English Language
Proficiency Policy
Applicants to programs offered at Nipissing University whose first language is not English will be required to achieve the required proficiency level on one of the following tests of English language proficiency for admission consideration.
English Language Policy Exemptions
To be exempted from providing proof of English language proficiency you must satisfy one of the following criteria:
- Completion of
three or more consecutive years of full-time education in English within Canada
immediately prior to attending Nipissing University.
- Completion of three or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the dominant language. These years must be immediately prior to attending Nipissing University.
- Completion of an
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with a
minimum score of 5 or better in HL or SL English A: Literature or HL or SL English A: Language and Literature.
- Graduate from a
regionally accredited US secondary school and achieve a
minimum score of 4 or better in Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or English Literature & Composition.
- Achieve a minimum grade of B in GCSE, IGCSE or GCE Ordinary Level English Literature or English Language, a minimum grade of C in GCE A Level or AS Level or AICE or CAPE English or English Language, or a minimum score of M3 in Cambridge Pre-U English
| English Proficiency Test | Undergraduate Programs | Post-Baccalaureate Programs | Nursing | BEd and Graduate Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 - No bands less than 6 | 6.5 - No bands less than 6 | 7 - No bands less than 6.5 | 6.5 - No bands less than 6.5 |
| TOELF IBT | 83 with a minimum score of 20 in reading, listening and writing, and a minimum score of 22 in speaking | 83 with a minimum score of 20 in reading, listening and writing, and a minimum score of 22 in speaking | 93 with a minimum score of 20 in reading and listening, and a minimum score of 22 in writing and speaking | 93 with a minimum score of 20 in reading and listening, and a minimum score of 22 in writing and speaking |
| PTE - Pearson Test of Academic English | 58 with a minimum score of 56 in each section | 58 with a minimum score of 56 in each section | 63 with a minimum score of 60 in each section | 63 with a minimum score of 60 in each section |
| CAE - Cambridge Assessment English | C1 minimum overall score of 176 with a minimum score of 169 | C1 minimum overall score of 176 with a minimum score of 169 | C1 minimum overall score of 176 with a minimum score of 169 | C1 minimum overall score of 176 with a minimum score of 169 |
| CAEL/CAEL Online - Online Canadian Academic English Language | 60 with no band less than 60 | 60 with no band less than 60 | 70 with no band less than 60 | 70 with no band less than 60 |