Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026
Carleton TOEFL minimums by level
From Carleton's undergraduate English language requirements page (Tables 1 and 2, updated 8 January 2026) and the graduate regulations in the calendar.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, no ESL requirement | 4.5, minimum 4.0 in each band | Tests after 21 January 2026 |
| Undergraduate, no ESL requirement (older tests) | 86; 22 Writing and Speaking, 20 Reading and Listening | Tests before 21 January 2026 |
| Undergraduate with ESL requirement | 3.0, minimum 2.5 in each band | Academic ESL courses in first term(s) |
| Undergraduate with ESL requirement (older tests) | 51; Listening 11, Reading 11, Writing 13, Speaking 16 | |
| Graduate, tests from 21 January 2026 | 4.5; Writing 5.0, Speaking, Reading and Listening 4.5 | Paper-based TOEFL: 580 |
| Graduate, tests before 21 January 2026 | 86; Writing 22, Speaking 22, Reading 20, Listening 20 |
How Carleton handles TOEFL scores
Ask ETS to send your TOEFL results electronically to Carleton using institution number 0854. Carleton may request a test from any applicant, and if you submit both transcripts and a test score it may reassess the admission decision. The pages state no validity period or MyBest policy.
For comparison, the undergraduate page and the graduate regulations both set IELTS Academic at 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each band.
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If your TOEFL score is below Carleton's level
With a TOEFL score at the Table 2 level you may be admitted with an English as a Second Language Requirement (ESLR), taking Academic ESL alongside a limited number of degree courses. Admission with an ESLR is not available for some programmes, including Architectural Studies, Entrepreneurship, Health Sciences, Humanities, Industrial Design and Information Technology. At graduate level, ESLA 1900 at Carleton with B- or higher meets the requirement.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Carleton programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Carleton need?+
4.5 with 4.0 in each band on tests after 21 January 2026, or 86 with section minimums on older tests, for direct undergraduate entry.
What is Carleton's TOEFL institution code?+
0854.
Can I get into Carleton with a lower TOEFL score?+
Yes, with an ESL requirement, from TOEFL 3.0 (2.5 per band) or 51 on older tests, except for some listed programmes.
What TOEFL score does Carleton graduate study need?+
4.5 with 5.0 in Writing and 4.5 in the other skills, or 86 with section minimums on older tests.
Keep reading
Related
- Carleton IELTS requirement
- Queen's University TOEFL requirement
- TOEFL for Canada
- IELTS for Canada: scores by university
- All 4564 guides
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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