Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
FIC scores by entry level
From FIC's English requirements page. All three levels lead to the Bachelor's Degree FIC Pathway (Foundation or Year One entry); they differ in how many English courses you take first. Direct and integrated entry take three terms, cornerstone entry four.
| Test | Direct entry | Integrated entry | Cornerstone entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0; Reading and Writing 6.0, Speaking and Listening 5.5 | 5.5, no band below 4.5 | 5.0, no band below 4.0 |
| Duolingo | 110 | 95 | 80 |
| PTE | 58, 58 in each skill | 50; Reading and Writing 50, Listening and Speaking 43 | Not accepted |
| TOEFL (from 21 Jan 2026) | 4.0; Reading and Writing 4.0 | 3.5; Reading and Writing 3.5 | 2.5; Reading and Writing 2.5 |
| TOEFL iBT (before 21 Jan 2026) | 78; Reading and Writing 18 | 59; Reading and Writing 15 | 45; Reading and Writing 10 |
| CAEL | 60; Reading and Writing 60 | 60, no band below 50 | Not accepted |
Skipping the academic literacy course
Direct entry includes a non-credit academic literacy course (ALCE). You are exempt from it with IELTS 6.5 and at least 6.0 in Reading and Writing, TOEFL 88 with 20 in each component, Duolingo 125 or PVT 61 with no band below 61.
FIC's list of English-as-a-principal-language countries includes Nigeria and Ghana but not India, Pakistan or Bangladesh, so the secondary-school English route applies only from listed countries or from recognised international schools after four years of English-medium study.
Free test: are you at FIC's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Below 4.5 and how to check
If your IELTS is below 4.5, FIC offers advice on specialist ESL colleges in Vancouver with monthly intakes. TOEFL scores go to FIC under institution code 1452, and FIC accepts online versions of some tests; ask admissions which ones.
Requirements vary by program and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your FIC program page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test. Admission scores are separate from immigration rules: see IELTS for a Canada study permit and IELTS for the Canada PGWP.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Fraser International College (FIC) 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 does Fraser International College need?+
For direct entry, IELTS Academic 6.0 with 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.5 in Speaking and Listening. Lower levels start from 5.0.
Does FIC accept Duolingo?+
Yes. 110 for direct entry, 95 for integrated entry and 80 for cornerstone entry.
Does FIC accept PTE?+
Yes, for direct entry (58 with 58 in each skill) and integrated entry (50). PTE is not accepted for cornerstone entry.
What IELTS skips FIC's academic literacy course?+
IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in Reading and Writing.
Keep reading
Related
- Simon Fraser University IELTS requirement
- International College of Manitoba IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- IELTS band score calculator
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages 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