Language Requirements
English Proficiency Requirements
If your first language is not English, you must submit evidence of your English proficiency by providing a satisfactory score from an accepted test of English proficiency. If required by testing centres, Laurier’s institution code is 0893.
Exemptions
Exemptions may be granted to applicants who have studied in an English-language school system on a full-time basis for a minimum of 3 years. Find more information about exemptions on our website.
Learn English at Laurier
The LEAF program is an academic English program for future Laurier students, designed to prepare them for success in university. To complete the LEAF program, students must also complete an academic course for credit. The LEAF program has 5 levels, and students begin at the level that most closely aligns with their English proficiency.
Students who are academically admissible to the university and eligible for LEAF program levels 3, 4 or 5 will receive a conditional offer of admission to an academic program with a condition to attend the LEAF program. Upon successful completion of LEAF Level 5, students may progress into full-time undergraduate studies. Contact [email protected] or visit the LEAF website for more information.
Laurier English & Academic Foundation Program
There are two 14-week terms (fall and winter) and two 8-week intensive summer terms in each calendar year. The 14-week terms are the same length as our fall and winter undergraduate terms, allowing LEAF students to interact with both domestic and international students during the busiest times of the year.
In Level 5 of the LEAF program, you will be required to complete a course for credit. This will help you get a head start towards completing your degree while you complete your LEAF program requirements. To complete the LEAF program successfully, students need to achieve a minimum grade of 70% in each LEAF program course, complete a half-credit university course and a obtain a minimum overall average of 70% in Level 5.
LEAF Program Level Eligibility
Check the table below to determine if you are eligible for LEAF levels 3, 4 or 5.
|
LEAF Level |
IELTS Score |
TOEFL Score |
|---|---|---|
|
5 |
6.0 |
65 |
|
4 |
5.5 |
50 |
|
3 |
5.0 |
35 |
All accepted tests of English proficiency may be used to determine LEAF program eligibility.
2019 LEAF Program Terms
Winter
- January 7 – April 19, 2019
Spring
- April 22 – June 14, 2019
Summer
- June 24 – August 16, 2019
Fall
- September 3 – December 20, 2019
For more information about the LEAF program, visit the LEAF website.
| Score | Notes |
|---|---|
| Minimum TOEFL Score | Internet-based testing: an overall score of 83 or higher with a minimum score of 20 in each component. Paper-based testing: 560 or higher. |
| Minimum MELAB Score | 85 overall or higher. |
| Minimum IELTS Score | An overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band. |
| Minimum CAEL Score | 70 overall or higher (each band 60 or higher). |
| PTE (Pearson Test of English) | An overall score of 59 or higher. |
| Other Test Scores | Cambridge Assessment English An overall score of 176. |