Please refer to the Academic Calendar for current information regarding admission requirements for English Language Proficiency (regulation 1.1). Acceptable tests include:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 90 or higher in the internet-based test, with not less than 20 in any of the Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking components; or equivalent other TOEFL score. UNBC's institutional TOEFL code is 0320.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of at least 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any of the four modules. IELTS Indicator is not accepted. We do accept the IELTS Online/Computer Based and Paper/In-Person tests.
- CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment) or the CAEL CE : overall 70, with no subtest below 60.
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) - CELPIT-A (Academic Reading and Writing): 4H - CELL (Listening): 4H - CELTOP (Speaking): 4H
- MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): 85 final score, with 3 in the speaking test.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): 65 overall score, with a score of not less than 60 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
- BCCAT EAP 4 program: A final grade of 3.00 (B) or better in an articulated program prior to application for Graduate admissions
- Duolingo (As a continuation of our temporary COVID-19 measures, we continue to accept the Duolingo English Test. We have increased our minimum scores, effective for the May (Spring) 2025 and September (Fall) 2025 admission cycles): overall score of 125, with no individual subscore below 115.
Note: The MEng in Integrated Wood Design program has a higher English Language test score requirements:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of at least 7.0 overall, with not less than 6.5 in any of the four modules.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 100 in the internet-based test, with not less than 25 in any of the Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking components; or equivalent other TOEFL score
- Duolingo overall score of 135, with no individual subscore below 125.
- Equivalent test score accepted by the University.
English Language Proficiency Test Exemption List
The following countries and academic institutions are exempt from English language proficiency testing requirements for admission to UNBC.
This list is subject to modification, including additions and deletions, where approved by the Office of the Registrar.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
- American Samoa
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bangladesh (only if you have been granted a degree from any of the following institutions):
- Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
- Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology
- Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology
- Independent University
- Islamic University of Technology
- Khulna University of Engineering and Technology
- North South University
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Belize (British Honduras)
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Cayman Island
- Dominica
- England
- Falkland Islands
- Fiji
- Gambia, The
- Ghana
- Gibraltar
- Grenada
- Guam
- Guyana
- Hong Kong (only if you have been granted a degree from any of the following institutions):
- City University of Hong Kong
- Hong Kong Baptist University
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
- University of Hong Kong
- Ireland (Republic of Eire)
- Ireland (Northern)
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kyrgyzstan (only if you have been granted a degree from any of the following institutions):
- University of Central Asia
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Pacific Island
- Pakistan (only if you have been granted a degree from any of the following institutions):
- Aga Khan University
- Gomal University
- Hamdard University
- Lahore University of Management Sciences
- Mehran University of Engineering and Technology
- National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences
- NED University of Engineering and Technology
- NWFP Agricultural University
- NWFP University of Engineering and Technology
- Quaid-i-Azam University
- Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam
- Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology
- University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
- University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore
- University of Health Sciences
- University of Karachi
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- South Africa
- St. Helena
- St. Kitts & Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent
- Scotland
- Tajikistan (only if you have been granted a degree from any of the following institutions):
- University of Central Asia
- Tanzania
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Turks & Caicos Islands
- Uganda
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Virgin Islands
- Wales​
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Submitting an English Language Proficiency Test Result after the Application Deadline
If you are unable to take your English language proficiency test until after the application deadline, you can still apply. However, your application will be considered as a late application. Your application will also be considered incomplete and no transcript evaluation can be done until after the test result is received. You take the risk that the graduate program you are applying to may close admission prior to your test result being received.
Late and incomplete applications are not considered for UNBC scholarships or awards.