University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Athabasca University?

Athabasca University asks undergraduate and graduate applicants for a TOEFL score of 4 overall with at least 3.5 in Reading, Listening and Writing and 4 in Speaking on tests from 21 January 2026. Older tests need 80; the undergraduate calendar also asks for an essay score of 20. Scores must be no more than two years old.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

Athabasca TOEFL minimums by level

From Athabasca's undergraduate calendar English language proficiency page and the graduate calendar English language proficiency page.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Undergraduate, tests from 21 January 20264 overall; 3.5 Reading, Listening and Writing; 4 Speaking
Undergraduate, tests before 21 January 202680, with an essay score of 20 and 46 on all other bandsAs written in the calendar
Graduate, tests after 21 January 20264 overall; 3.5 Reading, Listening and Writing; 4 Speaking
Graduate, tests before 21 January 202680

How Athabasca handles TOEFL scores

Undergraduate test scores cannot be older than two years and must be official, issued directly by the testing centre; proof is sent by email to enrol@athabascau.ca. Graduate applicants need their most recent official score from the last two years. Meeting a test level does not guarantee admission, and Athabasca may still ask for extra courses. The pages give no institution code or MyBest policy.

For comparison, the undergraduate calendar and the graduate calendar both set IELTS at 6.0.

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If your TOEFL score is below Athabasca's level

Undergraduates can meet the requirement by completing Athabasca's English Language Proficiency Program with an overall average of 75 per cent (GPA 3.0), or by completing 15 credits at a recognised English-speaking post-secondary institution. Graduate applicants can use a 70% grade in a recognised Athabasca English course.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Athabasca programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Athabasca University need?+

4 overall with 3.5 in Reading, Listening and Writing and 4 in Speaking on tests from 21 January 2026.

What old-scale TOEFL score does Athabasca accept?+

80 on tests taken before 21 January 2026; the undergraduate calendar also lists an essay score of 20.

How old can my TOEFL score be for Athabasca?+

No more than two years old.

Is the Athabasca TOEFL level the same for graduate study?+

Yes. The graduate calendar sets the same 4 overall with the same section minimums, or 80 on older tests.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 1 November 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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