English Proficiency
Students admitted to King's University College must be proficient in written and spoken English. If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of your proficiency in listening, speaking, writing and reading English. Typically, this is done through an official test or ESL program. We reserve the right to ask anybody to provide proof of English language proficiency. For more information about these tests, please see below:
I.E.L.T.S. (International English Language Testing System)
The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council, and IDP Education Australia with tests offered across the world up to four times a month.
IELTS Academic is required with a minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no part less than 6.0.
For further information, please contact the Enrolment Services.
T.O.E.F.L. (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Contact:
T.O.E.F.L.
Box 899-R
Princeton, New Jersey, 08541, U.S.A.
Students must achieve a written TOEFL score of 580 or higher and a score of 4.5 on the TWE or a score of 85-90 on Internet Based Test (IBT) with no section less than 20.
Please note for The University of Western Ontario
Institution Code is: 0984
Department Code is: 00
C.A.E.L. (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment)
Contact:
The CAEL Assessment Office
Email: info@CAEL.ca
Web: http://www.cael.ca
A minimum score of 60 is required with no part less than 60.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
The Pearson Test of English Academic offered by Pearson is a computer-based test for English study abroad that is offered in various countries internationally.
A minimum overall score of 58 is required with no score less than 56.
Duolingo
https://englishtest.duolingo.com/
A minimum score of 115 overall with a minimum of 100 for each subscore.
Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/
A minimum overall score of 176, with a minimum of 169 in each section.
Can I get an English Language Proficiency Test exemption?
Maybe! One of these statements must be true for you:
- I attended four years of secondary school in English on a full-time basis
- I attended two years of an Ontario college in English on a full-time basis
- I attended one year of university in English on a full-time basis
- Completion of AP English exam with a score of 4 or higher.
- Completion of IB English HL (A1 or A2) with a Predicted or Final score of 4 or higher.
And all of the following must also be true:
- My classes were taught in English
- I took academic courses
- I did not take English as a second language course(s)
- I took grade 12 English (if your high school was in Canada)
If you meet the exemption criteria...
Send an email to info@kings.uwo.ca with the subject line "English Proficiency Waiver Request." Please include the following information in your email.
105 Applicants:
- Your name as it appears on your OUAC application
- Your OUAC reference number (if applicable)
- The language of instruction at your school
- Years of attendance at an English medium institution
101 Applicants:
- Your full academic transcript (including all 4 years of attendance at Secondary School in English)
- Your name as it appears on your OUAC application
- Your OUAC reference number (if applicable)
If we approve your exemption, we will notify you via email to the email address on your application.

King's Enhanced Year Program (KEY)
The KEY Program is designed for students who are close to meeting the language proficiency requirements for direct entry to King’s University College. It is an eight-month program on King’s campus starting in September.
Learn more
English Boost Program (Boost)
The BOOST Program is designed for students who are close to meeting the language proficiency requirements for direct entry to King’s University College. Boost is a nine-week program you will complete in the summer before you start at King's.
Learn more
Fanshawe ESL
Students who complete the Fanshawe ESL program fulfil all English language requirements for admission to King’s.
Learn more about Fanshawe ESL
The English Language Centre @ Western University
Study at The English Language Centre at Western University, a University language program.
Learn more about WELC
ICEAP
King’s University College accepts as proof of English proficiency, successful completion of Level 7 of the King’s University College/ICEAP Toronto Bridging Program as an alternative to the English language proficiency requirement for international students.
Learn more about ICEAP