Because all courses at CityU are taught in English, all incoming students must demonstrate proficiency in English prior to enrollment, in addition to any other admission requirements of their prospective program. English proficiency policy is overseen by the Office of Academic Affairs. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the director of English Language Programs or the appropriate school dean. The dean has final authority. Rare exceptions may be granted when a prospective student can demonstrate that he or she has met the English language proficiency standard that will allow for academic success.
Students who submit official transcripts from a school or program where the primary language of instruction was English need not demonstrate further proof of English proficiency. If the registrar’s office cannot verify the primary language of instruction, students will be required to demonstrate proficiency by submitting official transcripts in English accompanied by a formal statement from the issuing school that the primary language of instruction was English or meet English Proficiency through testing or transfer credit.
Acceptable means to demonstrate English proficiency
English placement test scores are valid for 2 years from the date of test results. CityU’s Institutional Placement and Proficiency will be measured by the iTEP (International TEST of English Proficiency). Scores for all other tests taken outside of CityU must be authenticated by the test publisher (Official Transcripts).
Institutional versions of the tests below are not acceptable. It is the students’ responsibility to ensure their official test results are sent to CityU. Results must come directly from the examining institution to CityU; results uploaded by applicants are NOT official. CityU can receive results electronically, directly from the issuing organization, when possible as long they are securely sent with a protected password.
Below is an equivalency chart for all CityU recognized measurements of proficiency:
| Standardized Test Score | Graduate Programs | Undergraduate Programs |
|---|---|---|
| iTEP Academic Plus | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 87 | 76 |
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | Band 6.5 | Band 6.0 |
| CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) | 8 | 7 |
| PTE (Pearson Test of English) | 59 | 51 |
| Duolingo | 110 | 100 |
| Cambridge English | Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | Cambridge English First (FCE) |
| CEFR | N/A | B2 |
Read our English Proficiency Policy to learn more.