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English Language Proficiency

The language of instruction at Olds College is English. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that they have completed at least three years of academic study conducted entirely in English.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement must demonstrate language proficiency through successful completion of an accepted English Language proficiency assessment dated within two years of application submission. All English Language Proficiency Assessments will be verified online by an Admission Officer.

English Language Assessments

English Language Assessments must be valid within two years of the application date.

  • Duolingo English Test - score of at least 110

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT - Internet-based test - overall score of no less than 80 with no academic section below 18

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic Stream) - no band below 5.5, with an overall band score of no less than 6.0. 

  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Online - overall score of no less than 60, with no band below 50

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) - score of at least 55 with no skill profile below 55 .

  • Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) - no band below 5, with an overall score of no less than 6

English Language Pathways

Students who successfully complete the approved pathway levels below will be granted equivalency for English Language Arts 30-1 & English Language Proficiency.

Global Village English Centres

Canadian offices only.

  • GV6 - must achieve 73% to be granted 65% in English Language Arts 30-1
  • GV7 - must achieve 73% to be granted 75% in English Language Arts 30-1

ILSC Education Group Inc.

  • Advanced 1 - must achieve 70% to be granted 65% in English Language Arts 30-1
  • Advanced 2 - must achieve 75% to be granted 80% in English Language Arts 30-1

*Students applying for the Animal Health Technology Diploma must take Advanced 2.

Centre for English Studies

  • English for Academic Purposes — must achieve 70% to 79% to be granted 70% in English Language Arts 20-1
  • English Academic Purposes — must achieve 80% or higher to be granted 70% in English Language Arts 30-1

Bayswater Education

  • Bayswater Advanced Level C1 of the GE curriculum and Bayswater University Preparation Program at 80% or higher final score will be granted 75% in English Language Arts 30-1  and proficiency

English School of Canada

  • University/College Transfer Program (UCTP) — must achieve between 70% and 79% in both Integrated Skills and Writing to be granted 70% in English Language Arts 30-1.
  • University/College Transfer Program (UCTP) — must achieve an 80% or higher in both Integrated Skills and Writing to be granted 75% in English Language Arts 30-1.

ILAC (International Language Academy of Canada) 

Toronto & Vancouver locations.

  • Pathway Program Level 3.2 (with final coursework score of 75% and IELTS practice test score of 94/120) will be granted 65% in English Language Arts 30-1 and proficiency
  • Pathway Program Level 3.3 (with final coursework score of 75% and IELTS practice test score of 94/120) will be granted 70% in English Language Arts 30-1 and proficiency