English Language Proficiency

How to satisfy NAIT's language proficiency requirements

English is the language of instruction at NAIT. If you have previous education outside of Canada in a country that is not on the exempt country list – or you completed your studies in a language other than English – you will need to demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) as part of the admissions process. 

NAIT’s ELP requirement is different than academic English language arts requirements your program may have. NAIT may also require you to provide additional ELP proof or documentation during the admissions process. Make sure you monitor your To-Do list in your MyNAIT portal.

---

1. Complete consecutive, full-time studies in English

You will meet this requirement if you have completed at least: 

• 3 years of high school (or combination of high school and post-secondary) in Canada or in a country on NAIT’s ELP exempt country list  – including completion of Grade 12 English; or

• 2 years of post-secondary in Canada or an ELP exempt country. 

Your studies must have been in English, full-time, and consecutive.

---

2. Complete specific English language courses

Achieve acceptable marks in one of the following English language courses:

School or institution	Course(s)	Minimum required grade
Canadian high schools  Review out-of-province course equivalencies	English 30-1 or English 30-2	65% or higher 70% or higher
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)	All three ESL Level 6 courses: NEAP611 - Listening & Speaking, and NEAP621 - Reading & Vocabulary, and NEAP631 - Grammar & Writing	Completion (pass)
University of Alberta	EAP145 (or equivalent)	Completion (pass)
International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC)	Pathway 3.2 or Pathway 3.3	75% or higher

Are you currently taking one of the courses listed above?

• You can receive conditional admission into a credit program if you are currently enrolled in NAIT’s ESL Level 6 courses or another course listed above. 
• Note if you’re taking ILAC pathway courses, you will need to submit proof of your ILAC enrolment, including the end date of your course, to be considered for conditional admission. 

---

3. Take an ELP test

Applicants to Spring/Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 

Select your program below to know which ELP assessment tests are accepted and the minimum test score. These test scores are applicable only until September 2023. 

Applicants to Winter 2024 and beyond

ELP test results are only valid for two years from the test date. Effective Winter 2024 and beyond

English Language Proficiency (ELP) test	Minimum accepted test score
IELTS Academic	6.0 in each section
NAIT’s ELP Exam	73% or “B” in each section
Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLB)	8.0 in each section
CAEL or CAEL Online	60 overall score
Cambridge English Language Assessment	B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169 in each section
TOEFL iBT; Home Edition is also accepted	20 in each section
Duolingo	115 overall score
Michigan English Test (MET)	59 overall score
PTE Academic or PTE Academic online	58 overall score