Prince George, Canada
University of Northern British Columbia: English test requirements
The undergraduate calendar sets one set of scores for most programmes, while the Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program uses IELTS or CELBAN scores set by the BC nursing regulator. Graduate entry has a standard set, with higher scores for the MA Political Science and the MEng Wood Engineering.
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 from 6.5
PG from 6.5
TOEFL iBT
UG 90
PG from 4.5 / 90
PTE Academic
UG 65
PG 65
Duolingo English Test
UG 125
PG from 125
Undergraduate
Applies to applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship. Five consecutive years of English-medium instruction immediately before admission gives an exemption, and English-medium secondary education may do so. Many non-test routes are listed, including BC English Studies 12 at 50 per cent, a university-transferable English course at 75 per cent, two years of English-medium degree study, CBSE or CISCE Class XII English Core at 75 per cent, AP and IB English grades and UNBC English Language Studies 50 and 170. Results must come directly from the testing agency and are valid for two years. The calendar section is dated 23 October 2025.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General undergraduate requirementSource for this group | 6.5not less than 6.0 in any of the four modules | 90not less than 20 in each of Reading, Listening, Writing and SpeakingThe calendar also gives 230 (computer-based) or 570 (paper-based); it does not give a figure on the 1-6 scale. TOEFL code 0320. | 65not less than 60 in each of reading, writing, listening and speaking | 125not less than 115 in each component |
| Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NCBNP)e.g. Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing ProgramSource for this group | Not published by the universityRequired scores are those set by BCCNM for the year of admission; the calendar does not print them. BC English Studies 12 at 70 per cent is also required. | Not on the listThe nursing requirement names only IELTS Academic or CELBAN. | Not on the listThe nursing requirement names only IELTS Academic or CELBAN. | Not on the listThe nursing requirement names only IELTS Academic or CELBAN. |
General undergraduate requirement, other tests: Cambridge C1 Advanced Grade B; CAEL / CAEL CE 70; MELAB 80
Northern Collaborative Baccalaureate Nursing Program (NCBNP), other tests: CELBAN
“Applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship or country of origin, must submit evidence of English language proficiency prior to admission.”
Undergraduate calendar: international admissions (English language requirements)
Graduate
The graduate page points to the Academic Calendar (regulation 1.1) for current rules and says the Duolingo and new-scale TOEFL figures are subject to final approval by university governance. Applicants with an English-medium degree from a non-exempt country may ask for an exemption. IELTS Online and paper tests are accepted; IELTS Indicator and CELPIP General are not. Some programmes set higher standards.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard graduate requirementSource for this group | 6.5not less than 6.0 in any of the four modules | 4.5 (tests on or after 21 Jan 2026) / 904.5 score: no band below 4.0. 90 score: not less than 20 in any of Reading, Listening, Writing or SpeakingThe new-scale figure is marked as subject to final approval by university governance. TOEFL code 0320. | 65not less than 60 in reading, writing, listening and speaking | 125no individual subscore below 115Marked as subject to final approval by university governance. |
| MA Political Sciencee.g. MA Political ScienceSource for this group | 7.0not less than 6.5 in any of the four modules | 100not less than 25 in any of Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking | Not on the listThe programme lists only IELTS and TOEFL. | Not on the listThe programme lists only IELTS and TOEFL. |
| Master of Engineering, Wood Engineeringe.g. MEng - Master of Engineering in Wood EngineeringSource for this group | 7.0not less than 6.5 in any of the four modules | 100not less than 25 in any of Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking | Not on the listNo PTE figure printed; the page says the equivalent level on other tests accepted by the university may be used. | 135no individual subscore below 125 |
Standard graduate requirement, other tests: CAEL / CAEL CE 70; MELAB 85; BCCAT EAP 4 program Final grade of 3.00 (B) or better
“Note: some programs have higher English language proficiency standards; for more information, please review the Program-specific requirments”
Graduate admissions: English language proficiency
Other tests the university lists
- UNBC English Language Studies 50 and 170 at C or better (undergraduate)
- BCCAT EAP 4 programme: C for undergraduate, B for graduate
- CELPIP Academic (retired 2015) at 4H in each part (graduate)
The page says these are not accepted
- IELTS Indicator (graduate)
- CELPIP General (graduate)
“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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