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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 http://futurestudents.yorku.ca/requirements/docs_language for details.

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.

Faculty of Education

Faculty of Education reserves the right to request a language proficiency test result. An English language proficiency test score is required for applicants who do not have English as their first language. Please contact the Faculty directly at 416-736-5001 or visit: http://edu.yorku.ca for more information.

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 by Student Recruitment & Applicant Relations (416-487-6710, 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 (based on academics) who have at least a 5.5 IELTS test result or 75 TOEFL iBT result. 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 including 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 course(s).

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 Academic 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, Lassonde School of Engineering (BA/BSc programs), Science programs
Overall band: 1-5
Computer: 220
iBT: 83
6.5
Minimum Score:
Nursing
Overall band: 1-4 Computer: 230
IBT: 89
7
Minimum Score:
Schulich School of Business
Overall band: 1 Computer: 250
iBT: 100
7.5
Minimum Score:
Lassonde School of Engineering (BEng programs)
Overall band: 2 Computer: 243-249
iBT: 96-99
7.5
Minimum Score:
Liberal Arts and Professional Studies: BAS & BHRM
Overall band: 1-3 Computer: 237
iBT: 95
7

The above requirements are general guidelines only. See http://futurestudents.yorku.ca/requirements/docs_language. York may accept other language proficiency tests such as Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB), Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) and Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE, CPE). Visit futurestudents.yorku.ca/requirements/language_tests for details.