Algonquin English test minimums
Scores are from Algonquin's accepted English tests and scores page for international students. TOEFL iBT is 80 (no score below 20) or 88 (no score below 22); for tests taken after 21 January 2026 it is 4.0 or 4.5 with the same minimum in every section.
The higher row also covers most School of Health and Community Studies diplomas, most School of Media and Design diplomas and some three-year advanced diplomas, so check your program page. CAEL is 60, or 70 with Writing 60, and Cambridge English 169 or 176.
| Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas | 6.0, no band below 5.5 | 80 (20 each) or 4.0 (4.0 each) | 53, no section under 45 | 110, Literacy 110, none below 95 |
| Degrees, graduate certificates, higher-level diplomas | 6.5, no band below 6.0 | 88 (22 each) or 4.5 (4.5 each) | 60, no section under 53 | 120, Literacy 120, none below 105 |
Validity and program-level scores
All tests must be completed within the last two years. Algonquin reserves the right to require a test based on a specific program's requirements, and some diplomas carry the higher requirement.
A position on IELTS One Skill Retake and on IELTS Online is not stated by Algonquin.
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Exemptions and Algonquin's EAP program
Algonquin's English language requirements page exempts you if you completed a year of full-time post-secondary study in English in an English-speaking country with a C average, among other routes. Its International EAP program counts at Level 5 with B- in all core courses, or Level 6 with B for the higher row.
Study permit and PGWP: separate rules
Algonquin's scores decide admission only. IRCC sets no minimum English score for a study permit; any language condition is written into your letter of acceptance (see IELTS for a Canada study permit). The Post-Graduation Work Permit is a separate test again. IRCC's PGWP eligibility page asks graduates of college, polytechnic and other non-university programs for CLB 5 in all four skills, and anyone who graduated with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree for CLB 7. On IELTS General Training, CLB 5 is Reading 4.0 and Writing, Listening and Speaking 5.0 (IRCC score table). The PGWP takes IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core, not IELTS Academic, and college programs also face a field-of-study rule if you applied for your study permit on or after 1 November 2024 (see IELTS for the PGWP).
Frequently asked questions
Does Algonquin College accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 53 with no section under 45, or 60 with no section under 53 for degrees and graduate certificates.
Does Algonquin accept Duolingo?+
Yes. 110 (Literacy 110, no score below 95) or 120 (Literacy 120, no score below 105).
What IELTS do I need for an Algonquin graduate certificate?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0.
What IELTS does an Algonquin health diploma need?+
Most School of Health and Community Studies diplomas use the higher row: 6.5 with no band below 6.0. Check the program page.
Does the Algonquin IELTS score count for the PGWP?+
No. The college's score is an admission rule on IELTS Academic. For the PGWP, IRCC asks graduates of non-degree college programs for CLB 5 in every skill and degree graduates for CLB 7, proved with IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core.
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Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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