English language proficiency
Regulations effective August 1, 2022.
English is the primary language of instruction at Athabasca University. Applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not completed their secondary or post-secondary education in English speaking countries, must demonstrate English Language Proficiency in the ways outlined below before they are allowed to register in AU courses:
- Successfully completed a minimum of 15 credits (e.g. five, 3-credit courses) from a recognized English-speaking post-secondary institution;
- ELP exams – test scores cannot be older than 2 years and must be official (i.e. issued directly from the testing centre):
- A minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
- A minimum score of 60 on the Carleton University's Canadian Academic English Language Assessments (CAEL);
- A minimum score of 80 on the English Proficiency Test administered by the English Language Institute of the University of Michigan (MELAB);
- A minimum overall score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, with no less than 51 in each of the 4 communicative skills;
- A minimum score of 80, with a minimum essay score of 20, and a minimum score of 46 on all other bands on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L). NOTE: the paper-based test will not be accepted;
- Duolingo – a minimum score of 105 with a minimum of 75 on each band.
- Successful completion of AU's English Language Proficiency Program, with an overall average of 75 per cent (GPA of 3.0).
Information effective Sept. 1, 2022 to Aug. 31, 2023.
Updated November 15, 2022 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)