English Proficiency Requirements | Undergraduate Programs
When Proof of English Proficiency is Required
You will be required to present evidence of English Proficiency if:
- English is not your first language; and
- you have completed less than four years of full-time study in an English-language secondary school or post-secondary institution, demonstrating satisfactory academic progress
The University reserves the right to request proof of English Proficiency and may deny admission to you if you do not demonstrate satisfactory facility in English, regardless of academic qualifications.
Notes:
- Francophone Canadian citizens educated in Canada will not be required to meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement.
- You will also be considered as having met the English Proficiency requirement if you completed the International Baccalaureate diploma where English was the language of instruction.
Acceptable English Proficiency Tests
| Test | Competence Level |
|---|---|
| Advanced Level of the English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) | Successful completion of The Advanced Level (levels 9 and 10) of the University of Guelph's School of Continuing Studies English Language Certificate Program (ELCP). |
| Cambridge English: C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | Minimum overall score of 176 with no band less than 169. |
| Canadian Academic English (CAEL) | Paper and Computer-based: Language Assessment Minimum overall band score of 70. |
| Duolingo English Test | Minimum overall score of 110. Individual subscores may be considered. |
| International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS - Academic) | Paper and Computer-based: Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | Minimum overall score of 60 with no score less than 60 in the individual components. |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | For both internet-based and home-edition tests: Minimum total score of 89 with no individual score less than 21. Effective January 21, 2026: Minimum overall score of 4.5 with no individual score less than 4.0. |
Note: Test scores must be no more than two years old at the time of application.
If you contact the Educational Testing Services (ETS), ask to have your TOEFL result sent to Admission Services. The Institution Code for the University of Guelph is 0892.
English Language Programs
English Language Certificate Programs
For students who do not meet the English proficiency requirements and want to focus on their English language skills, U of G offers the English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) and the ELCP Advanced Short Program,
Visit U of G's School of Continuing Studies website for more information.
Guaranteed Admission Pathway (GAP)
If your English proficiency and/or grades do not meet admission requirements, you may wish to be considered for the English Language Communication & Culture (ELCC) Guaranteed Admission Pathway (GAP). The combination of the English Language Certificate Program (ELCP) and the Open Learning program provides a flexible option for guaranteed admission to our Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts degrees. Save time by completing online courses toward your degree while you are completing your Advanced Certificate of English Proficiency.
To be eligible to begin Open Learning degree-credit courses while completing the advanced level of ELCP, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have no previous post-secondary studies.
- Achieve an overall average of 80% or higher in levels 7 and 8, or levels 8 and 9.
Note: that the GAP may also be done as a stand-alone upgrading program, if you have met the English Proficiency requirement, but do not meet the minimum admission requirements to your degree/major. Learn more about the GAP Open Learning Program.
