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
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