English Language Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate they can cope with the language demands of an English language university.

Applicants to an undergraduate program at Lakehead University may meet our English language requirements if three (3) full years of recent study in an English language school system have been successfully completed or are in the process of being successfully completed.

Applicants whose native language is not English, and who cannot verify having recently studied in an English language school system for more than three (3) full years of full-time study, will be required to present proof of English language proficiency.

Lakehead University accepts the following as proof of English language proficiency:

  1. Successful completion of one of the below language tests with the required minimum scores
  2. Successful completion of Lakehead University’s Academic English Program
  3. Successful completion of one of our approved Pathway Partner’s ESL programs

1. Language Tests:

To satisfy Lakehead University's English language proficiency requirements, applicants can complete one of the following recognized language tests with the required minimum scores. You can also complete the IELTS test at Lakehead University. For more information, click here.

For All Regular Undergraduate Programs* 
*Except For Nursing, Juris Doctor and the two year Bachelor of Education Programs. 

TEST

Minimum Score

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language (paper based)
(Note: Lakehead University Institution Code: 0888)

Minimum Score: 550 (no component score less than 50)

TOEFL (computer based)
(Note: Lakehead University Institution Code: 0888)

Minimum Score: 213 (no component score less than 17)

TOEFL (internet based)
(Note: Lakehead University Institution Code: 0888)

Minimum Score: 80 (no component score less than 19)

IELTS (academic test) - International English Language Testing System

Note: the general test is not accepted!

Minimum Score: 6.5 (no individual score less than 6.0)

MELAB - Michigan English Language Assessment Battery

Minimum Score: 85

CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Assessment

CAEL CE - Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (Computer Edition)

Minimum Score: 60

For Nursing, Juris Doctor and the Two-Year Bachelor of Education Programs 

TEST

Minimum Score

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language (internet based)
(Note: Lakehead University Institution Code: 0888)

Minimum Score: 103

  • Minimum Individual Scores: Writing 28, Speaking 28, Reading 24, Listening 23

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

Minimum Score: 7

Minimum Individual Scores:

  • Writing 7, Speaking 7, Reading 6.5, Listening 6.5

Please be advised that some academic units may require a higher score and that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to Lakehead University.

2. Lakehead University Academic English Program:

Applicants will automatically be considered for admission through Lakehead University's Academic English Program if they meet Lakehead University's admission requirements but do not meet English language proficiency requirements. Applicants who complete Lakehead University's Academic English Program will meet the English language proficiency requirement for programs that require an IELTS score of 6.5 (no minimum score less than 6.0) or a TOEFL score of 80 (no minimum score less than 19). As a result, applicants interested in the: Nursing programs, Juris Doctor program, One-Year Social Work program, or the Two-Year Bachelor of Education program will need to successfully complete one of the recognized tests with the appropriate minimum scores as outlined in Option 1.

Check here for more information on Lakehead University’s Academic English Program.

3. Approved Pathway Programs:

For a list of Lakehead University's approved pathway partners, please contact Lakehead University International at (807) 346-7848.