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 and will be required to present proof of English language proficiency. Lakehead University may consider the following as proof of English language proficiency:

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.

Applicants to Nursing, Juris Doctor, and the Two-Year Bachelor of Education program must successfully complete one of the recognized tests with the appropriate minimum scores in order to be considered for admission.

2. Medium of Instruction

Applicants to an undergraduate program at Lakehead University may meet our English language requirements by completing a certain number of years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction:

• University Level: One year of full-time undergraduate/graduate-level study at a university where English is the language of instruction in a country where English is the official language.
• College Level: Two years of full-time diploma level study at a college where English is the language of instruction in a country where English is the official language.
• High School Level: Three years of full-time study at a high school where English is the language of instruction. English does not need to be the official language of the country.

Applicants must arrange to have a school administrator send a letter, confirming that their medium of instruction was in English, directly to Lakehead University. Alternatively, the official transcript must indicate the language of instruction was English.

3. 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). Applicants interested in the Nursing programs, Juris Doctor 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.

4. Approved Pathway Programs:

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

5. Completion of Senior Level English Courses:

For all undergraduate programs excluding limited enrolment programs, Lakehead University may accept certain senior-level English courses at the high school level:

• Ontario high school’s Grade 12 university-level English (ENG4U): 70%
• Any other Canadian provincial Grade 12 academic level English course that is equivalent to ENG4U: 70%
• International Baccalaureate Programme: 3
       Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL) English A: Literature; HL or SL English A: Language and Literature
• British Patterned Curriculum: C
  • Ordinary Level English Language
  • Advanced Subsidiary Level Literature in English and English Language, Language and Literature, or English as a Second Language 
  • Advanced Level Literature in English, English Language, or English as a Second Language