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Language Proficiency Requirements

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Programs at the Keele Campus are offered in English, while programs at our Glendon Campus are offered in a bilingual (French/English) environment. To gain admission, you must demonstrate proficiency in your program’s language of instruction.

For admission to a program offered at Keele

If you are applying for a program offered in English and have not completed four full years of study in English at the secondary-school level in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the primary language of instruction, you must demonstrate your language proficiency in English. Some exemptions may apply, visit futurestudents.yorku.ca.

Students who have completed, or are in the process of completing, the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma may meet our English language requirements. Students must show achievement of the IB diploma once it's been granted.

For admission to a program offered at Glendon

If you are applying to Glendon, you have the option of providing proof of language proficiency in either English or French. You can provide an acceptable English language test or write the French Language Admissions Test administered via Glendon Recruitment Services (416-487-6710, liaison@glendon.yorku.ca).

Si vous faites une demande d'admission au campus Glendon, vous avez le choix de faire preuve de votre compétence en anglais ou en français. Vous pouvez vous présenter à l'un des tests de langue anglaise ci-dessus, ou passer le test de compétence en langue française administré via le Service de recrutement de Glendon (416-487-6710 ou liaison@glendon.yorku.ca).

Special conditional admission for high-achieving applicants

For those required to meet language proficiency requirements, York may offer conditional admission to academically highly qualified students who have yet to present an acceptable language test score. Eligible candidates must present a minimum 80% average on Grade 12 U/M credits or standing equivalent to an "A" average in senior-level academic course prerequisites. Official proof of the applicant’s proficiency must be submitted at least one month prior to the start of classes to clear this condition of admission.

Note: time spent in ESL courses will not be counted towards meeting these requirements. Language requirements will not be waived based on letters written by students, SAT/ACT scores or as a result of completing senior-level high-school English courses.

These are general guidelines only. York University reserves the right to request a successfully completed language proficiency test.

If you are unsure whether or not you meet York’s language requirements, you should submit an acceptable English-language test score as soon as possible to avoid potential delays in the processing of your application for admission.

Language Test Exemption for Students who Complete Courses at the York University English Language Institute (YUELI)

YUELI offers a range of non-credit, full-time and part-time English-language training courses that prepare students for university study.

Completion of the YUELI Intensive Program Level 6 with Distinction, Honours or Pass satisfies York’s English Language Proficiency requirements for admission to most of York’s undergraduate programs. Engineering and the Schulich School of Business programs require Distinction.

For more information, contact YUELI at 416-736-5353 or visit http://yueli.yorku.ca.

Language Test Scores

Language test scores are reviewed in combination with academic credentials to determine your admissibility to the University.

  YELT

York English Language Test
TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language York’s TOEFL code is 0894
IELTS

International English Language Testing Service
Minimum Score:
Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (most programs) Environmental Studies, Fine Arts, Glendon, Health, Science programs (except Engineering)
Overall band: 1-5
Computer: 220
Paper: 560
iBT: 83
6.5
Minimum Score:
Nursing
Overall band: 1-4 Computer: 230
Paper: 573
IBT: 89
7
Minimum Score:
Schulich School of Business
Overall band: 1 Computer: 250
Paper: 600
iBT: 100
7.5
Minimum Score:
Engineering programs
Overall band: 2 Computer: 243
Paper: 590
iBT: 96
7.5
Minimum Score:
Liberal Arts and Professional Studies: Bachelor of Administrative Studies; Bachelor of Human Resources Management
Overall band: 1-3 Computer: 237
Paper: 590
iBT: 95
7