University of Ottawa English test minimums
Undergraduate scores are from the uOttawa undergraduate language requirements page; graduate scores are from the graduate studies how-to-apply page. Undergraduate TOEFL is 86 with Writing 22 (before 21 January 2026), or 4.5 with Writing 4.5. Graduate TOEFL is 84 with Writing 24 and no part below 20, or for newer tests 4.5 or 86 overall with section minimums.
Undergraduates can also use CAEL 60 with Writing 60 and 60 in Reading, Speaking and Listening, or Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency at 176. Graduate alternatives are Cambridge 170 (no part below 160), PTE 60 (no part below 59) and CAEL 70 (no part below 60).
| Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (direct entry) | 6.5, Writing 6.5 | 86 (W 22) or 4.5 (W 4.5) | 60, Writing 60 | 120, Literacy 120 |
| Graduate | 6.5, Writing 6.5, no band below 6 | 84 (W 24, 20 each) or 4.5/86 | 60, no part below 59 | Not listed by uOttawa |
One Skill Retake, excluded tests and validity
uOttawa states: "We accept IELTS (Academic) One Skill Retake", and the graduate chart lists One Skill Retake alongside IELTS Academic. TOEFL MyBest is accepted at both levels. For undergraduate admission, IELTS for UKVI, CELPIP and Bright Language are not accepted because they are designed for immigration or non-academic purposes.
Undergraduate tests must be completed less than two years before the start of the term you apply for, and only your latest scores are considered.
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An undergraduate IELTS of 6.0 overall lets you start your program directly with extra ESL courses. Lower scores, from 4.5 overall with Writing 5 (or 5 with Writing 4.5), can lead to conditional admission through the English Intensive Program, which runs 8 to 42 weeks. Passing its top course, ESL 0140, with a B or higher replaces the test.
Study permit and PGWP: separate rules
The University of Ottawa'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 uOttawa accept PTE?+
Yes. Undergraduates need PTE 60 with Writing 60; graduate applicants need 60 with no part below 59.
Does the University of Ottawa accept Duolingo?+
For undergraduate direct entry, yes: 120 overall with Literacy 120. Duolingo is not on the graduate test chart.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at uOttawa?+
6.5 overall with 6.5 in Writing and no band below 6. Some programs set different requirements.
Is IELTS One Skill Retake accepted at the University of Ottawa?+
Yes, for undergraduate and graduate admission.
Is the uOttawa 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
- McGill IELTS requirement
- Concordia University IELTS requirement
- 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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