Wilfrid Laurier English test minimums
Undergraduate scores are from Laurier's undergraduate English proficiency page; graduate scores are from the graduate admissions English proficiency page. TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition needs 83 with 20 in each section for tests written before January 2026, or 4.5 with 4.0 in each section from January 2026, at both levels.
CAEL 70 is accepted at both levels (undergraduates also need 60 in each band). Undergraduates can use Cambridge C1 or C2 at 176 or LanguageCert Academic 70 with 65 per skill. Graduate applicants can use PTE Academic Online and the paper TOEFL at 560.
| Level | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.5, 6.0 each band | 83 (20 each) or 4.5 (4.0 each) | 59 | 120 |
| Graduate (minimum) | 6.5, no band below 6.0 | 83 (20 each) or 4.5 (4.0 each) | 59 | Not accepted |
IELTS Online, validity and program scores
Both levels list IELTS Online alongside IELTS Academic. Undergraduate scores must be from a test completed within two years of the date you submit them; graduate tests must be taken within the last 24 months when you apply. Individual graduate programs may add language requirements of their own.
A position on IELTS One Skill Retake is not stated by Laurier. Graduate applicants whose previous degree was taught in English can submit an official letter from that institution instead of a test.
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Undergraduates can meet the requirement through the Academic Transition Pathway at Wilfrid Laurier International College, Renison's English for Academic Success Level 400 at 75%, or Guelph's ELCP advanced levels at 75%. ATP is not accepted for the BBA/BCS or BBA/BMath double degrees with Waterloo. Graduate applicants can use EFAS Level 400 at 75%.
Study permit and PGWP: separate rules
Laurier'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 Laurier accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 59 overall for undergraduate and graduate admission; graduate admissions also lists PTE Academic Online.
Does Laurier accept Duolingo?+
For undergraduates, yes: 120. Laurier states the Duolingo English Test is not accepted for graduate programs.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Laurier?+
6.5 with no band below 6.0. Some programs add their own language requirements.
Does Laurier accept IELTS Online?+
Yes, at both undergraduate and graduate level, with the same 6.5 and 6.0 minimums.
Is the Laurier 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 Waterloo IELTS requirement
- University of Guelph 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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