English Proficiency Requirement for Admission

Submission deadline for English Language Proficiency tests:    Recommended deadline for all programs beginning in September - June 1, Final deadline - August 1.  Students requiring a study permit should submit their test by the recommended June 1 deadline in order to allow enough time to process their study permit application.  NOTE:  Students conditionally accepted to the MAA Low Residency program that begins in May must have their test submitted by March 15.

Applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of immigration or citizenship status, must present one of the following English Language Proficiency tests:

TOEFL iBT Internet-Based Test - minimum of 84 out of 120 total points including a minimum score in each of the four skills; Speaking 20/30, Reading 20/30, Writing 18/30, and Listening 20/30.

TOEFL CBT Computer-Based Test - minimum score 230. The TOEFL institution code for Emily Carr is #0032.

CAEL Canadian Academic English Language assessment test - minimum level of 70 overall

CPE Cambridge Proficiency Examination - minimum level C

IELTS International English Language Testing System - minimum level 6.5 with no part less than 6.0

MELAB Michigan English Language Assessment Battery - minimum level of 81

Exemptions

  • Three years of full-time education in Canada, or the equivalent in another country where English is the principle language of instruction, which excludes ESL English studies.
  • A grade of 80% or higher on the provincial examination portion of BC English 12 or BC English Literature 12, or the equivalent.
  • A final grade of 5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate Higher Level English A course.
  • A final grade of 4 or higher on the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition or Literature and Composition course.
  • Successful completion of six credits of post-secondary first year English studies for which ECU gives transfer credit with minimum grades of C.
  • Graduation from a recognized degree program at an accredited university at which English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Official transcripts must be submitted for exemptions to be considered.


First Year English Literature and Visual Culture Course Pre-requisite (LPI) Requirement

Before enrolling in any First Year Foundation English or Visual Culture course, all admitted students must complete the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) and achieve a minimum score of Level 4. If you are required to write the LPI, you must register before the sitting (sittings are held at a number of times and locations throughout the year). The LPI administration office is located at the University of British Columbia. You can register and receive your Test Admission Ticket over the internet by visiting www.lpi.ubc.ca. You may also register either by mail, by fax, by email, or in person at the LPI Office, Room 6 - 2125 Main Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, phone 604-822-4146, fax 604-822-9144.

International applicants should contact the ECU Admissions Office (admissions@ecuad.ca) regarding how to make arrangements to take the LPI or equivalent test.

Exemptions

Students in the following categories are exempt from the LPI requirement. All other new students must complete the LPI. The LPI cannot be used as an exemption for the TOEFL requirement.

  • those with a grade of 80% on BC English 12 or BC English Literature 12
  • those with a grade of ‘A' (80%) in Grade 12 English (senior year) in a Canadian secondary school outside of BC or in U/M/OAC English Language and Literature or Studies in Literature for Ontario applicants
  • those with a grade of 4 or higher in the Advanced Placement course in Literature and Composition and those with a grade of 5 or higher in the higher level International Baccalaureate course in English Literature.
  • those who have completed three credits of first year English, acceptable for transfer to ECU.
  • those with a SAT 1 Critical Reading and Writing score of 500 or higher.
  • Official transcripts must be submitted for exemptions to be considered.

 

First-year, college-level English is required for all undergraduate programs. Applicants whose first language is not English must also meet one of the English Language Proficiency requirements. Please see top of page for details.