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English for Academic Purposes

English Language Programs

TRU is a leader in English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Our program provides specific and appropriate language training for students who plan to proceed to post-secondary study. Our students come from around the world, and we look forward to meeting you!

The TRU Advantage

  • English Placement Test (EPT) is available upon arrival
  • IELTS and TOEFL scores are accepted
  • Academic ESAL designed for university preparation
  • Can combine EAP and discipline-specific academic courses in Levels 4 and 5
  • Several hours of classroom instruction per week, depending on the number of courses you take
  • Language Learning Centre offers additional support
  • Access to Leisure Exploration Activity Program (LEAP)

Each of the five levels of the EAP program take one semester to complete. Students with no official test score will take an English Placement Test (EPT) upon arrival at TRU and will be placed in the appropriate level of English language study as indicated in the chart. If a student has an official test score they may choose to enter ESAL or discipline-specific academic courses without taking the TRU English Placement Test. Please refer to chart.

Note: In order to guarantee registration for the courses you want, please submit your English test scores one month before arriving at TRU.

Level 1: Five ESAL Courses | Completion gains direct entry to Level 2
Level 1 entry requirements:
  • TRU English Placement Test required
  • Suggested entry requirement TOEFL iBT 20
Level 2: Five ESAL Courses | EAP Foundations Certificate Award | Completion gains direct entry to Level 3
Level 2 entry requirements:
  • TRU English Placement Test required
  • TRU EAP Level 1 Completion
Level 3: Five ESAL Courses | EAP Intermediate Certificate Award | Completion gains direct entry to Level 4
Level 3 entry requirements:
  • IELTS: 5.0+ 
  • TOEFL iBT: 61+ 
  • TOEFL PBT: 500-529 
  • MELAB: 69+ 
  • CanTEST: 3.5+ 
  • CAEL: Overall 40+ 
  • TRU EAP Level 2
Level 4: Four ESAL courses + one academic course | Academic preparation certificate | Completion gains direct entry to Level 5
Level 4 entry requirements:
  • IELTS: 5.5+ with no band below 5.0 
  • TOEFL iBT: 71+ 
  • TOEFL PBT: 530-549 
  • MELAB: 74+ 
  • CanTEST: 4.0+ with no component below 3.5 
  • CAEL: Overall 50+, no subtest below 40 
  • TRU EAP Level 3
Level 5: Two ESAL courses + three academic courses | Advanced academic preparation certificate | Completion gains direct entry to academic study
Level 5 entry requirements:
  • IELTS: 6.0+ with no band below 5.5 
  • TOEFL iBT: 80+ 
  • TOEFL PBT: 550-569 
  • MELAB: 77+ 
  • CanTEST: 4.0+ with no component below 4.0 
  • CAEL: Overall 60+, no subtest below 50 
  • TRU EAP Level 4
Direct Entry into Academic Study
Academic program entry requirement:
  • IELTS: 6.5+ with no band below 6.0 
  • TOEFL iBT: 88+ with no section below 20 
  • TOEFL PBT: 570+, TWE 4.5+ 
  • MELAB: 81+ 
  • CanTEST: 4.5+ with no component below 4.0 
  • CAEL: Overall 70+, no subtest below 60 
  • PTE: 58+ 
  • TRU EAP Level 5

DAAD/CEFR:

  • B2, visiting international students only
  • C1 for degree-seeking students
TOEFL exam formats
TOEFL iBT = Internet-based test
TOEFL PBT = Paper-based test
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