Language Requirements
The language of instruction at Carleton University is English. For admission, students will need to demonstrate that their knowledge and use of English are strong enough to study at an English language university. Students can do so by:
- Demonstrating they have studied for the last 3 years (full-time) in a high school, college or university in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom or any other country in which the primary language is English and where the language of instruction in the relevant educational institution was exclusively English.
- Students choosing this option should note the following:
- Time spent in ESL courses will not be counted toward meeting these requirements
- Language requirements will not be waived based on letters written by students or as a result of completing senior-level high-school English courses
- If, in addition to evidence of 3 years of study, a student must also provide an English language test score, the University reserves the right to review or change the admission decision
- The University reserves the right to request an English Language Proficiency test from any applicant regardless of their academic background
OR by:
- Submitting an English Language (ESL) test result
for international applicants.
on the language test score needed for an offer of admission with an English language requirement.
Those with test scores below those listed may still be eligible for an offer of admission with an ESL requirement to complete English language foundation courses in their first terms of degree study.
Note: Students beginning their studies with an English-language requirement are not eligible for admission to the following programs:
- Architectural Studies
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Industrial Design
- Information Technology
- International Business
- Journalism
- Journalism and Humanities
- Media Production and Design
- Nursing
- Public Affairs and Policy Management
- Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas (all)
Test | Score |
---|---|
Minimum IELTS Score | 5.0 – 6.0 (minimum 4.5 in each band and the average of writing+reading+listening divided by 3 must be a minimum of 5) |
Minimum CAEL Score | 40 (minimum 30 in each band, and minimum average of 40 over writing, reading and listening) |
PTE (Pearson Test of English) | N/A - Offer to Degree Program with ESL requirement. Must complete Academic ESL courses. |
Other Test Scores | Duolingo English Test (DET): If you start your program in Fall 2025: – Tests written BEFORE July 1, 2024: 85-115, with no integrated subscore below 65. – Tests written ON OR AFTER July 1, 2024: 85-115, with a minimum of 85 in production and no other integrated subscore below 65. If you start your program in Fall 2026: 80 (minimum 65 in writing, 75 in reading, 70 in speaking, 75 in listening) |