English Language Proficiency Standards and GRE Requirements

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an unconditional offer of admission. English language proficiency tests taken more than two years prior to application will not be considered. Unless otherwise stated, the score is the minimum on each part of the examination. Minimum scores must be achieved in a single sitting of the test (i.e., scores across multiple instances of a test may not be used to satisfy minimum component requirements).

Minimum acceptable English language proficiency scores for applicants to programs in the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies are:

• CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): B
• CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): overall 70, with 60 on the speaking sub-test
• CEL (UBC Certificate in English Language): 600
• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
  CELPIT-A (Academic Reading and Writing): 4L
  CELL (Listening): 4L CELTOP (Speaking): 4L
• CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): C
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System - Academic): 6.5 with no part less than 6.0
• MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): 85 final score, with 3 in the speaking test
• PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): 65 overall score, with 60 reading, 60 writing, 60 listening, and 60 speaking
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
        either the paper based test: 55 each for reading, listening, and writing, with 4.0 on the
        Test of Written English (TWE);
        or the internet-based test: 90 overall score, with 22 reading, 21 writing, 22 listening, and
        21 speaking

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores, and may require minimum scores on individual components of the test. Translations between the TOEFL scores shown below and results from other tests will be made by the graduate programs concerned, taking guidance from the tables provided by the respective testing agencies: CAEL, CELPIP, IELTS, MELAB and PTE.

Note: The table below receives regular updates throughout the year and outlines the minimum component score.

TOEFL and GRE Requirements