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English Language Requirements

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 admissions@lakelandcollege.ca
 

English language proficiency ensures that all applicants can effectively communicate and comprehend the English language across key areas, including speaking, listening, reading and writing.

It's important to note that the English language proficiency requirement is different than an academic English requirement.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship or country of origin, must meet English language proficiency in one of the following ways:

  1. Successfully complete a year of full-time education in English:
  2. 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
  3. Successfully achieve an acceptable score on one of our approved English language evaluation tests. Tests must be taken within two years of the start date of the program.

See further details (including required scores) below.

English language evaluation tests

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.

Lakeland requires a minimum score of 100 overall with at least a 95 on each sub-score.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) testing centres are located around the world and there are 48 testing dates throughout the year.

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.

Check the IELTS test takers FAQ for more locations, costs and more.

Lakeland requires a minimum score of 6.0 overall with at least a 6.0 on each band score on the academic test. 

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE-A) 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.

See the PTE-Academic accreditation table for more information.

Lakeland College requires a  minimum score of 53 overall with at least a 50 on each communication skill score on the PTE Adacemic test. 

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

You take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) online. It measures your ability to use and understand English at a university level.

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.

Lakeland requires a minimum score of 78 with at least 19 in each of the four tested areas on the internet-based test (iBT) exam.

Canadian Assessment of English Language (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.

Michigan English Test (MET) 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:

  • writing
  • listening
  • reading
  • speaking

Test centres are located around the world and listings are available on the website.

Lakeland requires a minimum score of 58 on all bands.

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 for details.