Western University English test minimums
Undergraduate scores are from Western's English language proficiency page; graduate scores are from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies international page. Undergraduate TOEFL is 83 with 20 in each section (before 21 January 2026), or 4.5 with Reading, Speaking and Writing 4.0 and Listening 4.5. Graduate TOEFL is 86 with no section below 20, or 4.5 with no section below 4.
Undergraduates can also use Cambridge C1 or C2 at 176 (169 per section) or CAEL 60 (60 per section). Graduate alternatives include CAEL 60 and completing the High-Advanced level at the Western English Language Centre.
| Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.5, 6.0 each section | 83 (20 each) or 4.5 | 58, 56 each section | 115, 100 each subscore |
| Graduate (minimum) | 6.5 | 86 (20 each) or 4.5 (4 each) | Not listed by Western | 115 |
Test dates, One Skill Retake and higher program scores
For fall 2027 undergraduate admission, Western says to write your test before March 2027 and will not accept scores from tests written before 1 January 2025. Only electronically sent IELTS results are accepted. Nursing applicants have different English requirements. One Skill Retake is not stated by Western.
At graduate level Western states that programs "may require a higher minimum score", so the program page decides.
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If your undergraduate scores are close, Western can admit you to the English Boost Program followed by your degree. Its IELTS minimum is 5.5 overall, 5.5 in Reading and Writing and 5.0 in each section; it also sets Boost minimums for TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, CAEL and Duolingo.
Study permit and PGWP: separate rules
Western'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 Western accept PTE?+
For undergraduates, yes: PTE Academic 58 with 56 in each section. The graduate studies page does not list PTE.
Does Western University accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Undergraduates need 115 with 100 in each subscore; the graduate minimum is 115.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Western?+
The graduate minimum is 6.5, but many programs set higher overall or band scores.
Does Western accept IELTS Online?+
Yes for undergraduate admission: IELTS Academic at a test centre or via IELTS Online.
Is the Western 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.
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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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