Canada is one of the top educational destinations in the world, with many reputable academic institutions. English and French are its official languages, so English proficiency is essential for many international students who wish to study in English-taught programs in the country.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an international standardized test that measures academic English skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Many Canadian universities accept TOEFL iBT scores from applicants who need to demonstrate English proficiency, but minimum scores vary by university, level, and program. To find out how the seven highlighted institutions use TOEFL scores, read on.
TOEFL Scores Accepted at Canadian Universities
English, French, or both may be used as the language of instruction at Canadian universities, depending on the institution and program. TOEFL scores help universities assess whether applicants have the English proficiency needed for academic study. The table below summarizes TOEFL iBT requirements for seven highlighted Canadian universities. For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, TOEFL iBT uses a 1–6 score scale; older 0–120 requirements are included where universities still publish them for previously taken valid scores.
| INSTITUTION NAME | MIN. SCORE (UNDERGRADUATE) | MIN. SCORE (GRADUATE) |
|---|
| University of Toronto | 89 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale | 93 for most programs before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale |
| University of Alberta | 90 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; current 1–6 scale applies | 90 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; current 1–6 scale applies |
| University of Calgary | 86 for most programs before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale; higher for some programs | 86 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale; higher for some programs |
| University of Ottawa | 86 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale | Program-specific |
| University of Victoria | 88 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale | 90 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale |
| Concordia University | 70 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 4.0 overall on the current scale | 86 for many programs before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale; higher for some programs |
| University of British Columbia | 90 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale | 90 for tests taken before January 21, 2026; 4.5 overall on the current scale |
1. University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is one of Canada’s best-known public research universities. It is located in Toronto, Ontario, and offers a wide range of academic opportunities across its campuses.
More than 700 undergraduate programs and more than 300 professional and graduate programs are available. For undergraduate admission, TOEFL iBT requirements depend on when the test was taken: older valid 0–120 scores require at least 89 overall, while tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, are assessed on the current 1–6 scale. Graduate applicants should check the School of Graduate Studies and their chosen program because most programs require a higher minimum TOEFL score than the undergraduate requirement.
Here is what University of Toronto Scholars say about TOEFL:
“My A* in O-Level English exempted me from TOEFL/IELTS.”
Haris Malik
2. University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a major public university in Edmonton, Alberta. Founded in 1908, it is one of Canada’s leading research universities and offers a wide variety of programs.
With hundreds of programs across many fields, popular study areas include nursing, engineering, chemistry, and agricultural science. Undergraduate and graduate applicants who submit TOEFL iBT scores from before January 21, 2026, generally need at least 90 overall, with no section below 21. Students submitting newer TOEFL iBT scores should check the university’s current 1–6 scale requirements and their chosen program’s admission page.
Here is what the University of Alberta Scholars say about TOEFL:
“Fortunately, Kenya is exempted from the English language requirement, so I didn’t need to submit a test score.”
Felix Ayiera
3. University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research university in Alberta. It offers programs across fields such as business, humanities, health sciences, science, engineering, and technology.
For most undergraduate programs, applicants submitting TOEFL iBT scores from before January 21, 2026, need an overall score of 86. Some undergraduate programs have higher requirements, including Nursing and Education. Graduate applicants generally need at least 86 overall, with no section below 20, for tests taken before January 21, 2026. Tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, are assessed using the current 1–6 TOEFL scale, and some graduate programs may require higher scores.
Here is what University of Calgary Scholars say about TOEFL:
“To adequately prepare for these exams, I reached out to colleagues who had written these tests in the past for useful tips. Additionally, I spent time reading comments on relevant forums and internet groups for useful advice on effective study materials and strategies. I ended up achieving a score of 310 on the GRE and 113 on my TOEFL exam.”
Kugbeme Isumonah
4. University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is a public research university in Canada’s capital. Programs may be taught in English, French, or both. It is known as the largest English-French bilingual university in the world and is one of Canada’s oldest universities, having been founded in 1848.
Various graduate and undergraduate programs across the arts, engineering, social sciences, health sciences, education, law, management, medicine, and more are available for international students. For direct entry into an undergraduate program taught in English, applicants submitting TOEFL iBT scores from before January 21, 2026, generally need 86 overall, with at least 22 in writing. Graduate applicants should check the requirements for their specific program.
5. University of Victoria
The University of Victoria is a Canadian public research-intensive university. Its roots trace back to Victoria College in 1903, and it became a degree-granting university in 1963. This higher education provider offers various undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, education, fine arts, and science.
Undergraduate applicants submitting TOEFL iBT scores from before January 21, 2026, need at least 88 overall, with no section below 20. Graduate applicants submitting TOEFL iBT scores from before January 21, 2026, need at least 90 overall, with no section below 20. Tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, are assessed using the current 1–6 TOEFL scale.
6. Concordia University
Concordia University is an innovative and diverse university in Montreal, Quebec. It is known for experiential learning, research, and a wide range of academic programs.
This Canadian institution offers a diverse range of programs for graduate and undergraduate studies, including aerospace engineering, biochemistry, business studies, entrepreneurship, history, political science, and more. For undergraduate admission, TOEFL iBT scores from before January 21, 2026, generally require at least 70 overall. For graduate admission, many programs require 86 or higher for tests taken before January 21, 2026, with no part under 20; some programs have higher requirements. Tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, are assessed using the current 1–6 TOEFL scale.
7. University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is among the country’s top universities. It is a global center for teaching, learning, and research, with hundreds of undergraduate options and a wide range of master’s and doctoral programs.
For undergraduate and graduate admission, applicants submitting TOEFL iBT scores from before January 21, 2026, generally need at least 90 overall, with 22 in reading and listening and 21 in writing and speaking. Tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, are assessed using the current 1–6 TOEFL scale.
Here is what University of British Columbia Scholars say about TOEFL:
“I did not take standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT, as they were not required for the programs to which I applied.”
Samuel Osaretin Buraimoh
“Although UBC waived the GRE/IELTS requirement due to my prior education in English, I focused on crafting a compelling Statement of Purpose and a strong resume.”
Beatrice Somuah
TOEFL Scores of Students Studying in Canada
FAQs: TOEFL Acceptance in Canada
What Type of TOEFL Exam is Accepted in Canada?
The TOEFL iBT is widely accepted by Canadian universities and colleges. Many universities also accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, but accepted test formats and minimum scores can vary by institution and program. Since TOEFL introduced a 1–6 score scale for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, always check the university’s current English-language requirements page before applying.
Can I get a TOEFL/IELTS waiver in Canada?
Sometimes—waivers are possible if you meet a university’s exemption rules, such as certain prior English-medium credentials or specific country exemptions. Haris Malik (University of Toronto) notes that his “A* in O-Level English exempted [him] from TOEFL/IELTS.” Felix Ayiera (University of Alberta) adds that, in his case, “Kenya is exempted from the English language requirement,” so no test was needed. Always check your university and program’s exemption rules.
Taking the TOEFL exam for Canadian universities can be important because it helps measure whether you have the English proficiency needed to communicate effectively and succeed in your academic studies. Knowing the minimum scores for each institution can help you prepare for the test and increase your chances of success in your chosen field of study in Canada. These seven universities accepting TOEFL scores in this country represent only a small fraction of the options available for international students.
If you are keen on studying in a country where diversity and excellence take center stage, Canada is the way to go. Visit our Canada Page and Available Courses for International Students!
