Language requirements

French and English are the languages ​​of instruction at the University of Ottawa. All prospective graduate students must demonstrate a level of language skills in either French or English. We do not require language skills in both languages.

Candidates with neither English nor French as their mother tongue must meet one of the following criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, we strongly recommend that you first obtain the scores requested in the tables, before submitting your application.

Criteria

  • Have completed a post-secondary diploma in French or English at a university in which French or English is one of the official languages ​​of instruction, in a country where English or French is the primary language, or;
  • Have obtained a university degree (at least 2 years of full time studies) in French or English, at a North-American university, or;
  • Have obtained the required pass mark in one of the following language tests according to the program you are applying for.

Tests for Anglophone programs

Only the tests indicated in the following tables will be recognized.

  • TOEFL- 600 (Paper-based) / 100 (Internet-based) 
  • CAEL - 70 (Overall and Individual)
  • IELTS  -7 (overall), 7 in three individual tests and 6 in fourth test

Tests for Francophone programs

Only the tests indicated in the following tables will be recognized.

  • DALF – Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française Level C1 or C2
  • TCF – Test de Connaissance du Français Level C1 or C2
  • TEF- Test d'évaluation de Français Level C1 or C2
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Important

Even with these tests, the Faculty of Education reserves the right to require that you provide additional proof of proficiency if your knowledge of this official language is considered insufficient.
Please contact the Faculty of Education