English language requirements
All UBC courses are taught in English, with the exception of some language and literature courses offered in the Faculty of Arts.
If your first language is not English, you must take one of the exams below (unless this requirement has been waived in UBC's exchange agreement with your university). Check with your university's exchange office for more information. Tests taken more than two years prior to application for admission will not be considered.
Many graduate programs at UBC require higher TOEFL scores than those listed below. If you are applying for graduate studies, please ensure that you meet the TOEFL scores listed in UBC's Calendar.
| Test | Competency level | |
|---|---|---|
| CAE | Certificate in Advanced English | B |
| CAEL | Canadian Academic English Language assessment With the speaking sub-test |
Overall score: 70 60 |
| CEL | UBC Certificate in English Language | 600 |
| CELPIP | Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program CELPIT-A (Academic Reading and Writing) CELL (Listening) CELTOP (Speaking) |
4L 4L 4L |
| CPE | Certificate of Proficiency in English | C |
| IELTS | International English Language Testing System (Academic) | 6.5 with no part less than 6.0 |
| MELAB | Michigan English Language Assessment Battery With the MELAB Oral Interview |
85 |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) |
Overall score: 65 Reading: 60 Listening: 60 Writing: 60 Speaking: 60 |
|
| Test of English as a Foreign Language One of: |
||
| Internet-based test | Overall score: 90 Reading: 22 Listening: 22 Writing: 21 Speaking: 21 |
|
| Paper-based test | 55 each for Reading, Listening, and Writing (4.0 on Test of Written English) | |
| Computer-based test with the essay | No longer accepted | |
| Institutional Testing Report (ITP) | Not accepted | |
