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English proficiency test exemption

Am I exempt from English proficiency exam? How do I provide the proof in Passage?

Updated over 10 months ago

Applying to a Canadian school as an international student often involves demonstrating your English language proficiency. This requirement can be met by taking recognized tests like the IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, or PTE. It's important to note that the specific test accepted can vary by institution, so it's essential to check the international admissions requirements page of the school you're interested in for precise information.

However, there's a possibility you might not need to take these tests. Many Canadian institutions will exempt applicants from the English proficiency requirement if they can demonstrate they've completed at least two consecutive full academic years of study (at the high school or post-secondary level) within the last four years in a country where English is the primary language of instruction. You can find the list of countries at the end of this article.

Adding proof of English proficiency exemption

You can provide proof of English proficiency exemption in your application by clicking on "+ Add new" button under English proficiency and picking "English proficiency exemption". Alternatively, you can go to your profile, click on "My documents", click on "Add English proficiency", and pick "English proficiency exemption".

In the English proficiency exemption form, pick a reason, and upload the requested documents as the proof of English proficiency exemption.

List of English speaking countries

Here's a compilation of countries frequently recognized as English-speaking by numerous educational institutions. Please note, the acceptance of this list can differ from one school to another. Thus, it's crucial to consult the specific requirements outlined on the website of the school you're applying to, ensuring your application aligns with their criteria.

  • American Samoa

  • Anguilla

  • Antigua & Barbuda

  • Australia

  • Bahamas

  • Barbados

  • Belize

  • Bermuda

  • Botswana

  • British Virgin Islands

  • Canada

  • Cayman Islands

  • Dominica

  • England

  • Falkland Islands

  • Fiji

  • Gambia

  • Ghana

  • Gibraltar

  • Grenada

  • Guam

  • Guyana

  • Ireland

  • Isle of Man

  • Jamaica

  • Kenya

  • Lesotho

  • Liberia

  • Malta

  • Mauritius

  • Montserrat

  • New Zealand

  • Nigeria

  • Norfolk Islands

  • Northern Ireland

  • Philippines

  • Pitcairn

  • Scotland

  • Seychelles

  • Sierra Leone

  • Singapore

  • South Africa

  • St. Chad/Christopher/Kitts/Nevis

  • St. Helena

  • St. Lucia

  • St. Vincent & The Grenadines

  • Tanzania

  • Trinidad & Tobago

  • Turks & Caicos Islands

  • Uganda

  • United Kingdom

  • United States

  • Virgin Islands

  • Wake & Midway Islands

  • Wales

  • Zambia

  • Zimbabwe

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