English Language Test

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which 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 your application.

The value of strong English skills

English is one of the two official languages of Canada, and the primary language of instruction at UBC. Strong English skills mean new students can settle quickly into their academic environment, and get to know their fellow students and faculty members who will be their colleagues during their time at UBC. Students with good English skills are far more likely to succeed; they experience far less stress and get greater enjoyment and fulfillment from their studies.

Applicants are advised to focus on learning how to speak, listen, read, and write in English, independent of studying for the TOEFL (or other tests), as this will best prepare them for communicating in all types of situations. Students with strong English skills are more likely to do well on the TOEFL.

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores, and may require minimum scores on individual components of any of the tests. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

Acceptable tests

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The minimum TOEFL score required for all applicants to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is

  • 90 for the internet-based exam (with minimum component scores of 22 [reading, listening] and 21 [writing, speaking]) or
  • 55 each for reading, listening, and writing in the paper-based test, with 4.0 on the Test of Written English (TWE).

Some programs require a higher score.

Important:

  • TOEFL ibT Home is accepted for admission to UBC-Vancouver.
  • TOEFL ITP and TOEFL Essentials are not accepted for admission.
  • TOEFL MyBest composite scores are not accepted for applications to UBC-Vancouver.
  • Minimum scores must be achieved in a single sitting of the test (i.e. scores from multiple test-taking instances may not be used to satisfy minimum component requirements.)

Score submission

UBC requires an official score to be sent to us electronically directly from the test centre/ETS.

On the TOEFL score request form you will be asked to specify the receiving institutions where you would like the results being sent to. To ensure UBC receives your results correctly, you have to use the following details:

  • In the electronic score request form in your ETS manager, use institution code 0965 and pick "Graduate Organization" in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
  • If you use a paper request form, use institution code 0965 and institution name "University of British Columbia".
  • Both electronic and paper form ask for a department name/code. Either pick the value of an appropriate fit to your study area or 99 for other.
  • If you are asked to give a reason for taking the TOEFL test then select/enter: "to enter a college or university as a graduate student"
IELTS (International English Language Testing Service)

A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of the academic (NOT general) IELTS test.*

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores, and may require minimum scores on individual components of the test. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

Important:

  • IELTS Online is accepted for Applications to UBC-Vancouver

  • IELTS Indicator is not accepted for Applications to UBC-Vancouver.

Score submission

UBC requires an official score to be sent to us electronically from the test centre.

On the IELTS application form you will be asked to specify institutions where you would like the results being sent to. To ensure UBC receives your results correctly, you have to use the following details on the application:

  • Name and address of college / institution / university: University of British Columbia - Graduate School Admissions
  • Address: 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2, Canada
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)

A minimum overall score of 70 is required with 60 on the speaking sub-test.

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

Score submission

UBC requires an official paper record of this test score.

 

UBC English Language Institute

English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Applicant must achieve a 75% in each component of the 600 level.

More information

PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic)

A minimum overall score of 65 on the academic (NOT general) test is required with minimums of 60 reading, 60 writing, 60 listening, and 60 speaking.

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

Important:

  • PTE Home / Online are not accepted for application to UBC-Vancouver

Score submission

Please email graduate.apply@ubc.ca when you have a test score ready for download.

 

Alternative Tests

Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)

A minimum overall MELAB final score of 85 (with 3 in the speaking test) is required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Alternative English Language Proficiency Test

CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): B

CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): C

Submission of Test Results

TOEFL and IELTS test takers can request electronic submission of scores to universities. We accept electronic delivery directly from the test centre to UBC only. For all other tests an official paper test score report ordered from the testing agency is required. Photocopies of test scores are not acceptable.