English Language Requirements
English language skills: read, write and speak
All Lakeland College classes are taught in English, so you'll need to be able to speak, write and understand English to be admitted into one of our programs.
All applicants, regardless of citizenship or country of origin, must show English language proficiency in one of the following ways:
- Successfully complete a year of full-time education in English:
- You can take this year in Canada including the grade 12 year. This can be a combination of secondary and post-secondary education.
- You can take this in another country, but English must be the official language of instruction. Lakeland College maintains a list of countries that satisfy English proficiency.
- Successfully complete one of the following in English:
- a grade of 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 (final blended grade including diploma or provincial exam mark) or Canadian equivalent
- a grade of 65% in English Language Arts 30-2 (final blended grade including diploma or provincial exam mark) or Canadian equivalent
- a grade of B or better in an O-level, GCSE, or IGCSE English Language or Literature course
- a grade of B+ or better in 6 credit transferable university-level English Language and Literature course completed at a recognized English language institution
- Successfully complete an English language program, with a minimum score at one of our approved partner schools.
- Successfully achieve an acceptable score within the past two years on an English language evaluation test. Tests must have been taken within two years of the start date of the program.
See further details (including required scores) below.
English language evaluations
TOEFL |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)You take the TOEFL test is online. It measures your ability to use and understand English at a university level. You need a minimum 78 score on the internet-based test (iBT) exam and a minimum score of 19 in each of the four tested areas. Tests are offered more than 50 times each year at authorized test centres around the world. For more on test centre, costs and test preparation, check out the website for TOEFL test takers. |
CAEL |
Canadian Assessment of English Language (CAEL)CAEL has locations across Canada as well as testing centres in 5 other countries: Brazil, China, Columbia, India and Taiwan. The CAEL assessment includes reading, listening to a lecture, writing and oral language. Lakeland requires a minimum score of 60 overall with at least 55 on each band score.
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MET |
Michigan English Test (MET)MET is the Michigan English Test. It is designed specifically to evaluate students going to an English language school. CaMLA authorizes test centres where you may take the test. MET tests are approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours long. They include:
Lakeland requires a minimum score of 58 on all bands. Test centres are located around the world and listings are available on the website.
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PTE-A |
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A)Pearson Test of English Academic is accredited by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (OFQUAL) in England as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) International qualifications. This qualification is especially designed for people who want to attend higher education or seek professional employment. Lakeland College requires a PTE Academic minimum score of 53 with no communication skill score lower than 50. See the PTE-Academic accreditation table for more information.
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Duolingo |
| Duolingo offers online testing for English Language proficiency. The tests are offered on-demand. Take the test from your computer in under an hour and share results with our admissions team for your application. Our standard acceptance score is 100 overall with no sub-score below 95.
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IELTS |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - minimum score of 6.0 overall with at least 6.0 on each band score on the Academic test for all programs. There is no pass or fail, instead you are rated on a 9-band scale for listening, reading, writing and speaking. A Band 6 rating is called a competent user. IELTS testing centres are located around the world and there are 48 testing dates throughout the year. Check the IELTS test takers FAQ for more locations, costs and more.
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Evaluation takes time
Because your education may need to be evaluated by another organization, you need to start this process as soon as possible. Having your educational record evaluated could take 4 months or longer.
Note: The Health Care Aide program follows Alberta Health’s English Language Proficiency requirements which differ from the evaluation tests noted above. Refer to Health Care Aide requirements page for details. Health Care Aide program is not available to international students.