Carleton English test minimums
Undergraduate scores are from Carleton's undergraduate ESL admissions page (Table 1, no ESL requirement); graduate scores are from section 3.6 of the graduate General Regulations. TOEFL iBT is 86 with 22 in Writing and Speaking and 20 in Reading and Listening for tests before 21 January 2026 at both levels. After that, undergraduates need 4.5 with 4.0 in each band, and graduate applicants 4.5 with Writing 5.0 and 4.5 elsewhere.
Undergraduate Duolingo needs 120 with 110 in Writing, Reading and Speaking and 105 in Listening; graduate Duolingo needs 125 with 120 in each integrated sub-score. CAEL 70 with 60 per band is accepted at both levels, and undergraduates can use Cambridge C1 or C2 at 176 (169 per component).
| Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (no ESL requirement) | 6.5, 6.0 each band | 86 (W/S 22, R/L 20) or 4.5 (4.0 each) | 55, 47 each skill | 120 (W/R/S 110, L 105) |
| Undergraduate with ESL requirement | 5.0, 4.5 each band | 51 or 3.0 (2.5 each) | 31, 24 each skill | 80 (section minimums) |
| Graduate (minimum) | 6.5, 6.0 each band | 86 (W/S 22, R/L 20) or 4.5 (W 5.0) | 60, 60 each skill | 125, 120 each sub-score |
Admission with an ESL requirement
Undergraduates in Table 2 start their degree while taking Academic ESL (ESLA) courses, which can take up to three terms, alongside a limited number of degree courses. This route is not open to programs including Architectural Studies, Health Sciences, Journalism, International Business, Nursing and all Post Baccalaureate Diplomas.
IELTS and TOEFL results must be sent electronically by the test centre using institution number 0854. A validity period and a position on IELTS One Skill Retake are not stated by Carleton.
Know your target? Check where you stand
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free scored IELTS mock →Graduate program scores
The graduate calendar notes that some programs demand higher English scores, set in their own admission requirements. Graduate applicants can also meet the requirement with a B- or higher in Carleton's ESLA 1900, and those who fall short may be admitted with an ESL requirement or remedial course work.
Study permit and PGWP: separate rules
Carleton'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: university graduates need CLB 7 in all four skills, proved with IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General or PTE Core, not IELTS Academic (see IELTS for the PGWP).
Frequently asked questions
Does Carleton accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 55 with 47 in each skill for undergraduates, and 60 with 60 in each skill for graduate applicants.
Does Carleton accept Duolingo?+
Yes. 120 with section minimums for undergraduates, and 125 with 120 in each integrated sub-score for graduate applicants.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Carleton?+
At least 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band. Some programs require more.
Can I get into Carleton with IELTS 5.0?+
Possibly, as an undergraduate with an ESL requirement: IELTS 5.0 with 4.5 in each band, taking Academic ESL courses. Some programs exclude this route.
Is the Carleton IELTS score the same as the study permit requirement?+
No. IRCC sets no minimum language score for a study permit; the university's score is an admission rule. The PGWP later needs CLB 7 for university graduates, on a General Training-type test.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Ottawa IELTS requirement
- Duolingo to IELTS converter
- IELTS for Canada
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy