Language requirements

English-language programs

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.

We also offer language test exemptions.

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

Countries and regions eligible for an English language test exemption

You do not have to pass an English language test if you have completed your studies in one of the locations listed below, as long you have completed three years of full-time studies in an institution where English is the only language of instruction.

If you are not sure whether you must pass a language test, contact the admissions office.

Remember: The University of Ottawa reserves the right to request the results of a language test at any time and to refuse a language test exemption request.

Anguilla

Antigua & Barbuda

Australia

Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

Bermuda

Botswana

Canada

Dominica

Eritrea

Falkland Island

Fiji

Gambia

Ghana

Grenada

Guam

Guyana

Hong Kong

Ireland

Jamaica

Kenya

Kiribati

Lesotho

Liberia

Malawi

Malta

Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Micronesia

New Zealand

Nigeria

Pakistan

Palau

Papua New Guinea

The Philippines

Puerto Rico

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Singapore

Sint Maarten

South Africa

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Lucia

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Sudan

Tanzania

Tonga

Trinidad and Tobago

Tuvalu

Uganda

United Kingdom (Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Wales)

United States

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Other possibilities of exemptions

We might offer you an exemption if you meet, or are in the process of meeting, one of the following conditions: 

• achieving a final grade of 70% or higher in an English 4U course while working towards your Ontario Secondary School Diploma at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board or the Ottawa Catholic School Board
• passing at least 18 Ontario secondary school courses excluding ESL and technical courses (or the equivalent in another Canadian province) while studying at a school physically located in Canada 
• passing the International Baccalaureate English A course with a minimum grade of 4
• passing a GCE A or AS Level English (non-ESL) course with a minimum grade of B. O Level or GCSE/IGCSE English is not sufficient for an exemption.
• passing the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition course with a grade of 4
• achieving a score of 31 on the SAT writing section
• passing the CBSE or CISCE senior English subject with a final grade of 75% (Indian grading scale). If you are currently attending secondary school, interim grades (for example, pre-board exam results) will be used.

If you are in the process of meeting one of these requirements, you must provide interim grades.

If you believe you meet one of these requirements and that the University should exempt you from having to submit the results of an English language proficiency test, email admissions@uOttawa.ca.

The University of Ottawa reserves the right to refuse exemption requests.

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.

Required scores

IELTS (University of Ottawa Institution Code: 0993)

Test	Overall score	Writing section
IELTS	6.5	6.5

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.

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

• Submitting your TRF (test report form) number is not sufficient to send your results.
• Be advised that we only accept academic IELTS test results.
• Ensure that the name and date of birth indicated on your test is the same as what you entered on your University of Ottawa application.

TOEFL (University of Ottawa Institution Code: 0993)

Test	Overall score	Writing section	Listening section	Reading section
Internet-based (IBT)	86	22	n/a	n/a
Paper-delivered	n/a	22	20	20
Special at Home Edition	86	22	n/a	n/a

Other tests

Test	Overall score	Writing section
University of Ottawa CanTEST	Averaged listening and reading: 4.5	4
CAEL	70	60
PTE	60	60
CAE	C1	n/a
DuoLingo	120	n/a

 

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).

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 Telfer School of Management are not eligible for the English Intensive Program.

Note: Students who submit a DuoLingo Test will only be considered for direct entry into their program of study. They will need to submit one of the following tests in order to be considered for the English Intensive Program.

Required test	Minimum score for conditional admission with enrolment in the English Intensive Program
TOEFL Internet based	Overall score of 60 and writing score of 20 or Overall score of 70 and writing score of 16
IELTS	Overall score of 4.5 and writing score of 5 or Overall score of 5 and writing score of 4.5

Learn more about the English Intensive Program (EIP)

Contact the EIP:

Second Language Intensive Programs
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute 
eip@uOttawa.ca