Vancouver, Canada
University Canada West: English test requirements
One table of test scores covers direct entry to all degree programmes; only the Duolingo minimum differs between undergraduate and graduate programmes. Applicants can also qualify through English-medium study or an ESL pathway partner.
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 6.5
PG 6.5
TOEFL iBT
UG 4.5 / 88
PG 4.5 / 88
PTE Academic
UG 61
PG 61
Duolingo English Test
UG 110
PG 115
Undergraduate
These scores give direct admission to a degree programme without the University Access Program (UAP). Undergraduate applicants who fall short may still be considered through UAP or an ESL pathway partner. Non-test routes include BC English 12 at C or better, four years at an English-medium secondary school, IB English at 3 or better, a 3-credit academic English course, or 30 credits of post-secondary study in an English-speaking country. Admissions may ask for more proof if the test is more than two years before the programme start.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | Writing 6.0 | AcceptedIELTS One Skill Retake is accepted. |
| TOEFL iBT | 4.5 (1-6 scale) / 88 (0-120 scale) | Writing 4 (1-6 scale) / 20 (0-120 scale); the page says the writing minimum also applies to all assessed components | Accepted |
| PTE or PTE Online Academic | 61 | Writing 60 | Accepted |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 | Writing 100; the page says this minimum also applies to all assessed components, with writing taken as the average of Literacy and Production | Accepted |
| Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 176 | no writing minimum (N/A) | Accepted |
| CAEL or CAEL Online | 70 | Writing 60 | Accepted |
“You will be approved on the condition that you complete your ESL program before you commence your program at UCW.”
English Proficiency (admissions)
Graduate
The graduate admissions page asks for IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in writing, or an equivalent, and waives the test for native English speakers who graduated from a recognised degree in an English-speaking country. The committee may ask for more proof if it sees weaknesses in the application.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | Writing 6.0 | AcceptedIELTS One Skill Retake is accepted. |
| TOEFL iBT | 4.5 (1-6 scale) / 88 (0-120 scale) | Writing 4 (1-6 scale) / 20 (0-120 scale); the page says the writing minimum also applies to all assessed components | Accepted |
| PTE or PTE Online Academic | 61 | Writing 60 | Accepted |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 | Writing 105; the page says this minimum also applies to all assessed components, with writing taken as the average of Literacy and Production | Accepted |
| Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 176 | no writing minimum (N/A) | Accepted |
| CAEL or CAEL Online | 70 | Writing 60 | Accepted |
Other tests the university lists
- Completion of an ESL programme at a UCW ESL Pathway Partner
- Language Gallery Canada University Pathways Program level 6 with at least 80% (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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