Academic Coursework
One way to demonstrate English proficiency is through high school or university curriculum and/or coursework.
- If you meet the requirements below, your English Proficiency will be marked as complete during the application review process.
- No action is needed at the time of application, but you may be asked for additional documentation later.
| Admissions Minimum |
Cambridge IGCSE, O Level or Higher | C in English Subject |
IB (English A - Higher Level) | 5 |
Completion of 4 years of regular English at an accredited American or IB High School | C in English Subject |
Completion of 3 years of schooling at a High School where medium of instruction is English | C in English Subject |
Completion of WRIT (previously ENGL) 101, or 102, or 107 AND 108 (or equivalent composition course) | C |
Proficiency by Examination
Many students demonstrate proof of English Proficiency through an exam score. »ÆÉ«µçÓ° has established the below list of acceptable exams and scores for undergraduate admission.
- Students who take an exam must have the testing center send the official score report directly to the »ÆÉ«µçÓ°.
- All test scores must be dated within 2 years of your application submission date to be considered valid.
| Admissions Minimum |
ACT English | 21 |
Cambridge English Qualification / CEFR | 180 or C1 |
| 110 |
Duolingo | 110 |
EF FSET or EF SET (90 Min, 4 Skill) English Certificate | C1 or 61 |
IELTS Academic / IELTS Online / IELTS Indicator / IELTS One Skill Retake | 6.5 |
iTEP Academic | 3.9 |
Kaplan Test of English | 450 |
Language Cert | 75 |
Manchester Exam | 360 |
Michigan English Test | 64 |
Oxford ELLT | 7 |
Pearson English Language Test, PTE - Academic or PEXT Express | 60 |
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 580 |
TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 |
TOEFL iBT / iBT Paper Edition / Home Edition / MyBest Scores (pre Jan 2026) | 79 |
TOEFL iBT / iBT Paper Edition / Home Edition / MyBest Scores (post Jan 2026) | 4 |
English Language Endorsement
The Undergraduate University Track Pathway () is the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL)’s English proficiency pathway program. It features a content-based curriculum specifically for conditionally admitted students to the »ÆÉ«µçÓ°.
Students learn content similar to what they will encounter in their first year as undergraduates, thereby improving their language abilities. They also enroll in a CESL-supported general education course for credit; this course will count toward any major at the »ÆÉ«µçÓ°.
- With CESL's English Language Endorsement, students in the U-Track Pathway can fulfill U of A's minimum English language proficiency requirement without taking an additional exam.
- Students are encouraged to enroll in the U-Track Pathway for 2 sessions (1 semester).
- CESL’s U-Track Pathway is available in-person on our main campus.