- For programs starting September 2024 (or later), there are more options for meeting English Language Proficiency requirements. Check requirements for September 2024 (or later).
- For programs starting before September 2024, follow the requirements shown below.
English Language Requirements
English 12 (fewer than three years of English instruction)
Students who have completed English 12 or equivalent but have not completed three years* of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction may meet VCC's English language requirements by completing one of the following options:
*For example, a student who successfully completed 9 credits of post-secondary study in each of 2 terms in one year, and repeated this over 3 years may meet VCC’s standard for 3 years of full-time study. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are not considered in the three-year calculation. Please contact an Academic Advisor if you have questions about meeting the three-year requirement.
Students may meet VCC's English language requirements by completing three credits of undergraduate English at a recognized post-secondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
Undergraduate grades must meet or exceed the percentages below to fulfil VCC program requirements. Please check your program for the level of English required.
E.g. VCC's Hairstylist Certificate requires English 10. Students can complete three credits of undergraduate English with a minimum overall score of 50 per cent to meet this requirement.
| English 12 'B' |
English 12 'C+' |
English 12 'C' |
English 12 'C-' |
English 11 | English 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum 64% | Minimum 60% | Minimum 55% | Minimum 50% | Minimum 50% | Minimum 50% |
Students may meet VCC's English language requirements by obtaining Canadian Language Benchmark Level 8 through VCC's ESL Pathways and LINC programs.
Please check your program for the level of English required.
Students may meet VCC's English language requirements by completing the following assessments.
Please check your program for the level of English required.
E.g. VCC's Graphic Design Certificate program requires English 12 with a 'C' grade. Students can complete IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0) to meet this requirement.
*Note: Accuplacer assessments are not accepted for Academic Upgrading or University Transfer courses.
**Note: The Duolingo test is not accepted for Practical Nursing, Access to Practical Nursing, or Health Care Assistant programs.
| VCC requirements | English 12 'B' |
English 12 'C+' |
English 12 'C' |
English 12 'C-' |
English 11 | English 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCC EAL Accuplacer + VCC EAL (ESL) Speaking Assessment* |
Listening: 93 |
Listening: 86 |
Listening: 86 |
Listening: 86 |
Listening: 78 |
Listening: 71 Speaking: 6 Reading Skills: 87 WritePlacer EAL: 3 |
| CAEL CE/CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language Test) Scores are valid for 2 years |
Overall: 70 |
Overall: 60 |
Overall: 60 |
Overall: 60 |
Overall: 50 |
Overall: 40 |
|
Cambridge Assessment |
Overall: 178 |
Overall: 176 |
Overall: 176 |
Overall: 176 |
Overall: 169 |
Overall: 162 |
|
Duolingo Test** |
Overall: 120 |
Overall: 115 |
Overall: 115 |
Overall: 115 |
Overall: 105 |
Overall: 95 |
| IELTS Academic/IELTS Academic Online/IELTS Academic One Skill Retake Scores are valid for 2 years |
Listening: 6.0 Overall: 6.5 |
Overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
Overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
Overall 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
Overall 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
Overall 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 |
|
PTE Academic/PTE Academic Online (Pearson Test of English) |
Overall: 61 |
Overall: 56 |
Overall: 56 |
Overall: 56 |
Overall: 50 |
Overall: 43 |
|
TOEFL iBT/TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
Overall: 90 |
Overall: 80 |
Overall: 80 |
Overall: 80 |
Overall: 70 |
Overall: 50 |
Proof of credentials
All applicants using external credentials (e.g. degrees, credits, or test scores) to meet VCC's English language requirements must provide proof upon application.
Questions?
See more options for meeting VCC's English Language Requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for your program and want more information about VCC English assessments or courses, please contact Advising Services.