Canada Tests & Grades
Tests & English Requirements for Studying in Canada
Understand the English- and French-language tests Canadian universities accept — IELTS, TOEFL, the Duolingo English Test, PTE Academic, and French tests like TEF/TCF — including how scoring works, why minimums vary by university and program, and where to confirm the exact requirement.
Most Canadian university programs are taught in English, so international applicants whose first language is not English usually have to prove their English ability with a recognised test. The most widely accepted tests are IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT, while a growing number of universities also accept the Duolingo English Test or PTE Academic — though acceptance is not universal. French proficiency matters mainly for French-language and Quebec programs, often via tests such as TEF or TCF. Crucially, there is no single national score requirement: each university and program sets its own minimum and can revise it every admission cycle, so always verify the exact requirement on the official source before you apply. These guides explain how each test works and how to choose the right one for your shortlist.
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