Language Proficiency
At Niagara College we administer a series of language proficiency tests for placement into the English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program. The goal of our placement testing is to ensure that all students are placed in a class level appropriate for their language proficiency.
If you have completed your studies from outside of Canada you may be required to provide proof of one or more of the following:
- Niagara College Mature Student Test for English
- International students who completed a minimum of two years of full-time secondary level education (in the final two years of secondary study) or one year of full-time post-secondary or higher education in a country where English is the official first language.
- ACE English (Academic Upgrading)
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING
English language requirements for post-secondary and post-graduate programs at Niagara College, please contact: [email protected]
For testing information for the
English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program only, please contact
Language Proficiency Admission Requirements
If English is your second language, Niagara College will also accept the following language proficiency scores. The below chart represents general admission and may vary from country-specific admission requirements. Country-specific requirements can be found on our Application Portal.
| Language Proficiency Test | Minimum score for undergraduate diplomas, certificates and international nursing programs | Minimum score for graduate and degree programs | Minimum score for Pharmacy Technician program (requirements set by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities - NAPRA 2009).* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE) |
169 – No skill under 162. | 176 – No skill under 169. | – |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) including Indicator Test** | 6.0 – No individual band under 5.5. | 6.5 – No individual band under 5.5. | 6.5 – No individual band under 6.0. |
| Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) including Special Home Edition Test |
iBT: 80 Minimum: 20 Writing, 20 Speaking |
iBT: 85 Minimum: 22 Writing, 22 Speaking |
iBT: overall score of at least 91 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE)*** | 58+, with no individual skill below 53 | 60+, with no individual skill below 57 | – |
| Duolingo English Language Test | 105+, with no individual subscore below 95 | 120+, with no individual subscore below 100 | – |
| Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL) including CAEL Online Proficiency Test | 60 – No individual band under 50. | 60 – No individual band under 50. | – |
| Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation program (EAP) | Completion of Level 5 English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program with 70% and no individual grade under 50%. | Completion of Level 5 English for Academic Preparation (EAP) program with 75% and no individual grade under 60%. | – |
* The language proficiency requirements outlined do not apply to a select number of programs, including but not limited to the Pharmacy Technician program. (NOTE: A minimum overall score of 81 on the MELAB test is also accepted for the Pharmacy Technician program).
** Niagara College recognizes the IELTS Academic tests. The IELTS General tests are not accepted for admissions to academic programs or placement into English for Academic Purposes levels.
*** Niagara College recognizes the PTE Academic tests. The PTE Online tests are not accepted for admissions to academic programs or placement into English for Academic Purposes levels.
**** The above minimum language proficiency scores are effective February 12th, 2024.
Please note that meeting or exceeding the minimum score requirements does not guarantee admission to Niagara College, and minimum score requirements are subject to change based on program demand. Niagara College reserves the right to add and remove language proficiency tests at any time.
Duolingo test certificate must be submitted with the Shareable Public Test Certificate Link OR Shared Results within the platform.
If you applied for post-secondary or short term testing you can find more information on Placement Test Details.
EAP Level Placement and Common Equivalencies
The IELTS and TOEFL scores provided are for planning purposes only and provide students with an indication of EAP level placement in the Niagara College English for Academic Purposes Program. Applicants are placed into the appropriate EAP level in one of two ways (never both):
- By participating in the Niagara College placement test during orientation.
- By supplying their current (within 2 years) IELTS.
Note: Level placements are carefully reviewed and validated according to students’ evident language ability during the first week of classes.
| EAP Level | IELTS (Academic) | TOEFL | CEFR | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-2.5 | iBT 19-23 | A1 | 0-10 |
| 2 | 3-4.5 | iBT 24-32 | A2 | 11-20 |
| 3 | 4.5-5 | iBT 33-39 | B1 | 21-27 |
| 4 | 5-5.5 | iBT 40-46 | B1 | 28-32 |
| 5 | 5.5-6 | iBT 47-59 | B2 | 33-45 |