University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Saint Mary's University?

Saint Mary's University in Halifax sets its TOEFL minimum by band, not overall score: for tests taken after January 2026 you need 4.5 in listening and no other band below 4.0. Tests from January 2026 or earlier need iBT 83 with no band below 20, or 550 on paper. The same rule applies to graduate studies, where some programmes ask more. The TOEFL code is 0958.
  • Guide updated · 1 November 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 1 November 2026

Saint Mary's TOEFL minimums by level

From Saint Mary's undergraduate language requirements page and the graduate studies language requirements page.

Level or programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
Undergraduate, tests after January 20264.5 in listening, no other band below 4.0No overall figure stated
Undergraduate, tests January 2026 or earlieriBT 83, no band below 20Or 550 paper-based
Graduate, university minimumSame as undergraduateCode 0958
Graduate, higher-requirement programmesSet by programmeIncluding Master of Applied Economics, MTEI, MBA and PhD Business Administration

How Saint Mary's handles TOEFL scores

The graduate page gives 0958 as the TOEFL code for Saint Mary's, says scores older than two years are not acceptable, and states that all scores must be from one exam date, not combined with other exam dates. It asks you to upload your test-taker copy so the team can validate it, and links a list of minimum IELTS and TOEFL scores by programme.

For comparison, the undergraduate page and the graduate page both ask IELTS 6.5 with no individual score below 6.0.

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If your TOEFL score is below Saint Mary's level

For undergraduate entry, completing a university preparatory English programme at a Languages Canada-accredited school recognised by Saint Mary's, such as ALCC, ACLA, CLLC, HLIC, ILI or OICC, is an alternative to a test. The graduate page says university English preparation courses from another institution do not meet the requirement.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Saint Mary's programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Frequently asked questions

What TOEFL score does Saint Mary's University need?+

For tests after January 2026, 4.5 in listening and no other band below 4.0. Earlier tests need iBT 83 with no band below 20.

Does Saint Mary's accept TOEFL MyBest scores?+

The graduate page says all scores must be from one exam date and not combined with other dates.

What is Saint Mary's TOEFL code?+

0958.

How old can a TOEFL score be for Saint Mary's graduate studies?+

No more than two years.

Keep reading

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Guide updated on 1 November 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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