Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 4 November 2026
Concordia St. Paul minimums by level
From the University's English language proficiency page. It labels PTE as "Pearson English Language Test | PTE" without saying Academic, so confirm the PTE version with admissions.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.5 overall | PTE 46, Duolingo 90 |
| Undergraduate nursing | 6.5, at least 6.0 on all modules | PTE 55 with at least 50 on all sub-scores |
| Graduate | 6.0 overall | PTE 52, Duolingo 100 |
Validity, exemptions and ELS
An IELTS, PTE or TOEFL must have been taken within two years of submitting an undergraduate application. For graduate applicants the limit is no longer than two years before the start date at Concordia St. Paul. The page says IELTS needs no institutional code.
Undergraduates are exempt with a US high school diploma, and graduate applicants with six or more credits from an accredited US institution, not counting college readiness courses. ELS Level 112 completion, or Level 109 with IELTS 5.5, is an undergraduate alternative.
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Nursing and physical therapy
The page tells nursing applicants to check their state Board of Nursing for current licensure scores. The Doctor of Physical Therapy entry quotes only TOEFL scores, so ask the programme what IELTS equivalent it accepts.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Concordia St. Paul programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Concordia University, St. Paul publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What IELTS score does Concordia University St. Paul need?+
5.5 overall for undergraduates and 6.0 overall for graduate programmes, on the Academic test.
What IELTS does Concordia St. Paul need for nursing?+
6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 on all modules for undergraduate nursing applicants.
Is IELTS General Training accepted?+
No. The page says the general training exam is not accepted.
How old can my score be?+
Within two years of the application for undergraduates, and no longer than two years before the start date for graduates.
Keep reading
Related
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- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- How long is IELTS valid?
- All 5669 guides
Guide updated on 4 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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