Language requirements

If you’re applying for a French-language program and have not completed at least three years of full-time study in an institution where French is the only language of instruction (aside from in language courses) in a country where French is an official language, you must submit your official score in one of the following language tests.

In order to be considered for a program offered in French at the University of Ottawa, you must demonstrate that you are sufficiently proficient in the language to follow a postsecondary academic program. Please note that citizenship is not considered when evaluating French proficiency. To show that your French proficiency is at the academic level required for university studies, provide proof of either:

• Postsecondary studies in French; or
• Last three years of high school taken in French (Grades 10, 11 or 12)

Remember: Language requirements are not based on citizenship. They are based on your country of study.

Language tests

You must achieve the scores below for all programs offered in a direct-entry faculty. Even if you achieve the required score, we reserve the right to have you take language courses if we feel that your knowledge of one of our two official languages is not satisfactory. All language proficiency tests must be completed less than two years before the beginning of the term indicated on your application for admission to the University of Ottawa.

You must submit your French test results through the uOdoc application in your uOzone account.

If you’re applying for an English-language program and have not completed at least three years of full-time study in an institution where English is the only language of instruction (aside from in language courses) in a country where English is an official language, you must submit your official score in one of the following language tests. The official results must be sent directly to us online from the test centre.

In order to be considered for a program offered in English at the University of Ottawa, you must demonstrate that you are sufficiently proficient in the language to follow a postsecondary academic program. Please note that citizenship is not considered when evaluating English proficiency. To show that your English proficiency is at the academic level required for university studies, provide proof of either:

• Postsecondary studies in English; or
• Last three years of high school taken in English (Grades 10, 11 or 12)

Remember: Language requirements are not based on citizenship. They are based on your country of study.

We also offer language test exemptions. See below.

Language tests

You must achieve the scores below for all programs offered in a direct-entry faculty. Even if you achieve the required score, we reserve the right to have you take language courses if we feel that your knowledge of one of our two official languages is not satisfactory. All language proficiency tests must be completed less than two years before the beginning of the term indicated on your application for admission to the University of Ottawa. Please also note that only the latest scores will be considered.

Required scores

IELTS (University of Ottawa Institution Code: 0993)
 

The University of Ottawa is authorized to receive test scores electronically. However, keep the following in mind: Your official IELTS results must be sent to us electronically directly from the test centre. Be sure to include our institution name in the STED RO section of your request as well as our institution code (code 0993) with the option to electronically transmit test scores.

• Submitting your TRF (test report form) number is not sufficient to send your results.
• Be advised that we only accept IELTS Academic test results.
• Ensure that the name, email address, and date of birth indicated on your test is the same as what you entered on your University of Ottawa application; otherwise, your results will not be added to your file.

TOEFL (University of Ottawa Institution Code: 0993)
 

Your official TOEFL results must be sent to us electronically directly from the test centre. The institution code to enter for your score to be sent to us is 0993.

The University of Ottawa is authorized to receive test scores electronically.

However, keep the following in mind:

• We only accept TOEFL internet-based (IBT), Special at Home Edition and TOEFL Essentials test results.
• Ensure that your name, email address and date of birth indicated on your test are the same as what you entered on your University of Ottawa application; otherwise, your results won’t be added to your file.

Duolingo English Test

Your official Duolingo results must be sent to us electronically directly from the test centre. Be sure to share your results with the University of Ottawa through the Duolingo Dashboard.

The University of Ottawa is authorized to receive test scores electronically. However, keep the following in mind:

• Ensure that the name, email address and date of birth indicated on your test are the same as what you entered on your University of Ottawa application; otherwise, your results won’t be added to your file.
• If you’ve already submitted your application through OUAC, enter your OUAC reference number when completing your Duolingo English Test. You can enter your OUAC reference number after choosing “University of Ottawa Undergraduate” in the Duolingo sharing flow.

Learn more about how to send your Duolingo test results to institutions.

Other tests

Please note that you must also email your PTE, CAE or CAEL scores to [email protected].

Scores below the level required or refusal

If you’ve completed a language test and your results are below our required scores for direct admission into the program, submit your results anyway.

You can always take the test again and request a re-evaluation by email at [email protected] (provided that we receive your scores weeks prior to course enrolment).

Please note that you must pass the same test for an updated offer. For example, if you’ve submitted an IELTS, you must submit another IELTS. However, we might still consider your other test results when we re-evaluate your application.

English Intensive Program (EIP)

Depending on your language test scores, you might be admitted with language conditions. You may be required to enrol in one or two English-as-a-second-language courses during first year or complete the English Intensive Program (EIP).

If your offer of admission includes a requirement to take one or two English as a second language courses, you can complete those courses while starting your program of study.

The English Intensive Program is a great way to improve your English language skills and prepare to enrol at the University of Ottawa. You might have to enrol in and pass the EIP before you can start your program. If you pass the most advanced EIP course (ESL 0140) with a final grade of B or higher, you will not have to pass one of the above language tests.

Note: Students who have applied for admission to the Bachelor of Integrated Food Sciences, any Bachelor of Music or the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Arts) are not eligible for the English Intensive Program.

Please note:

• If you receive a score of 4.0 in any other band in the IELTS, you won’t be considered for admission. You’ll need to improve your English proficiency before applying again.
• If you retake your language test and wish for your conditions to be re-assessed after admission, email your request to [email protected].

Learn more about the English Intensive Program (EIP)

Contact the EIP:

Centre for Language Learning
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute 
[email protected]