University of Calgary English test minimums
Undergraduate scores are from UCalgary's English language requirements page and the full table in Academic Calendar section A.12; graduate scores are from the Faculty of Graduate Studies how-to-apply page. Most undergraduate programs take TOEFL 86 (before 21 January 2026) or 4.5 after it; Nursing needs 92 with 23 in each sub-score or 5 with none below 4.5, and Education 108 with 27 each or 5.5 with none below 5.5.
Graduate TOEFL is 86 with no section below 20, or 4.5 with Reading, Writing and Speaking 4.0 and Listening 4.5. Other options: CAEL 70 (undergraduate general programs; graduate with no section below 60) and Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 180, rising to 185 for Nursing and 200 for Education.
| Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (most programs) | 6.5 | 86 or 4.5 | 60 | 120 |
| Faculty of Nursing | 7.0, no band below 7.0 | 92 (23 each) or 5 (none below 4.5) | 65, no skill below 65 | 130, sub-scores 130 |
| Werklund School of Education | 8.0, no band below 7.0 | 108 (27 each) or 5.5 (5.5 each) | 80, no skill below 75 | 150, sub-scores 130 |
| Graduate (FGS minimum) | 6.5, no section below 6.0 | 86 (20 each) or 4.5 (L 4.5, others 4.0) | 59 | 125, no sub-score below 105 |
Band scores, validity and One Skill Retake
For most undergraduate programs the calendar lists IELTS 6.5 with no separate band minimum. It adds that a test score you submit without needing one is still considered and must meet these minimums. Applicants to Law, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine are told to check English requirements with those faculties.
Graduate: the faculty calls its scores "the minimum ELP standard required by FGS" and says your program may set higher standards. A test validity period and a position on IELTS One Skill Retake are not stated by the University of Calgary on these pages.
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →UCalgary's English pathway
The Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) is UCalgary's English pathway program. Undergraduates registered in it may be eligible for conditional admission, and it takes 4 to 11 months depending on your level. Finishing every ACC course with at least a B+ meets the requirement for undergraduate and graduate admission.
Study permit and PGWP: separate rules
The University of Calgary'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 the University of Calgary accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 60 for most undergraduate programs (65 for Nursing, 80 for Education) and 59 for graduate admission.
Does UCalgary accept Duolingo?+
Yes. 120 for most undergraduate programs, 130 for Nursing and 150 for Education, and 125 with no sub-score below 105 for graduate studies.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at UCalgary?+
The Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum is 6.5 with no section below 6.0. Your program may require more.
What IELTS does UCalgary Nursing require?+
IELTS Academic 7.0 with no band below 7.0, per the undergraduate calendar.
Is the UCalgary 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
- University of Alberta IELTS requirement
- Duolingo to IELTS converter
- IELTS for Canada
- IELTS for the Canada PGWP
- 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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