Language proficiency

Applicants whose primary language is not English and who do not meet one of the proofs of proficiency listed below must write an English proficiency test, regardless of citizenship.

Proof of Proficiency

In all cases, the University reserves the right to require a proficiency test if deemed necessary. In general, if you have completed any of the following, you are not required to write a proficiency test:

• Concordia University Continuing Education Language Institute Students (CELI): Successful completion of the Advanced 2 level of the Intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) program at CELI with a minimum final grade of 70%. Students who have met this requirement are still required to take a test for placement in the appropriate ESL course.
• The last four years of high school studies in Quebec and the DES (Secondary V).
• Both Secondary V and the Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in Quebec.
• The Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) at an English Cegep in Quebec.
• A minimum of three full years of study in a secondary institution where the sole language of instruction is English.
• Four full years of study in Canada in French at the secondary-school level immediately prior to graduating.
• The course English A1 (Higher or Standard level) in the International Baccalaureate.
• The American or British Option internationale du baccalauréat (OIB) of the French Baccalauréat.
• IGCSE: English Language or English as a Second Language or First Language English with a grade of “C” or better.

For minimum English proficiency scores, please refer to the list below for accepted language proficiency tests.

Minimum English Proficiency Score for Admission

Test results must be reported directly to the Admissions Application Centre by the test centre. Results more than two years old will not be accepted as proof of language proficiency.

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

No Credit ESL Courses Required		Credit ESL Courses Required*
TOEFL iBT	Min.Score: 90	TOEFL iBT	Min. Score: 75
TOEFL (paper-based)	Min.Score: 577	TOEFL (paper-based)	Min. Score: 540
To ensure that your TOEFL results are forwarded directly to Concordia University, you must indicate 0956.00 as the "Institution Code" when you write the test. For more information on the test, or to register: www.toefl.org

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

No Credit ESL Courses Required		Credit ESL Courses Required*
IELTS	Min.Score: 7	IELTS	Min. Score 6.0 with no component score under 5.5
Candidates must take the "Academic Module." For more information on the test, or to register: www.ielts.org

MELAB – Michigan English Language Assessment Battery

No Credit ESL Courses Required		Credit ESL Courses Required*
MELAB	Min.Score: 85 3 on speaking test	MELAB	Min. Score: 74 2 on speaking test
For more information on the test, or to register: www.cambridgemichigan.org/melab

CAEL – Canadian Academic English Language Assessment

No Credit ESL Courses Required		Credit ESL Courses Required*
CAEL	Min.Score: 70	CAEL	Min. Score: 50
For more information on the test, or to register: www.cael.ca

CAE – Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English
CPE – Certificate of Proficiency in English

No Credit ESL Courses Required		Credit ESL Courses Required*
CAE	Min.Score: A	CAE	Min. Score: C
CPE (advanced qualification for proficient users only)	Min.Score: C
For more information on the test, or to register: www.cambridgeesol.org

* Concordia's English as a Second Language (ESL) credit courses may count toward degree programs. (This does not include Engineering programs.)