University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for Saint Paul University in Ottawa?

Saint Paul University in Ottawa, where students can study in English, French or both, asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in Writing at every level: bachelor's, master's and doctorate. TOEFL iBT 86, PTE Academic 60 and Duolingo 120 are accepted for undergraduates, with lower TOEFL and PTE scores for graduate study.Source: Saint Paul University in Ottawa official English requirements · checked 31 October 2026
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

Saint Paul English test scores

From Saint Paul's required scores for language proficiency tests, a page last edited on 5 March 2024 and still live on 31 Oct 2026.

TestBachelor'sMaster's and doctorate
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, Writing 6.56.5 overall, Writing 6.5
TOEFL iBT86, Writing 2279, Writing 24
PTE Academic60, Writing 6058, Writing 58
Cambridge (CAE)C1B2
Duolingo120Not accepted (undergraduate only)

Exemptions and other routes

Saint Paul's international students page says you can skip the English test if you completed three years of full-time study at an institution where English is the only language of instruction, in a place where English is an official language on the University of Ottawa's list. The page names TOEFL, IELTS, CAEL, MELAB, CPE and PTE Academic as recognised tests.

Levels 5 and 6 of the BIR Training Center's English test preparation programme in Chicago also meet the undergraduate language requirement. Because English is an official language in India, Pakistan and Nigeria, check the University of Ottawa list and whether your school or degree taught only in English before deciding not to test.

Free test: are you at Saint Paul University in Ottawa'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.

Take a free mock →

Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

Studying in English, French or both

Saint Paul lets students study in French, in English or in both. French-language study needs proof of French, such as DELF or DALF. International undergraduates need a diploma certifying 12 years of education equivalent to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, and master's applicants need a four-year honours degree with at least 70% (B).

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

Minimum vs competitive score

Where Saint Paul University in Ottawa 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 Saint Paul University need?+

IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.5 in Writing, for bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Does Saint Paul University accept Duolingo?+

Yes, for undergraduate study only, with a score of 120.

What PTE does Saint Paul University need?+

PTE Academic 60 with Writing 60 for bachelor's, and 58 with Writing 58 for graduate study.

Can I skip the English test at Saint Paul University?+

Yes, if you completed three years of full-time study at an English-only institution in a place where English is an official language on the University of Ottawa's list.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 31 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy