Undergraduate Admissions
51 English Language Proficiency Requirements
The language of instruction at the University of Prince Edward Island is English. All academically admissible applicants, regardless of their country of origin or citizenship status, are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language prior to undertaking studies at the University of Prince Edward Island. Proficiency may be demonstrated by:
Undergraduate programs
Three years of full-time study in English in Canada or in another country where English is a principal language (as recognized by UPEI); evidence of bilingualism (English and another language) is acceptable for those applicants educated in Canada in a language other than English.
Submission of an official test score at or above the acceptable minimum, such as:
| Test | Arts, Science, Business, Engineering and Baccalauréate en éducation, Français Langue Seconde) |
Nursing, Radiography, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & Education |
| IELTS (Academic) | Overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6 | Overall score of 7 with 7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening |
| TOEFL paper-based test | 550 with minimum TWE of 5.5 | 600 with minimum TWE of 6 |
| TOEFL internet-based test | 80 with minimum of 20 in each category | 100 with a minimum of 25 in speaking and writing, 22 in reading and listening |
| TOEFL essentials | 8.5 (overall) no score below 8.0 | Not accepted |
| CAEL (including CAEL Online) | 60 | 70 |
| Pearson Test of English | 58 | 66 |
| Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency |
Overall score of 176 with 176 in writing and no other skill below 169 |
Overall score of 185 with 185 in writing and speaking; 176 in reading and listening |
| GTEC CBT | 1176-1250 | 1250 and above |
| English 621* | 70% | N/A |
Applicants without English proficiency test scores, or with scores below the minimum, may be admitted conditionally (NOT available to applicants seeking admission to Nursing, Radiography, Education or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), and will be assessed by the EAP Coordinator upon arrival. Depending upon the assessment result, students may be placed in either full-time or part-time EAP. Part-time EAP is taken in combination with up to three credit courses. Upon successful completion of EAP, with an acceptable test score as noted above, these students will be eligible to begin academic studies without conditions related to English language proficiency.
*Prince Edward Island high school course English 621 or an analogous grade 12 academic English course from another Canadian Provincial curriculum.
Undergraduate English Academic Preparation (EAP)
The English Academic Preparation (EAP) program is an intensive language program for UPEI students who must upgrade their English language proficiency skills as a requirement of their admission to the University. It is designed to enable students to gain academic skills and confidence in English, and successfully transition to university.
Successful completion of EAP is demonstrated through: 1) course work, and 2) the final EAP exam. EAP students must have a passing grade of 70% in all EAP courses and 4.5 or higher in all sections of the final EAP exam in EAP Level 7 to graduate from the program. Students must successfully complete EAP before progressing into second year (see: Academic Regulation 3).
Progress
If a part-time EAP student has not demonstrated improvement of at least one-half a band width, (e.g., from 3.5-4) after two consecutive semesters of study, this unsatisfactory progress will be reported to the Registrar’s Office, and credit course status will be reduced.
A full-time EAP student who does not show progress after 2 consecutive semesters of study will not be registered in EAP for the following semester, having failed to meet their condition of admission.
Definitions
Undergraduate Full-Time EAP: English language program under which a student is not permitted to enrol in any credit courses. Students are engaged in language training only.
Undergraduate Part-Time EAP: English language program under which a student will be enrolled in a combination of EAP and credit courses, as determined by performance in the EAP placement exam (or official English Proficiency test score).
Student Appeals
Students may appeal in writing according to the process outlined in Academic Regulation 12: Other Appeals.