University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for McMaster Divinity College?

McMaster Divinity College asks applicants whose first language is not English for IELTS 7.0 in all categories or TOEFL 92. It recognises only those two tests; Duolingo and others are not accepted. You may not need a test if English is your first language, you completed your post-secondary education in English, or you have lived in Canada for more than four years.Source: McMaster Divinity College official English requirements · checked 29 October 2026
  • Guide updated · 29 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026

McMaster Divinity College minimums

From the college's international students page. This is McMaster Divinity College's own rule, separate from McMaster University's general admissions.

TestMinimum
IELTS7.0 in all categories
TOEFL92
Duolingo and other testsNot accepted

Who is exempt

The college lists three exemptions: English is your first language, you completed your post-secondary education in English, or you have lived in Canada for more than four years. The post-secondary route names no country, so a degree taught in English in India, Pakistan or Nigeria reads as qualifying; contact admissions to confirm.

For other proof of English, applicants are told to contact Admissions.

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Transcripts and how to check

Transcripts not in English need an official translation, and the college may ask for a WES assessment. If accepted, you receive an acceptance letter and a document for your study permit application.

Requirements vary by program and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your McMaster Divinity College 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 McMaster Divinity College 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 McMaster Divinity College need?+

IELTS 7.0 in all categories.

Does McMaster Divinity College accept Duolingo?+

No. Only TOEFL and IELTS are recognised.

What TOEFL does McMaster Divinity College need?+

TOEFL 92.

Is the requirement the same as McMaster University?+

No. McMaster Divinity College publishes its own rule. See the McMaster University guide for the university's general scores.

Keep reading

Related

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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