English language proficiency
English is the primary language of instruction at Athabasca University. Applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not completed their secondary or post-secondary education in English speaking countries, must demonstrate English Language Proficiency in the ways outlined below before they are allowed to register in AU courses:
- A minimum of 15 credits (e.g. five, 3-credit courses) eligible for transfer credit from a recognized English-speaking university; or one year of transfer credit based on work completed at a non-university, post-secondary institution, with an overall average of 75 per cent (GPA of 3.0);
- A minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); A minimum score of 60 on the Carleton University's Canadian Academic English Language Assessments (CAEL);
- A minimum score of 80 on the English Proficiency Test administered by the English Language Institute of the University of Michigan (MELAB); A minimum overall score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE);
- A minimum score of 213 on the Computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language, with 4.5 on the Test of Written English; or 80, with an essay score of 20, on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L);
- Successful completion of AU's English Language Proficiency Program, with an overall average of 75 per cent (GPA of 3.0).
Information effective Sept. 1, 2021 to Aug. 31, 2022.
Updated June 15, 2022 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)