Athabasca, Alberta, Canada
Athabasca University: English test requirements
Athabasca University, an online and distance university, sets one undergraduate English standard and one graduate minimum in its 2026 to 2027 calendars. Graduate faculties and centres may add their own requirements, and the graduate list does not include PTE or Duolingo.
Checked on 2 Nov 2026 against the university's own pages. Universities change their requirements, and some courses ask for more. Always confirm on the university's page before you book a test or apply.
IELTS
UG 6
PG 6.0
TOEFL iBT
UG 4 / 80
PG 4 / 80
PTE Academic
UG 59
PG Not on the list
Duolingo English Test
UG 105
PG Not on the list
Undergraduate
Applies to applicants whose first language is not English or who did not complete secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking country, before they can register in courses. Test scores must be official and no older than two years. Other routes are 15 credits from a recognised English-speaking post-secondary institution or AU's English Language Proficiency Program with a 75 per cent average. Calendar effective 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6 | no band minimum stated | Accepted |
| TOEFL iBT | 4 (tests from 21 January 2026) / 80 (tests before 21 January 2026) | from 21 January 2026: Reading, Listening and Writing 3.5, Speaking 4. Before: essay 20 and 46 on all other bands, as printed | Accepted |
| PTE Academic | 59 | no less than 51 in each of the 4 communicative skills | Accepted |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 | minimum of 75 on each band | Accepted |
| CAEL | 60 | Accepted | |
| MELAB | 80 | Accepted |
“English is the primary language of instruction at Athabasca University.”
Undergraduate calendar: English language proficiency
Graduate
University-wide minimums for applicants with a degree in a language other than English; each faculty or centre may set additional requirements, so check the programme. Scores must be the most recent official result from the last two years. Other routes include a degree taught in English, 70 per cent in a recognised AU English course, or set AU courses as a non-programme student. Meeting a standard does not guarantee admission. Calendar effective 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.0 | no band minimum stated | Accepted |
| TOEFL | 4 (tests after 21 January 2026) / 80 (tests before 21 January 2026) | after 21 January 2026: Reading, Listening and Writing 3.5, Speaking 4. No section minimum stated for the 80 score | Accepted |
| PTE Academic | – | Not on the listNot in the graduate calendar list. | |
| Duolingo English Test | – | Not on the listNot in the graduate calendar list. | |
| MELAB / Michigan English Test (MET) | MELAB 80 / MET 54 | Accepted | |
| CAEL | 60 | Accepted |
“Each centre and faculty may have additional requirements.”
Graduate calendar: English language proficiency requirements
Other tests the university lists
- CAEL: 60
- MELAB: 80 (graduate: or MET 54)
- AU English Language Proficiency Program, 75 per cent average (undergraduate)
“Not on the list” means the test does not appear on the university page we checked. It does not mean the test is refused: the course page or the admissions office may still accept it, so ask them.
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