English Requirements

Students take an English Placement Test (EPT) upon arrival and are placed in the appropriate level of English language study in TRU’s EAP program. The EPT must be written one week before classes begin. If a student has a TOEFL or other test score they may elect to enter EAP or academic courses without taking the TRU English Placement Test.

Exempt Countries Other Equivalencies

Select your program to view English requirements

Select your English proficiency test

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 88, with no section below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

EAP Level 5 (2 EAP courses and 2 academic courses)

Current: 80

TOEFL 2026: 4.0, with no section below 3.5

EAP Level 4 (4 EAP courses and 1 academic course)

Current: 71

TOEFL 2026: 3.5, with no section below 3.0

EAP Level 3

Current: 61

TOEFL 2026: 3.0

A student must meet or exceed the required level on all aspects to be at any specific level (e.g. Direct entry students must have 88+ and all sections at least 20). When sub-scores are used, a good mark in one area will not compensate for a poor mark in another. If a student does not meet the requirements for direct entry, it is recommended that they write the TRU placement test to determine the appropriate placement for them in EAP. If all of their scores, subtests and overall place them at, for example Level 4, it is recommended that they do the TRU placement test to determine their courses; however they will not be placed below Level 4 (or whichever level their initial scores place them).

For more information, please see the EAP Regulations Program Overview.

Direct entry into academic programs

Speaking: 7.0

Listening: 7.5

Reading: 6.5

Writing: 7.0

Overall Band Score: 7.0

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 6.5+ with no bands below 6.0

EAP Level 5 (2 EAP courses and 2 academic courses)

IELTS: 6.0+ with no bands below 5.5

EAP Level 4 (4 EAP courses and 1 academic course)

IELTS: 5.5+ with no bands below 5.0

EAP Level 3

IELTS: 5.0+

For more information, please see the EAP Regulations Program Overview.

Direct entry into academic programs

Duolingo: 125+ with no sub-score less than 115

EAP Level 5 (2 EAP courses and 2 academic courses)

Duolingo: 115+ with no sub-score less than 100

EAP Level 4 (4 EAP courses and 1 academic course)

Duolingo: 100+ with no sub-score less than 90

EAP Level 3

Duolingo: 90+

For more information, please see the EAP Regulations Program Overview.

Direct entry into academic programs

MET: 62

EAP Level 5 (2 EAP courses and 2 academic courses)

MET: 58

EAP Level 4 (4 EAP courses and 1 academic course)

MET: 54

EAP Level 3

MET: 50

For more information, please see the EAP Regulations Program Overview.

Direct entry into academic programs

CAEL: Overall 70+ No subtest below 60

EAP Level 5 (2 EAP courses and 2 academic courses)

CAEL: Overall 60+ No subtest below 50

EAP Level 4 (4 EAP courses and 1 academic course)

CAEL: Overall 50+ No subtest below 40

EAP Level 3

CAEL: Overall 40+

For more information, please see the EAP Regulations Program Overview.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 58+ with no band below 55

EAP Level 5 (2 EAP courses and 2 academic courses)

Not Applicable.

EAP Level 4 (4 EAP courses and 1 academic course)

Not Applicable.

EAP Level 3

Not Applicable.

For more information, please see the EAP Regulations Program Overview.

Direct entry into academic programs

Total score 70+ with no section below 65

EAP Level 5 (2 EAP courses and 2 academic courses)

Total score 65 to 69 no section below 60

EAP Level 4 (4 EAP courses and 1 academic course)

Total score 60 to 64 no section below 55

EAP Level 3

Total score 55-59

For more information, please see the EAP Regulations Program Overview.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 94, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 7.0+ with no bands below 6.5

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 68+ with no bands below 62

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 80, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 6.0+ with no bands below 5.5

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

When applying with no IELTS, students must complete an EPT upon arrival, so the advisor knows which Level of ESAL to register the student.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 55+ with no bands below 42

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 94, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 7.0+ with no bands below 6.5

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 68+ with no bands below 62

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 94, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 7.0+ with no bands below 6.5

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 68+ with no bands below 62

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 94, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 7.0+ with no bands below 6.5

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 68+ with no bands below 62

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 94, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 7.0+ with no bands below 6.5

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 68+ with no bands below 62

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 88, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 6.5+ with no bands below 6.5

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 58+ with no bands below 58

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 100, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS Overall: 7.0+

IELTS Speaking: 7.0+

IELTS Writing: 7.0+

IELTS Listening: 7.5+

IELTS Reading: 6.5

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 68+ with no bands below 62

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 88, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 6.5+ with no bands below 6.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 58+ with no bands below 55

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 88, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 6.5+ with no bands below 6.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 58+ with no bands below 55

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

Current: 88, with no bands below 20

TOEFL 2026: 4.5, with no section below 4.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

IELTS: 6.5+ with no bands below 6.0

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

TRU does not accept Duolingo as proof of English Proficiency Requirements for master's programs.

Direct entry into academic programs

PTE: 58+ with no bands below 55

Additional

Or completion of an undergraduate degree at an English language university in a country where English is their first official language.

Or completion of TRU ENGL 1100 OR 1101 AND CMNS 1290 OR 1291 with a minimum B.

Countries that do not need additional English testing

American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Canada (including Quebec), Cameroon, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Monterrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St. Helena, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Swaziland, Trinidad & Tobago, Tanzania, Turks & Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, USA, US Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

While some nationalities may be exempt from English proficiency testing, some programs may still require applicants to have an English grade of B or better in their most recent English course(s). If you do not meet these requirements, TRU may require an english proficiency test score such as IELTS, Duolingo and TOEFL.

Additional accepted equivalencies

BC High School Graduate

English requirements for Academic study may be waived if a student from a BC High School completed English 12 and the government exam with a total score of 73%.
Students that graduate

Ontario High School Graduate

English requirements for academic study may be waived if a student completes ENG4U with a score of 73% or higher. Students that graduate with ENG4U with a score below 73% or a pass in ENG4C will be placed in our University Preparation English bridging courses.

Cambridge ESOL

TRU will consider the CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) for direct entry into academic programs. The FCE (First Certificate in English) will be considered at the IELTS 5.0+ for placement purposes.

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

TRU will consider the CEF C1 and C2 for direct entry into academic programs. We will also consider CEF B2 and B2+ as equivalent to the IELTS 5.0+ for placement purposes.

Pearson Test of English

TRU will consider the Pearson Test of English (PTE) for direct entry into academic programs with an overall score of 58 or greater and no communication skills test scores below 55.

Africa

English requirements for academic study may be waived if a student from Africa has the following: a minimum mark of an A or B on their WAEC, NECO, Certificate of Secondary Education or University of Cambridge English.

Denmark

English requirements for academic study may be waived if a student from Denmark has a minimum mark of 10 in English from upper secondary oral and written English.

Finland

English requirements for academic study may be waived if a student from Finland has a minimum mark of 8 in English when taken at the Certificate of Matriculation.

Germany

English requirements for academic study may be waived if a student from Germany has a minimum mark of 12 (gut) in English when taken as an achievement/main/intensive course.

DAAD/CEFR:

B2, visiting international students only.
C1 for degree seeking students.

Japan

Japanese English Language Proficiency Test STEP TRU will consider the STEP First Grade for direct entry into academic programs. We will also consider STEP Pre-First Grade Level as equivalent to TOEFL 500+ for placement purposes.

Norway

English requirements for Academic study may be waived if a student from Norway has a minimum mark of 4 in English from any year of upper secondary.

Philippines

Graduate programs and post-baccalaureate diplomas:
Applicants who have graduated with a bachelor's degree from a university in the Philippines where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt from additional English testing.

Undergraduate programs (diplomas, certificates, and bachelor's degrees):
Applicants with a B+ average in Grade 12 English on the Philippines grading scale OR 90% average (where the minimum pass grade is 75%) from a school in the Philippines where English is the primary language of instruction may be exempt from additional English testing.

Please note that TRU has the right to request a language test when deemed necessary, even if the language of instruction has been English. Applicants must include a medium of instruction certificate with their application documents unless it is clearly indicated on the transcript.

Sweden

English requirements for academic study may be waived if a student from Sweden has a minimum mark of B in English 6 from upper secondary school.

The Netherlands

English requirements for academic study may be waived if a student from The Netherlands has the following: a minimum mark of (VWO diploma), 8 (goed) in English.