McGill English test minimums
Undergraduate scores are from McGill's undergraduate English proficiency page; graduate scores are from Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Undergraduate TOEFL is 90 to 100 on the 120 scale (21 in each section) or 4.5 to 5.0 on the 6-point scale (Reading, Listening and Writing 4.5, Speaking 4.0), depending on program. Graduate TOEFL is 86 with 20 in each section, or 4.5 with Speaking 4.0.
Undergraduates can also use CAEL 70 (60 per component), Cambridge C2 Proficiency grade C or C1 Advanced grade B, or McGill's Certificate of Proficiency in English. Both the regular IELTS Academic and IELTS for UKVI are accepted.
| Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.5, 6.0 each band | 90–100 (21 each) or 4.5–5.0 | 65, 60 each part | 125 (130 for B.Com. and B.Ed. TESL) |
| Graduate (minimum) | 6.5 | 86 (20 each) or 4.5 | Not accepted | Not accepted |
Program examples and test formats
Undergraduate Education (TESL) and Management need TOEFL 100 or 5.0 and Duolingo 130, while Music accepts TOEFL 79–80 or 4.0. At graduate level McGill notes that some programs require higher scores, so check the department page.
McGill does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake at either level, and its graduate page says it does not accept the IELTS Online test. Scores must be sent electronically by the test centre; paper Test Report Forms are not accepted. TOEFL MyBest scores are not used. A validity period is not stated by McGill on these pages.
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Study permit and PGWP: separate rules
McGill'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 McGill accept Duolingo?+
For undergraduates, yes: 125, or 130 for B.Com. and B.Ed. TESL. McGill graduate admissions does not accept Duolingo.
Does McGill accept PTE?+
Undergraduate admissions accepts PTE Academic 65 with 60 in each part. Graduate admissions does not accept PTE.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at McGill?+
An IELTS Academic band score of 6.5 or more, sent electronically; some departments require higher.
Is IELTS One Skill Retake accepted at McGill?+
No, at undergraduate or graduate level. The graduate office also rejects IELTS Online.
Is the McGill 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
- Concordia University IELTS requirement
- TOEFL to IELTS converter
- IELTS for Canada
- IELTS for a Canada study permit
- 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.
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