You are not required to submit proof of English proficiency (language test scores) if you have successfully completed, or are in the process of successfully completing, one of the following:

• Four full years of study in English (or French) at an accredited high school in Canada or where English is the official primary language of the country, or
• Four full years of study at the high-school level where English is the primary language of instruction, or
• One full year of study in an accredited university degree program in English in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution, or
• Two full years of study in English, in an accredited college diploma or applied degree program in a country where English is a primary language or where English is the official language of the institution.

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 applicants, SAT/ACT scores or as a result of completing senior-level high-school English course(s).

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

GCE/GCSE/IGCSE: A minimum final grade of “B” in GCSE/IGCSE/GCE Ordinary Level English, English Language, or English as a Second Language; OR a minimum final or predicted grade of “C” in GCE A Level/AS Level/AICE English or English Language.

English Language Proficiency: Exemption List

If you are not from one of the countries listed below, you are required to write an English language proficiency test:

Proof of Language Proficiency: Accepted Language Tests and Scores

For admission to most programs at York University, applicants required to submit proof of language proficiency, can choose from the York University approved English or French language tests listed below: 

Please note there are some programs that require a higher score. See Exemptions below:

Please note that English Proficiency tests are valid for a period of two years.

For a list of approved French Language Tests, please visit the Glendon Campus website.

Additional Program-Specific Language Tests and Scores

Pathway to Admission: Applicants who need to improve English proficiency

Students with unsuccessful English language test results can boost their proficiency and still obtain admission to York by completing a program at the York University English Language Institute (YUELI). YUELI provides the highest quality English language instruction, serving over 2,000 students from more than 50 different countries every year. YUELI's programs include university academic preparation programs for undergraduate and graduate students, summer language institutes and customized programs. Visit YUELI for a full listing of programs and services.

Conditional admission pending English language test results

If you have yet to complete a language proficiency test, we will still assess you for admission based on your academic record and, if eligible, will offer admission while we wait for your language tests results. This conditional admission will reserve your space in your York program. You will be able to enrol in courses when we receive an acceptable language test result or the successful completion of a program offered by the York University English Language Institute (YUELI).

To check if your language test results have been received by York University, please visit your MyFile account.

Uploading English proficiency results to MyFile is not permitted. You must request your test centre to send your IELTS or TOEFL results electronically to York University using our institution number: 0894. Please allow up to three weeks processing time.

To submit a Canadian Academic English Assessment (CAEL) score, a Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE, CPE) score, or a Duolingo score you must log in to your affiliated account and select York University as a recipient institution.

To submit a Pearson PTE Academic score, please e-mail your Pearson Score Report Code (SRC) to York University at study@yorku.ca. Please use subject line: “PTE Score Report” and include your York reference number.

If you have a conditional offer of admission to York University in any undergraduate degree program with an English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement, you may choose to fulfill your ELP by completing an eligible pathway program before you begin your studies. Eligibility is determined by your current proficiency level, program of study and/or start date.  

Below are programs designed to prepare you to directly enter your undergraduate degree program (no additional ELP score is necessary). 

Integrated Year One Undergraduate Program (IYOUP): During Your First Year

This program provides you with English language training support while you complete your first year of undergraduate studies at York University, allowing you to earn academic credit while you fulfill your ELP requirement. 

During your first year you will work towards completing 24 to 30 credits, then progress into the second year of your degree without delay. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• conditional offer of admission to an undergraduate program in Liberal Arts & Professional Studies 
• have an IELTS score between 5.5 and 6.0 (no score below 5.0)

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Accelerated English

This is an 8-week program designed for students focused on fast-paced Academic English language training. 

Eligibility Requirements

• IELTS 6 or equivalent
• York University conditional offer of admission

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Academic Credit English

This is an immersive academic English language training program that will prepare you for university success. You can enrol for one or two semesters and earn up to 9.0 academic credits. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• To enter at Term 1: IELTS 5 or equivalent
• To enter at Term 2: IELTS 6 or equivalent
• York University conditional offer of admission

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