Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
King's English test scores
From the undergraduate and graduate and advanced English language requirement pages.
| Test | Undergraduate | Graduate and advanced (incl. journalism) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5, no band below 6.0 | 7 (Academic) |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 with 20 in each band (new 1-6 scale: 4.5 overall) | 92 (new scale: 4.5, no band below 4.5) |
| PTE Academic | 61, no skill below 50 | 65, nothing below 54 |
| Duolingo | 120 | Not listed |
| CAEL | 70 | 70, no band below 60 |
| Cambridge C1/C2 | 180, no band below 170 | Not listed |
When you can skip the test
For undergraduates, three years of full-time study at an English-language secondary school or one full-time year at an English-language post-secondary institution may mean you need no test. School English grades also count: IB English A at 5 or English B at 6, AP English at 4, or GCSE/IGCSE English at B. The Oxford ELLT (7 overall, no component below 6) is accepted for undergraduates.
For graduate and advanced programmes the test may be waived if you completed a degree at a recognised university that taught in English, in a country where English is a national language. Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.
Free test: are you at the University of King's College in Halifax'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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Journalism applicants and how to check
King's says reporting in Canada needs strong spoken and written English, so admitted international students in the One-Year Bachelor of Journalism and Master of Journalism must complete a free online course before their first term. A few students may be asked to take extra English training at their own cost.
King's is linked to Dalhousie University through the King's/Dalhousie Association, and Dalhousie's EAP Level 2 at A- is accepted for graduate and advanced study. Send scores directly from the testing body; the TOEFL code is 0990.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your King's course page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of King's College in Halifax 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 the University of King's College need?+
IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 for undergraduate admission.
What IELTS do I need for the Master of Journalism at King's?+
IELTS Academic 7, the requirement for its graduate and advanced programmes.
Does King's accept Duolingo?+
Yes, for undergraduates, with a minimum score of 120.
Does King's accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 61 with no skill below 50 for undergraduates, and 65 with nothing below 54 for graduate and advanced programmes.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in Canada accepting IELTS 6.5
- IELTS for Canada
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- How long is IELTS valid?
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 3605 guides
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.
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