test

Present the minimum required score from an accepted test: 

Duolingo – 120
IELTS (academic) – 6.5
TOEFL (internet-based) – 86 

TOEFL Codes – our school code is 0813 and department code is 00.

Note:  Nursing and Education programs require higher scores. 

See the full list of accepted English language tests and details on Nursing and Education.  

Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)

Complete the ACC, the UCalgary English pathway program. If you're registered in the ACC, you may be eligible for conditional admission to a degree program. The ACC will take from 4 to 11 months to complete, depending on your English level, and is eligible for 6 units of transfer credit.

Have questions? Our ACC Specialist can help.

E-mail or WhatsApp or book a private meeting

English courses

Completion of any of the following English courses with the minimum required grade

Curriculum

Alberta High School

International Baccalaureate (IB) examination

International Baccalaureate (IB) examination

Advanced Placement (AP) examination

General Certificate of Education (GCSE/GCE)

Post-secondary English 

Course

English Language Arts 30-1 (or equivalent)

English A (Literature or Language & Literature) HL or SL

English B HL 

English Literature & Composition or English Language & Composition  

GCSE A/S or A-level English (non-ESL)

UCalgary English or transferable equivalent

Minimum Grade Requirement

80%

5

6

4

B (6 on 9 point scale)

B-

English language requirement-exempt countries

Anguilla 
Antigua and Barbuda 
American Samoa 
Australia 
Bahamas 
Barbados 
Belize 
Bermuda 
Botswana 
British Virgin Islands 
Canada 
Cameroon (English stream-GCE) 
Cayman Islands 
Cook Islands 

Dominica 
Fiji 
Gambia 
Ghana 
Grenada 
Guam 
Guyana 
India 
Ireland 
Jamaica 
Kenya 
Lesotho 
Liberia 

Malawi 
Malta 
Marshall Island 
Mauritius (English stream-GCE) 
Montserrat 
Namibia 
New Zealand 
Nigeria 
Puerto Rico (English stream) 
Seychelles 
Sierra Leone 
Singapore 
South Africa 

St. Kitts and Nevis 
St. Lucia 
Saint Helena 
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 
Tanzania 
Trinidad and Tobago 
Turks and Caicos Islands 
Uganda 
United Kingdom 
United States of America 
US Virgin Islands 
Zambia 
Zimbabwe 

Required documents

We need to confirm you meet our English language requirement before your application can be evaluated. If you see “English language proficiency” as a To-Do item in Student Centre after you apply, you’ll need to upload a document that shows you meet this requirement. 

Documents we can use to complete this requirement include:

  • A copy of your English language test score
  • A transcript that shows completion of an English course
  • A transcript that shows you meet the length of study requirement in an approved curriculum or English-speaking country
  • Results sent to UCalgary directly from Duolingo, IELTS or TOEFL

Learn more about the admission process and uploading your documents.

Documents

The English language requirement is separate and additional to completing a senior-level (Grade 12) English course to meet required courses for admission.