English Language Proficiency Requirements
English Language Proficiency Requirements
The language of instruction at LaSalle College Vancouver is English. Applicants can demonstrate their English language
competency in one of the following ways:
Degree Applicants
- Achieve minimum scores on tests of English proficiency as described in the English Language Proficiency table below.
- For degree applicants, achieve a grade of 68 percent in any one of: BC English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, Communications 12 or Technical and Professional Communications 12 or equivalent in another high school system. Equivalencies can only be determined by the Registrar or Chief Academic Officer.
- Advanced Placement (AP) English Language or English Literature, minimum grade of 3 or 68 percent.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) English Language A1 or A2 (Higher or Standard level), minimum grade of 5 or better.
- Proof of undergraduate or higher degree conferral from a recognized post-secondary
institution where English is the language of instruction. - Achieve 68 percent or higher in 100-level English language course at a recognized post-secondary institution.
- Successful completion of a minimum of two consecutive full-time academic terms of post-secondary course work at an equivalent credential level, with a minimum overall score of 68% or equivalent at a recognized Canadian college or university in which English is the language of instruction.
Successful completion is defined as passing all courses for which the student was registered during the two terms.
(Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.)
Certificate and Diploma Applicants
- Achieve minimum scores on tests of English proficiency as described in the English Language Proficiency table below.
- Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. (This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program or providing international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS.)
- 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).
(Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.) - Evidence of graduation from language program with a minimum grade/level from a Languages Canada accredited institution with an established pathway/articulation agreement allowing direct entry (no further testing required) to a diploma or degree program at a public institution in Canada. Documentation of the student’s graduation from the pathway program must also be included in the student’s record.
Required English Language Proficiency Scores
The tables below delineate the English language proficiency scores required for diploma and degree studies at LCV.
| ACCEPTED PROOF OF PROFICIENCY | CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA | BACHELOR & ASSOCIATE DEGREE |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge International Examinations (Advanced level A-levels) | B2 First 162+ | CAE C1 Advanced 176+ |
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 | 6.5 with min. 6.0 in writing |
| TOEFL iBT | 75 | 80 with min. 20 in writing |
| PTE-A Pearson (in-person only) | 45 with min. of 51 in writing | 61 with min. 60 in writing |
| Duolingo | 95 | 120 overall. No integrated sub score less than 95 |
| CAEL | Min. overall score of 40 | Min. overall score of 70 with no component below 60 |
| CELPIP | Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5 | Overall 8, with no component less than 7 |
N.B. All scores must have been obtained within two years of the start date of the program to be considered valid. The admissions team may request further proof of English language proficiency if language errors in your application may be observed.
Accepted Benchmarks for Language Proficiency
| BENCHMARK | CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA | BACHELOR & ASSOCIATE DEGREE |
| GSE Global Scale of English | 51 | 59 |
| CLB Canadian Language Benchmarks | 6 | 8 |
| CEFR Common European Framework of Reference for Languages | B1 (formerly known as B1+) | B2 |
NB: Scores on other standardized English language proficiency tests that meet these Benchmarks may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
ESL Pathway Institutions and Requirements
As per the latest EQA Policy and Procedures Manual, effective January 1, 2025, language level requirements must include language level tests that are recognized internationally (e.g., Canadian Language Benchmarks, International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)) and are conducted by a reputable third party. Students who achieve the scores below from LaSalle College Vancouver partner institutions meet the associated English language proficiency requirements.
| PATHWAY PARTNERS | CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA | BACHELOR & ASSOCIATE DEGREE |
| Centre of English Studies (CES) | CES EAP 75% | CES EAP 80% |
| EC Canada (Vancouver) | University Pathways Program – Pre-Advanced | University Pathways Program – Pre-Advanced |
| EF Education First | B2 | C1 or C2 |
| ILAC | Pathway 2.2 – Level 13 | Pathway 3.3 – Level 16 |
| ILSC | Level I3 | Level A2 |
| Kaplan Vancouver | C1 Advanced | C2 Proficiency |
| Oxford International Vancouver | Level 7 | Level 8 |
| St. George International College (SGIC) | 70% or higher in:
| n/a |
| Sprott Shaw Language College | EPE certificate program with minimum coursework grade of 70% | EPE certificate program with minimum coursework grade of 85% |
| The Language Gallery (TLG) | UPP Level 6 | n/a |
| VGC | Level 7 Advanced University Preparation | Level 7 Advanced University Preparation |
*The accepted English Language Requirements and pathway options are subject to change
Assessment of Prior Education Where English is the Language of Instruction
Education completed in English in the following countries may count towards an assessment of prior education in English:
American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, St. Helena, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, US Virgin Islands, United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Language Courses
If you are not fully comfortable in the English language, you may take language courses at LCI Language School Vancouver. LCI Language School is one of the two language schools that are part of the LCI Education network. They have a variety of courses and schedules for you to choose from. You can either take some language courses before your program starts, or you can take evening language courses during your study at LaSalle College Vancouver.
For more information about English courses offered at LCI Language School Vancouver, please visit their website.
