If you're preparing to apply to Canadian universities, understanding how to meet the English language requirements is crucial. We’ve got some tips for navigating your application!
Understanding your institution’s language requirements
Admission requirements in Canada are set by each individual institution. They will determine what ELP scores are required for students to be successful in their programs, and requirements may vary by program or by level of study. For example, undergraduate programs at the University of Alberta currently require an overall score of at least 120, with no integrated subscore below 100, while Memorial University requires a minimum overall score of 115 and does not have a subscore requirement.
The best place to find out what the standards are at your institution of choice is their admissions website. Be sure to check their site during the application cycle you're applying to ensure that score requirements haven't changed.
For personalized advice, particularly if your situation is unique, reach out directly to admissions offices to enquire about standards. Admission advisors are usually happy to chat with students to help them understand how they can satisfy their requirements.
Choosing an English test
The most important factors when choosing a test are first, that it meets the university's language proficiency requirements, and second that it meets your needs in terms of accessibility and preparation.
Most Canadian institutions accept various English tests, and evaluate them equally in admissions decisions. To admissions officers, it doesn’t matter which test you take, it matters what score you get. Your results must demonstrate your ability to effectively communicate and engage in the classroom, on campus, and in the community.
Once you’ve established which tests a school accepts, it’s about choosing the one that suits you best! Because of its adaptive, on-demand delivery, students from all corners of the globe choose the DET. As a digital-first exam, it's a fraction of the price of other tests, and scores are ready in two days to send to the colleges and universities you’re applying to.
💡You can take the DET whenever you’re ready, no appointment needed! Before you do, check out our free unlimited practice test—research suggests that taking it just a few times can help you achieve your best score on the certified test!
Applying to universities
When applying, ensure you have all required documents, including your DET score. Universities often list how and when to submit scores on their admissions pages. Planning ahead is crucial, especially with application deadlines in mind.
In light of the end of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, students now have greater flexibility when choosing a language test for studying in Canada. Here’s a look at some of the prominent Canadian universities that accept the DET, providing diverse opportunities for higher education:
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- Concordia University
- University of British Columbia
- Dalhousie University
- University of New Brunswick
- St. Thomas University
- Western University
- Queen’s University
- University of Saskatchewan
- University of Alberta
- Vancouver Island University
These are just a few of hundreds of programs that accept the DET as proof of English proficiency in Canada—search the complete list of accepting institutions to find even more!
Stay ahead of the game!
Just like they are with other admission requirements, you should be proactive in checking ELP requirements for the institutions where you’re applying. This helps you be prepared with, and gives you time to continue to improve your language skills if needed—did we mention we have an app for that?