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English language requirements for undergraduate admissions

English is the language of study at Dalhousie; therefore, all applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency. 

If you have attended a recognized English-based institution for three years at the secondary (high school) level or one year at the post-secondary level, you are generally considered to have met the requirement.

When proof is required, it can be satisfied through one of the following options:

1: English language testing 2: Dalhousie English language Pathway 3: Partner English language institutions 4: International high school programs
Students collaborating on the couches in the Goldberg Computer Science Building.

English language testing

Below are the minimum scores required for the English language tests accepted by Dalhousie. If your test scores are lower than our minimums or you do not have proof of English, you may be offered conditional admission provided you complete another test or complete an approved English language pathway program.

Test: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 

Minimum score: Overall: 6.5, Bands: 6.0

Submit a copy of the IELTS Test Form Report via email after you have submitted your application to international.admissions@dal.ca for verification.

Test: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)  or TOEFL at Home (online) 

Minimum score: Overall: 90, Bands: 20

Request the results be sent to Dalhousie University from the tester directly.

Test: Duolingo English Test

Minimum score: Overall: 115 Subscores: 95

Request the results be sent to Dalhousie University from Duolingo directly.

Test: Michigan English Test (formerly MELAB)

Minimum score: 55

Test: Canadian Academic English Assessment (CAEL) / CAEL Online

Minimum score: 70

Test: Academic

Minimum score: Overall: 61, Communicative skills scores: 50

Request the results be sent to Dalhousie University from the tester directly.

Test: C1: Advanced / C2: Proficiency

Minimum score: Overall: 180

Request the results be sent to Dalhousie University from the tester directly.

Dalhousie English language pathway

Dalhousie offers a range of English language programs accredited by Languages Canada that are designed for students and professionals at all levels of proficiency.  

Learn more about our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program

Partner English language institutions

Complete your English language pathway at one of our partner institutions:  

CLLC

The Canadian Language Learning College (CLLC) has been offering leading language education in Canada for two decades.

Learn more about CLLC

Oxford International English School

The University College Pathway (UCP) at Oxford International prepares international students for future university or college studies by combining English language study with academic preparation.

Learn more about Oxford International

International high school programs

Courses from the following international high school programs are acceptable English language equivalencies:  

International baccalaureate (IB)

Minimum grade of 5 in Higher Level English Language A: literature  

or

Language A: Language and literature

or

Minimum grade of 6 in Higher Level English B

Get more information about applying to Dal as an IB student

Advanced Placement (AP)

Minimum grade of 4 in English Examination (Language Composition; literature and Composition).  

Get more information about applying to Dal as an AP student

General Certificate of Education (GCE)

Minimum grade of B in GCSE/IGCSE English Language or English Literature  

Get more information about applying to Dal as a British student

Deadlines

If you plan on sitting an English language test or enrolling through an approved English language pathway program, we anticipate that you will have completed it by a specific date.

  • Fall (September) entry programs: May 15th for any application received by the application deadline.
  • Winter (January) entry programs: November 15th for any application received by the application deadline.

Delaying your start date

If you need to delay your degree program start date, either to sit your language tests or because of your enrollment in an English pathway program, you must request a deferral.

Defer your admission

Questions?

Please contact international.admissions@dal.ca if you have additional questions about meeting the English language requirement for undergraduate admissions.

Get in touch