The University of Toronto sets English proficiency requirements at the faculty and programme level rather than as a single university-wide threshold. Requirements differ significantly between undergraduate and graduate admissions, and between faculties within each level.
This guide covers UofT's IELTS requirements across all major faculties, what competitive scores look like among admitted students, and how to plan preparation for a UofT-level result.
Does the University of Toronto Accept IELTS?
Yes. The University of Toronto accepts IELTS Academic as proof of English language proficiency for all applicants whose first language is not English. TOEFL iBT is also accepted as an alternative.
Key distinction: UofT does not accept IELTS General Training for academic admissions. Only IELTS Academic is valid.
University of Toronto IELTS Requirements — Undergraduate
General Undergraduate Minimum
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum IELTS | 6.5 overall |
| Per-skill minimum | No skill below 6.0 |
| Competitive score | 7.0–8.0 for competitive programmes |
| Test type | IELTS Academic only |
A 6.5 overall with no skill below 6.0 meets the baseline requirement for most undergraduate programmes at UTSG (St. George), UTM (Mississauga), and UTSC (Scarborough). However, competitive programmes set higher expectations.
Undergraduate — Faculty-Level Requirements
| Faculty / Programme | Min IELTS | Competitive Score |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Science | 6.5 | 7.0–7.5 |
| Rotman Commerce | 7.0 | 7.5–8.0 |
| Engineering Science | 6.5 | 7.0–7.5 |
| Computer Science (Stream 1) | 6.5 | 7.0–7.5 |
| Architecture, Landscape, Design | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| Music | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Physical and Health Education | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Applied Science and Engineering | 6.5 | 7.0 |
Rotman Commerce is among the most competitive undergraduate business programmes in Canada. A 7.0 minimum is stated, but admitted international students routinely submit 7.5–8.0, with Writing scores of 7.0 or above.
University of Toronto IELTS Requirements — Graduate
SGS (School of Graduate Studies) General Minimum
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum IELTS | 7.0 overall |
| Per-skill minimum | No skill below 6.5 |
| Competitive score | 7.5–8.5 depending on programme |
| Notes | Some programmes require 7.5 minimum |
The SGS minimum of 7.0 overall with no skill below 6.5 applies to most master's and doctoral programmes. Individual departments frequently require higher scores.
Graduate — Faculty and Programme Requirements
| Programme | Min IELTS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rotman School of Management (MBA) | 7.0 overall | No skill below 6.5; competitive admits: 7.5–8.0 |
| Faculty of Law (LLM, SJD) | 7.5 overall | Writing and Reading weighted; competitive: 8.0+ |
| Faculty of Medicine (MSc, PhD) | 7.0 overall | Speaking 7.0+ for clinical programmes |
| OISE (Education — MA, MEd, PhD) | 7.5 overall | Writing-intensive; competitive: 7.5–8.0 |
| Faculty of Information (MI) | 7.0 overall | Competitive: 7.5 |
| Munk School of Global Affairs (MGA) | 7.0 overall | Competitive: 7.5–8.0 |
| Faculty of Engineering (MASc, MEng, PhD) | 7.0 overall | Competitive: 7.5 |
| Computer Science (MSc, PhD) | 7.0 overall | Competitive: 7.5 |
| Department of Economics (MA, PhD) | 7.0 overall | Competitive: 7.5–8.0 |
| School of Public Policy and Governance (MPP) | 7.5 overall | Writing-intensive; competitive: 7.5–8.0 |
OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education) is the graduate school for education at UofT. It sets a 7.5 minimum and expects strong Writing scores given the academic writing demands of education research.
University of Toronto IELTS Summary Table
| Level | Minimum Overall | Per-Skill Min | Competitive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (general) | 6.5 | 6.0 | 7.0–7.5 |
| Undergraduate (Rotman Commerce) | 7.0 | — | 7.5–8.0 |
| Graduate (SGS general) | 7.0 | 6.5 | 7.5–8.0 |
| Graduate Law (LLM/SJD) | 7.5 | — | 8.0+ |
| Graduate Education (OISE) | 7.5 | — | 7.5–8.0 |
| Graduate Public Policy (MPP) | 7.5 | — | 7.5–8.0 |
Minimum vs. Competitive Score at UofT
For undergraduate admission to competitive programmes at UTSG — Engineering Science, Rotman Commerce, Computer Science — domestic applicants often have averages in the mid-90s. Language proficiency requirements are a floor, not a differentiator. Meeting them is expected; exceeding them signals strength.
For graduate admission, the stated minimum is a gateway. Competitive applicants for research-intensive PhD programmes at UofT typically submit IELTS scores of 7.5–8.5.
Practical guidance: If your target is a ranked programme (MBA, Law, top engineering departments), aim for a score 0.5–1.0 band above the stated minimum.
Per-Skill Strategy for UofT Applications
Writing — Critical for All Graduate Programmes
UofT graduate programmes are highly writing-intensive. Research proposals, theses, policy briefs, and dissertations are central outputs. A Writing score below 7.0 raises concern for any graduate programme at SGS.
Target: Writing 6.5 minimum (undergraduate); 7.0–7.5 for graduate programmes; 7.5+ for Law, OISE, and Public Policy.
Speaking — Key for Education, Medicine, and Management
OISE education programmes, clinical medicine tracks, and the Rotman MBA all require high verbal fluency. Teaching placements, clinical rounds, and case-based learning demand conversational precision.
Target: Speaking 6.0+ (undergraduate); 7.0+ (graduate); 7.5 for clinical and teaching-track programmes.
Reading and Listening
UofT sets per-skill minimums (6.0 undergraduate; 6.5 graduate). Scoring below these thresholds in Reading or Listening will result in an offer being conditional or withdrawn regardless of the overall band.
Target: Both skills at or above the per-skill minimum, with competitive applicants aiming 7.0+.
English Proficiency Waivers
UofT offers proficiency exemptions for applicants who meet qualifying criteria. Common grounds for exemption:
- Completed a minimum of three or four years of full-time study (depending on the programme) in English at a recognised institution
- Citizenship from a designated English-speaking country
- Secondary education completed in English in Canada or another qualifying country
Waiver criteria differ between undergraduate and graduate admissions and between faculties. Always confirm with the specific programme's admissions office.
IELTS vs. TOEFL for University of Toronto
UofT accepts both tests equally. TOEFL MyBest Scores are not accepted — UofT requires scores from a single sitting. This is a specific and important distinction.
| If you prefer... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Face-to-face speaking assessment | IELTS |
| Fully computer-based testing | TOEFL |
| Half-band score increments | IELTS |
| Single-sitting score (required by UofT) | Either — both require single sitting |
| Paper test availability | IELTS |
Score Validity at UofT
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. UofT requires scores to be valid at the time of application and at the time of enrolment.
For September 2027 entry, scores taken before September 2025 will not be valid. If you are retaking to improve, factor in processing time and application deadlines.
How to Prepare for a UofT-Level IELTS Score
Undergraduate Target (6.5–7.5)
At the undergraduate level, the gap between the minimum and a competitive score is relatively small — 0.5 to 1.0 band. The focus should be on consistent performance across all four skills rather than optimising one area.
Key preparation:
- Writing Task 1: practise academic description of graphs, charts, and processes
- Writing Task 2: structure arguments with clear topic sentences and supporting evidence
- Speaking Part 3: practise abstract discussion with extended responses on social and academic topics
Graduate Target (7.5–8.5)
Graduate programmes require precision reading, analytical writing, and confident academic discussion. The jump from 7.0 to 7.5 is significant — it requires systematic, criterion-level preparation rather than general practice.
Key preparation:
- Writing Task 2: develop nuanced arguments with counterpoints explicitly addressed
- Speaking: extend Part 3 answers with reasons, examples, and implications without prompting
- Reading: practise inference and attitude questions, which account for most errors at 7.5+
Sample Study Timeline for UofT IELTS Preparation
| Weeks | Focus | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Full diagnostic test — identify skill gaps precisely | 8–10 |
| 3–5 | Writing Task 2 structure and academic vocabulary | 10–12 |
| 6–8 | Speaking fluency: Part 2 (1 min talk) and Part 3 (discussion) | 8–10 |
| 9–11 | Reading: inference, matching headings, completion tasks | 8–10 |
| 12–13 | Listening: section 3 and 4 (lecture and academic discussion) | 8–10 |
| 14–16 | Full mock tests under timed exam conditions | 12–15 |
| 17 | Targeted review of weakest skill from mock results | 8–10 |
12–16 weeks of focused preparation is a realistic timeline for most candidates aiming to move from a 6.0–6.5 starting point to 7.0–7.5.
Common Mistakes UofT Applicants Make on IELTS
Submitting with the minimum score for competitive programmes. A 6.5 for an Engineering Science or Rotman Commerce application puts you at a disadvantage relative to other international applicants who submit 7.0–7.5.
Forgetting UofT does not accept MyBest. Unlike some institutions, UofT requires scores from a single test sitting. Planning to combine your best Writing from one date with your best Speaking from another will not work.
Submitting an expired score. Applying with a score from more than two years ago is a straightforward administrative rejection.
Low per-skill scores alongside a passing overall. A 7.0 overall with a 5.5 in Writing falls below UofT's stated per-skill minimum for graduate study and will result in a conditional or rejected offer.
Underestimating the Writing requirement. Writing is the most heavily scrutinised skill for academic programme admissions — and the hardest skill to improve quickly without targeted, specific feedback.
The University of Toronto is Canada's top-ranked research university. For graduate applicants, a strong IELTS result — particularly in Writing and Speaking — signals readiness for the academic rigour of UofT's programmes.
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