Writing, Comprehension and Speaking Skills
Since all activities (lectures, seminars, laboratories, etc.) at Humber are conducted in English, it is essential that all students possess strong English writing, comprehension and speaking skills in order to prepare them for the rigors of the academic curriculum and any workplace components of the program (such as co-op placements).
If English is not a student’s first language, or if their previous education was in another language, students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by completing and submitting the results of ONE of the following evaluation methods at the level relative to their applied program(s):
- For any program level, a minimum of one year of full-time study at the secondary school level in an English language school system in a country where English is considered the primary language, or the primary language of instruction and evaluation is English, with acceptable grades in all English courses.
- For any program level, a minimum of one full year of successful study in an accredited university degree program or one full year of successful study in an accredited college diploma program in a country OR in a postsecondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
- English proficiency test scores from one of the international English language testing bodies listed below. Tests taken within the last 24 months are considered valid for academic programs. Tests taken for placement into English for Academic Purposes (EAP) are considered valid within the last 24 months. Please refer to the minimum English proficiency test scores below:
| English Proficiency Tests | Minimum Scores* for Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas | Minimum Scores* for Degrees | Minimum Scores* for Bachelor of Science – Nursing | Minimum Scores* for Graduate Certificates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAEL Online or In-Person | Overall band score of 60 | Overall band score of 60 and Writing of 60 | Overall band score of 60 and Writing of 60 | Overall band score of 70 |
Cambridge English Tests Minimum FCE/CAE/CPE Score -> Minimum B2 First / C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency Score | B2 First / C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency 169 (with no single subscore below 162) | B2 First / C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency 176 (with no single subscore below 169 | C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency 185 (with no single subscore below 176) | C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency 176 (with no single subscore below 169) |
| Duolingo Language Test+ | 105 and above+ | 115 and above | N/A | 125 and above |
| Humber English for Academic Purposes Pathway Program (EAP) | Successful completion of all EAP courses with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 60% in Level 8 | Successful completion of all EAP courses with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 75% in Level 8 | N/A | Successful completion of all EAP courses with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 80% in Level 8 |
| IELTS Academic Level | Overall 6.0 AND No band below 5.5 | Overall 6.5 AND No band below 6.0 | Overall 7.0 AND No band below 6.5 | Overall 6.5 AND No band below 6.0 |
| LanguageCert Academic LCA | Overall 65-69 with no skill under 60 | Overall 70-74 with no skill under 65 | Overall 75-79 with no skill under 70 | Overall 70-74 with no skill under 65 |
| MET | 56 | 59 | 64 | 62 |
| PTE Academic | 53 - 57 | 58 - 60 | N/A | 61 - 64 |
| TOEFL Academic Level | 550 for paper-based test OR 80 (20L, 20W, 20S, 20R) for internet-based test | 560 for paper-based test OR 84 (21L, 21W, 21S, 21R) for internet-based test | 600 for paper-based test OR 100 (Minimum band scores, 21L, 21W, 21S, 21R) for internet-based test | 580 for paper-based test OR 88 (22L, 22W, 22S, 22R) for internet-based test |
| Integrated Skills in English (ISE) | Overall score of 90 And a minimum score of 80 in each skill | Overall score of 96 And a minimum score of 90 in each skill | Overall score of 105 And a minimum score of 96 in each skill | Overall score of 96 And a minimum score of 90 in each skill |
*For admission purposes, some programs require a higher score than the minimum scores stated above.
+The Duolingo Language Test will no longer be an approved English proficiency test for applications to the Pharmacy Technician diploma program beginning in the application cycle for the September 2023 term and beyond.
For placement scores for the English for Academic Purposes program, visit the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences EAP Levels Placement Testing Page.
English Language Tests
Please note that scores for the standardized English language tests may vary by program and are only valid for a 24-month period from the date of testing to the start date the program. Tests taken for placement into English for Academic Purposes (EAP) are considered valid within the last 24 months.
Humber reserves the right to require a successfully completed language proficiency test based on the requirements of the specific program.
Applicants with French as their first language must present transcripts to indicate they have taken three years of English in a Canadian secondary school or equivalent to waive standardized testing requirements.
If English is a student’s first language but their writing skills are not at the required level for college academic English, domestic students are encouraged to pursue Academic Upgrading.
Admissions Evaluation
Domestic applicants who have attended institutions outside of Canada are required to have credentials assessed prior to admissions evaluation. Humber recommends ICAS Canada for programs that require course-by-course assessments, and ICAS Canada or World Education Services (WES) for programs that require credential level evaluation only. Credential evaluation fees will apply.
Which Type of Credential Assessment Service Should I Choose?
Certain programs will require course-by-course or comprehensive assessments in order to rank order of applicants based on grades, and to demonstrate that specific course requirements have been met. General Assessments will not provide this level of detail. Any applicant that applies for Transfer Credits or Advanced Standing will be required to supply credential evaluations. As General Assessments will not provide this level of detail, course-by-course assessments are normally required.
When Can I Use a General Assessment?
For students applying to a program that only requires proof of completion of a particular credential, or proof of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, plus minimal courses (English or math), a General Assessment may be acceptable. Students may be required to complete additional testing in such cases, resulting in additional testing fees. For more information about which assessment to choose, students should speak with the Admissions Officer responsible for their program.