English Language Proficiency Requirements
UPDATE: Now Accepting DuoLingo English Test
Lakehead University will temporarily accept the Duolingo English Test from applicants who are from a region where IELTS and/or TOEFL test centres are closed due to COVID-19. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of at least 110 in order to meet the English language proficiency requirements for most of our undergraduate programs. Some programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Two-Year Bachelor of Education, require a minimum score of at least 120. Results are available within 48 hours of the test session and applicants should request Duolingo to send the results directly to Lakehead University.
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:
- Successful completion of one of the below language tests with the required minimum scores
- Successful completion of Lakehead University’s Academic English Program
- 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.
Recognized English Proficiency Test | Minimum Score |
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) or CAEL CE (Computer Edition) | Minimum Score: 60 |
Cambridge Academic English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)
Applicants must provide us with their Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number. Email them to intl.admission@lakeheadu.ca. | Minimum Score: 176 (no individual score less than 169) |
DuoLingo English Test (Temporary) We will only accept this test from applicants who are from a region where IELTS and/or TOEFL test centres are closed due to COVID-19. | Minimum Score: 110 |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Applicants must complete the Academic test, not the General test. | Minimum Score: 6.5 (no individual score less than 6.0) |
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) | Minimum Score: 85 |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Minimum Score: 58 (no component score less than 50) |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Lakehead University Institution's Code is 0888.
| Minimum Score for Internet Based Test (iBT): 80 (no component score less than 19)
Minimum Score for Computer Based Test (cBT): 213 (no component score less than 17)
Minimum Score for Paper Based Test (pBT) when Speaking is present: 550 (no component score less than 50) The revised pBT is not accepted as Speaking is no longer a category! |
For Nursing, Juris Doctor and the Two-Year Bachelor of Education Programs
Recognized English Proficiency Test | Minimum Score |
Cambridge Academic English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency)
Applicants must provide us with their Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number. Email them to intl.admission@lakeheadu.ca. | Minimum Overall Score: 185
Listening: 176 Reading & Use of English: 176 Speaking: 185 Writing: 185 |
DuoLingo English Test (Temporary) We will only accept this test from applicants who are from a region where IELTS and/or TOEFL test centres are closed due to COVID-19. | Minimum Score: 120 |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Applicants must complete the Academic test, not the General test. | Minimum Overall Score: 7
Listening: 6.5 Reading: 6.5 Speaking: 7 Writing: 7 |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Minimum Overall Score: 65
Listening: 58 Reading: 58 Speaking: 65 Writing: 65 |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Internet Based Test (iBT)
Lakehead University Institution's Code is 0888.
| Minimum Overall Score: 103
Listening: 24 Reading: 24 Speaking: 28 Writing: 28 |
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.