Language Requirements

Do I meet the language requirements?

  • All courses at the University of Ottawa are given either in English, French, or in both languages. To gain admission, you must therefore demonstrate proficiency in one or the other of these languages.

I am applying for admission to a program offered in French:

  • You would like to study in French and it’s not your first language, you will have to submit your official score for one of the following: DELF or TESTCan.

I am applying for admission to a program offered in English:

  • If you wish to gain admission to a program offered in English and have not completed at least three years of full-time studies in an institution where the language of instruction is strictly English AND in a country where English is an official language, you must demonstrate your language proficiency by providing your official score in a recognized language test. Please consult the following list of countries to know if you need to submit a test.

What test should I submit?

  • Before your application for admission to a program offered in English can be processed, you must demonstrate your language proficiency by providing your official score in one of the following recognized language tests:

 

TEST Scores that require you to complete intensive ESL courses before beginning your program of studies Scores that allow you to begin your program of study immediately
Overall
Score		 Required score in Written English section Overall
Score		 Required score in Written English section
 TOEFL

University of Ottawa Institutional Code: 0993		 Paper-based: 500

Computer: 173		 4 Paper-based: 580

Computer: 237		 4.5
Internet-based: 61 21–23 Internet-based: 92 24
University of Ottawa CanTEST Averaged listening and reading: 3.5 2.5 Averaged listening and reading: 4.5 4
IELTS 4.0–4.5 4.0 7 6.5
EPT (MELAB) 70 65 90 85
CAEL 40 30 70 60
PTE  40-47  53-57 65 58

NOTE: Scores indicated above are applicable to all faculties.
Even with this proof of proficiency, the University of Ottawa reserves the right to require that you take language courses if your knowledge of one of the official languages is considered insufficient.
All tests must be taken within two years of the date at which you apply for admission to the University of Ottawa.

ESL Bridging Program

Students who successfully complete the most advanced level (ESL 500) of the English Intensive Program offered by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute at the University of Ottawa with a final grade of at least B satisfy the language requirements without having to write a recognized ESL test.

For more information about the ESL Bridging Program contact:
Special Programs
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI)
can-esl@uOttawa.ca
613-562-3460

Can I be exempted from providing an official score in a recognized English proficiency test?

You may be considered for an exemption if you satisfy, or are in the process of satisfying, one of the following:

  • successful completion of at least 18 Ontario secondary school courses (excluding ESL and technical courses), or the equivalent in other Canadian provinces;
  • successful completion of the English A1 course in an International Baccalaureate program, with a minimum grade of 4;
  • successful completion of an “A or AS Level” English (non-ESL) course, with a minimum grade of B;
  • successful completion of an Advanced Placement course in English Language & Composition or Literature & Composition, with a minimum grade of 4;
  • a score of at least 550 on the SAT writing test (or SAT w).

Should you be in the process of satisfying one of the above conditions, interim marks will be required.

If you believe that you should be exempted from providing an official score in a recognized English proficiency test, based on one of the conditions listed above, you must write to your.admission.file@uOttawa.ca to request such an exemption.
The University of Ottawa reserves the right to refuse any exemption.