English Proficiency

Acceptable Language Tests & Minimum Scores

The language of instruction at McMaster University is English. Below are the only English Language Proficiency tests accepted by McMaster, along with their respective minimum score requirements are listed below.

NOTE: Typically, the English language proficiency test result must be written within two years of starting at McMaster. For the September 2024 entry, we will accept a test result as long as it is valid at the time you submit your application.

If you are applying to a graduate program, please go to the School of Graduate Studies website for all information regarding Language Requirements and application instructions.

IELTS – International English Language Testing System (Academic and Academic UKVI)

6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening); results valid for 2 years

5.0 overall for MELD (McMaster English Development) Program

6.5 overall for STEP (Summer Transition through English Prep) Program, with a minimum score of 6 in reading and writing, and minimum score of 5.5 in speaking and listening

NOTE: results must be sent directly to McMaster electronically from the testing centre

Please note we do accept the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR).

CAE – Cambridge Advanced English (C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency)

180 overall with a minimum score of 176 in each component. Valid for 2 years.

180 overall for STEP (Summer Transition through English Prep) Program, with a minimum score of 176 in reading and writing, and a minimum score of 160 in speaking and listening.

PTE – Pearson Test of English Academic

60 overall with minimum score of 60 in Writing and Speaking; valid for 2 years

40 overall for MELD (McMaster English Development) Program

CAEL – Canadian Academic English Language

70 overall with no component score below 60; valid for 2 years

50 overall for MELD (McMaster English Development) Program

70 overall for STEP (Summer Transition through English Prep) Program, with a minimum score of 60 in reading and writing, and a minimum score of 50 in speaking and listening.

Please note McMaster University accepts both CAEL online and CAEL at a test centre.

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

IBT: 86 overall with a minimum score of 20 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening); valid for 2 years

70 overall for MELD (McMaster English Development) Program

86 overall for STEP (Summer Transition through English Prep) Program, with a minimum score of 20 in reading & writing, minimum score of 16 in speaking, and minimum score of 11 in listening.

The institution code for ETS/TOEFL is 0936. Results must be sent directly to McMaster electronically from the testing centre

Please note we do accept TOEFL Home Edition. We do not accept TOEFL Essentials or TOEFL MyBest scores.

Duolingo English Test

120 for all direct-entry undergraduate programs

115-119 for STEP (Summer Transition through English Prep)

75-114 for MELD (McMaster English Development) Program

NOTE: results must be sent directly to McMaster electronically from the testing centre