Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
JIBC minimum test scores
From JIBC's English requirements page for international students. The page says scores can differ by program; it does not split them by level.
| Test | Overall | Per skill |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.0 in each band |
| TOEFL iBT | 80 | 20 in each band |
| PTE Academic | 58 | Listening 48, Reading 53, Speaking 46, Writing 62 |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 | Not listed |
| CAEL | 60 | 50 in each band |
| LanguageCert Academic | 73 | 65 in each band |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Grade C | Not listed |
| CLB placement test | Not listed | 7 in each band |
| iTEP Academic | 3.9 | Not listed |
PTE Writing and language-school routes
The PTE line is uneven: the Writing minimum of 62 is higher than the overall 58, so a candidate with a strong overall score can still miss on Writing. Duolingo results must be sent directly to JIBC.
JIBC also accepts completion of set levels at three English providers in place of a test: International Language Schools Canada (A2 level as listed), EF Education First (C1 level) and Vancouver Community College's ELSK 0815 and ELSK 0820 with Satisfactory in both. The page lists no country or English-medium exemption, so plan on a test unless International Studies confirms otherwise.
Free test: are you at JIBC'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.
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Timing and how to check
Every test must be completed within 24 months of your program start date, which is stricter than counting from the application date. Questions go to JIBC International Studies.
Requirements vary by program and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your JIBC 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 the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) 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 JIBC need?+
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each band.
Does JIBC accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 58 overall with Listening 48, Reading 53, Speaking 46 and Writing 62.
Does JIBC accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo English Test 120 overall, sent directly to JIBC.
How old can my IELTS be for JIBC?+
The test must be completed within 24 months of your program start date.
Keep reading
Related
- Vancouver Community College IELTS requirement
- Simon Fraser University IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- IELTS for Canada: scores by university
- 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.
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