Admissions

English Language Requirements for Applicants Whose First Language is Not English

The official language of instruction at the University of Waterloo is English. It is the responsibility of the University to ensure that its undergraduate students have sufficient English language skills to cope with the demands of the academic curriculum as well as, for many, the communication skills to be successful in co-operative education programs.

The English language requirements are distinct from and in addition to Ontario Grade 12 U (university level)  English, or equivalent, where it is stated as an admission requirement. 

The University reserves the right to withdraw any Offer of Admission if the applicant fails to meet the minimum English language requirements for the faculty to which they have applied.

You ARE required to provide an English proficiency test score if

• your first language is not English and
• your 4 most recent years of full-time education have not been in an English-language school system

The following chart lists English proficiency test options that are accepted for undergraduate admission consideration at the University of Waterloo.

Tests that do not appear on this chart are not accepted for admission consideration.

Choose ONE of the following test options.

You are NOT required to provide an English proficiency test score if you meet the criteria for ONE of the following exceptions:

Exception A

• You have been educated in Canada and 
  • your first language is English or 
  • you are a bilingual francophone Canadian.

OR

Exception B

• Your first language is not English AND your 4 most recent years of full-time education have been taught in an entirely English-language school system either in Canada or in another country.
• If your 4 most recent years of full-time education have been in a county other than Canada, the following conditions apply:
  • Please be aware that official transcripts indicating subjects taught, grades achieved, and language of instruction must be provided by your secondary and/or postsecondary institution(s) to support your claim.
  • Please note that English as a Second Language programs do not qualify you for this exemption and cannot be included as any part of the number of years of full-time education in an English-language school system.

Important Notes:

• The four most recent years of full-time education must be immediately prior to the beginning of the month a student would start their studies at the University of Waterloo.
• All English proficiency test scores are valid for 2 years from the date the test is completed.
• If a student applies to the Faculty of Mathematics and their English proficiency test scores are below the required levels, the student may be eligible for conditional admission through the English Language for Academic Studies (ELAS) program. The ELAS program is considered only for Faculty of Mathematics programs and is not considered for admission or transfers to programs in other faculties.
• If a student applies to either Honours Arts or Honours Social Development Studies and their English proficiency test scores are below the required levels, the student may be eligible for conditional admission through the English for Academic Success (EFAS) program.
• Successful completion of the advanced (400) level of the EFAS program satisfies the University of Waterloo's English Language Requirement for undergraduate students. In order to successfully complete the 400 level, students must have an overall average of at least 80%.
• If a student has completed their four most recent years of full-time education in an English-language school system and also provides a failing English language test score, the University of Waterloo reserves the right to withdraw an Offer of Admission or refuse admission.
• The University of Waterloo reserves the right to request an English proficiency test score from any applicant.

For additional information and deadlines regarding English language requirements at the University of Waterloo, please refer to www.findoutmore.uwaterloo.ca/admissions/elr.php.