Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Northern Lakes minimum scores
From Northern Lakes College's international students page.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.0, no band below 6.0 |
| Duolingo | 110, no subtest below 100 |
| PTE Academic | 50 |
| TOEFL iBT | 84, no section below 21 |
| CAEL | 60, no subtest below 60 |
| CELPIP General | 8, no skill below 7 |
| CLBA | 8, no skill below 7 |
| TOEIC | 730/790 with TSE 50 |
Exempt countries
The college's exempt list includes Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Singapore, Great Britain, Ireland, the US, Australia, New Zealand and several Caribbean and Pacific states, plus Canada when educated in English. India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are not on it.
Northern Lakes can still ask for a test from an exempt applicant if there is evidence of weaker English, and it may waive the requirement in special circumstances.
Free test: are you at Northern Lakes College'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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Program rules and how to check
The page warns that individual programs may have their own minimum scores and that an interview with the program advisor may be required. Your Admissions Specialist will tell you if your program differs.
Requirements vary by program and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Northern Lakes 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 Northern Lakes 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 Northern Lakes College need?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0.
Does Northern Lakes College accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 110 overall with no subtest below 100.
Does Northern Lakes College accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 50.
Do Indian students need IELTS for Northern Lakes College?+
Yes, unless admissions grant a special waiver. India is not on the exempt-country list.
Keep reading
Related
- Portage College IELTS requirement
- Northwestern Polytechnic IELTS requirement
- Lakeland College IELTS requirement
- 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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