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Academic studies

English language proficiency can be demonstrated through academic studies as follows:

• completion of four years of secondary and/or post-secondary full-time academic studies in which all language of instruction is English, in Canada or a recognized English-speaking country
• completion of four years of full-time academic studies at a recognized international curriculum secondary school in which all language of instruction is English
• Beginning in May 2026: completion of three years of full-time academic studies at a recognized domestic or international curriculum secondary school in which all language of instruction is English, including a minimum grade of B in grade 11 English (or equivalent)
• completion of a recognized degree program from an accredited university in which all language of instruction is English, in a recognized English-speaking country
• completion of Grade 12 English or its equivalent in Canada with a final grade of 86% or higher within the last three years prior to admission
• completion of 1.5 or more units of transfer credit for university-level English courses
• a score of 4 or higher on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Composition
• a score of 4 or higher on the Advanced Placement Exam in English Language and Literature
• a score of 4 or higher on IB Higher Level English A
• Beginning in May 2026: completion of O-Level English or English Language with a final grade of B (6) or completion of AS-Level/A-Level English or English Language with a final grade of C. Note that O-Level English as an Additional/Second Language is not accepted

English language proficiency tests

English language proficiency can be demonstrated by submitting acceptable scores from recognized testing organizations.

• We will not accept unofficial test scores.
• We will not accept tests taken more than two years before your application to UVic.
• Alternative language proficiency tests may be considered on a case-by-case basis provided the scores are aligned with the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• We accept scores from the online tests offered by CAEL, IELTS and TOEFL.

All test scores must be sent directly to UVic from the testing organization.

English Language Centre programs

English language proficiency can be demonstrated through successful completion of one of the following programs offered by UVic's :

• program, with scores of 80% or higher in English and 60% or higher in Canadian Studies

Conditional admission

You may be offered conditional admission if you're applying to:

• Business
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Fine Arts
  • Art History and Visual Studies
  • Music (BA)
• Humanities
• Science
• Social Sciences

You'll be permitted to register for degree courses during the usual registration time period, but you must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement by the date specified in your offer email.

How to qualify

You can qualify for conditional admission if you register in the course or submit an acceptable score from a recognized testing organization.

Note: We will not consider tests taken more than two years before your application.

English Language Centre preliminary admission

If you're applying to Business, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities, Science or Social Sciences, ELC preliminary admission will give you up to 24 months to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement and then begin degree studies without re-applying. You can qualify by registering in the at UVic's ELC.

Some applicants who qualify for ELC preliminary admission may also be appropriate candidates for the .

Contact the for more information.