The program page decides
Read the English requirement on the page for your exact program, not the main university page. Save a copy.
English tests: choose the one your program accepts
Canada accepts several tests, but the college chooses the list. Start with the program page, then pick a test and a date.
Link your plan to your program shortlist and the admissions calendar.
- Independent counselling
- Free first consultation
- Walk-in office, Brampton ON
The test you like is not always the test they accept.
Start from the requirement on the page for your exact program, then work backward to booking, retakes and sending your results.
Search collegesLeave room for a second try
Book your first test so that a retake still fits before your earliest application deadline.
Scores can be used again later
Some work permit and immigration steps also ask for language results. IRCC says when, so check its pages.
Four common tests, side by side
Fees, scores and validity change, so we do not print them. Open the test operator's page for the current details.
Four common tests, side by side
Four common tests, side by side
Fees, scores and validity change, so we do not print them. Open the test operator's page for the current details.
| Question | IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Listening, reading, writing and speaking, taken at a test centre or on a computer where offered. | A computer-based test of reading, listening, speaking and writing. | A computer-based test with tasks that combine skills. | An online adaptive test taken at home. |
| Who accepts it? | Widely accepted for academic study across many Canadian schools. | Often accepted by universities. Check with each college. | Accepted by a growing number of schools, not all. | Accepted by some programs, not by all. Always confirm per program. |
| What to watch | Make sure you book the Academic version, not General Training. | Some schools ask for it to be sent directly from the test operator. | Check that your program lists it before you book. | Convenient, but the program page decides whether it counts. |
| Official site | IELTS site | TOEFL site | PTE site | Duolingo English Test site |
Test operators
Current fees, scores and validity are on each operator's page.
Pages last checked October 2026
Ask the program, not the test centre
Keep the answerAsk the program, not the test centre
Some faculties accept one test and not another. Scholarships or special programs may ask for more than general admission. The admissions office can tell you. Save the page or email that states the requirement.
- Which tests do you accept for this exact program?
- Is there a minimum for each skill as well as overall?
- Do you accept an at-home test?
- How should my results be sent to you?
Self-study or a course?
Neither is right for everyone. Look at which skill is behind.
Self-study or a course?
Self-study or a course?
Neither is right for everyone. Look at which skill is behind.
Self-study can be enough when:
- You are already close to the score you need
- You mostly need practice with timing
- You are happy to take a practice test and check it
A course or tutor can help when:
- Writing or speaking lags behind your reading
- You have not seen the test format before
- You want feedback on your answers
Each test operator sets its own retake rules. Some let you retake only part of a test.
- Check the operator's page before you pay
- Keep a date free for a second attempt
From requirement to results
From requirement to results
From requirement to results
- Step 1
Read the program requirement
Use the program page and save it.
- Step 2
Choose a test the program accepts
Then pick a date that leaves room for a retake.
- Step 3
Register with your passport name
Check the spelling before you pay.
- Step 4
Send your results as the college asks
Follow its instructions for how and where.
Four mistakes to avoid
Four mistakes to avoid
Four mistakes to avoid
All of them are easy to fix before you pay for a test.
- Wrong test version. Academic and General Training are different. At-home and in-centre can be different too. Check what the school accepts.
- Ignoring each skill score. A program may set a minimum for one skill, such as speaking, as well as an overall score.
- Letting results expire. Results have a validity period. Check that yours is still valid on the day you apply.
- A name that does not match your passport. Register with your name exactly as on your passport.
English test questions
Plain answers. The program page is the final word on scores.
Independent advice
Study Master Canada provides education counselling and, with your approval, prepares and submits your college applications. We do not give immigration advice or prepare immigration applications. Regulated immigration work, including study permit applications, appeals, spouse work permits and PR pathways, is handled only by a licensed RCIC partner, Visa Master Canada, when you retain them directly. We are not affiliated with any government.
Talk to a counsellor before you decide
A free first conversation about programs, costs and next steps. No obligation, and you make every application yourself.
Book free counselling
Mon–Fri, 9:30am–6:30pm ET. Walk-in office: Unit 1805, 83 Kennedy Road South, Brampton, ON L6W 3N7.