Language Requirements

To be exempt from these requirements, you must have studied full time in an English-language school system for the 4 most recent years preceding the beginning of your studies at the University of Waterloo.

The requirements are separate from, and in addition to, the requirement to present Ontario 4U English (or equivalent), if it is listed as a specific requirement for a program. A 4U English is required for most programs.

If you do not meet the requirements, you will be considered for entry into an English-language pathway program.

You can improve your English before, or while, attending Waterloo.

Score Notes
Minimum TOEFL Score iBT: 90 total with 25 Writing and 25 Speaking.
Minimum MELAB Score 85 overall with 80 per section. For Co-op programs: 3 Speaking
Minimum IELTS Score Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5 overall, 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening. Note: Students achieving an overall IELTS score of 7.0 and no band score below 6.0 may be given individual consideration for admission to full-time undergraduate studies.
Minimum CAEL Score 70 overall with no band below 60; 70 Writing and 70 Speaking.
PTE (Pearson Test of English) Minimum PTE (Academic) Score: 63 overall with 65 Writing and 65 Speaking
Other Test Scores

English For Academic Success (EFAS): 75% overall in 400 level with 75% in each of Academic, Oral, and Writing

Last Test Date

2018-Apr-06