English-Language Proficiency Testing

Read about Minimum Requirements.

Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of their application.

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Educational Testing Service
PO Box 6151
Princeton, New Jersey
USA, 08541-6151
www.toefl.org

The TOEFL examination is offered in two formats: the traditional paper-based format (only offered on specific dates in a limited number of countries), and the Internet-based format (iBT). Applicants in countries where the Internet-based testing is not available must register for the paper-based TOEFL which includes the Test of Written English (TWE) component. The Internet-based tests automatically include an essay rating component which is similar to the TWE. All applicants must satisfy a minimum score requirement on the TOEFL and on the TWE/Essay Rating component to be considered for admission. The table below lists the minimum TOEFL score requirements set by each of the four SGS academic divisions.

Students must arrange for their score to be reported electronically to the University of Toronto (Enrolment Services) by the testing agency. The institution code for U of T is 0982. There is no need to specify a department.

*Consult the department to which you are applying to determine if a minimum higher score is required.

Note: results from the TOEFL iBT Home Edition (launched in select countries in March 2020) can be used to satisfy the English-language proficiency requirement.

Note: Effective April 11, 2021, the revised TOEFL® Paper-delivered Test will no longer be offered.

Note: We do not accept the TOEFL ITP or TOEFL ITP Plus For China for admission purposes.

2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
1 Hills Road
Cambridge, UK CB12EU
www.ielts.org

Minimum required score: 7.0 (Academic) with at least 6.5 for each component.

The IELTS test is available in two test formats: Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules. It is the Reading and Writing components that differ. The Academic version of IELTS measures English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher learning environment. This is the format that is required for an application to the University of Toronto.

Results must be sent to us electronically. We only accept scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test centre. An institutional code is not required. Contact your IELTS test centre directly to arrange for your scores to be sent electronically to our account via the IELTS Results Service. All test centres worldwide are able to transmit your scores to our system. Please provide the following information to your test centre when submitting:

• IELTS Results Service Account name: University of Toronto – Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
• IELTS Results Service Account address: 172 St. George St., Toronto ON M5R 0A3

Note: we do not accept the IELTS Indicator test.

3. Cambridge English – C1: Advanced or C2: Proficiency

Cambridge University Press and Assessment
Shaftesbury Road
Cambridge CB2 8EA
United Kingdom
directcs@cambridge.org
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org

Required score: 185 overall with at least 176 for each component.

Applicants should use the “Send Your Result” function on the Candidate Results portal (https://candidates.cambridgeenglish.org) to send their results electronically to the University of Toronto.

4. The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE)

COPE Testing Limited
7B Pleasant Boulevard
PO Box 1164
Toronto, Ontario M4T 1K2
info@copetest.com
www.copetest.com

Required score: 76 (with at least 22 in each component and 32 in the writing component).

After you have taken the test, please arrange with COPE to send your score electronically to the University of Toronto, Enrolment Services. There is no need to send a paper score sheet.

5. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)

The Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test, measures the English language proficiency of students planning to study at Canadian universities and colleges.

CAEL
801-180 Bloor St. W.
Toronto, ON M5S 2V6

https://www.cael.ca

Required score: 70 minimum total with at least 60 in each part.

Results should be sent to University of Toronto, Enrolment Services, electronically.

6. Academic Preparation Course

International ESL Program
School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto
252 Bloor Street, Suite 4-106
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V5
http://english.learn.utoronto.ca/

Required score: a final grade of B in Level 60.

The English Language Program at the School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto, offers a year-round 12-week intensive Academic English Course for individuals preparing for degree studies at the graduate level. For students who have already received a conditional offer of admission to the University of Toronto, the ELP offers an 8-week condensed version of the Academic English course in July – August (Level 60 only). Applicants must also have a minimum IELTS of 6 or TOEFL of 80 to qualify for this 8-week course.

The Academic English Course is a certified, full-time intensive program focusing on the development of strategies for academic writing, reading, speaking and listening. Learning involves strategies for writing accurate, organized and well-developed reports, responses and essays. Students reading comprehension, oral communication skills, listening facility and note-taking skills are developed to be commensurate with the academic standards for which the University of Toronto is known.

Exemptions

Normally, if applicants meet any one of the following conditions, they are not required to submit proof of proficiency in English (please consult the graduate unit to determine whether proof of ELP will still be required):

• Native language is English (language first learned and still used on a daily basis)
• A Canadian citizen who studied at a Canadian university where the language of instruction is French
• Has obtained their admitting degree from an institution recognized by the University of Toronto and where the language of instruction and examination is uniformly English
• Completed their admitting degree in one of the following countries/regions: Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Ghana, Guyana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia, and Zimbabwe 

Note: Some applicants from the above mentioned countries/regions may be required to provide proof of English proficiency as English is not the sole language of instruction at all universities.

The language of instruction and examination must be verified by the graduate unit and/or the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants should provide an official academic transcript with a note confirming the use of English as the language of instruction and examination. If the official academic transcript does not have this note, applicants should make arrangements for an official statement to be sent from their institution directly to the graduate unit confirming the use of English as the primary language of instruction and examination. Please consult the graduate unit to determine whether proof of English-language proficiency will still be required.