English is the language of instruction and examination at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. If your first or primary language is not English, and/or your country is not exempt, you will need to provide evidence of having the English language skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing necessary to be successful in the Saskatchewan Polytechnic program to which you are applying.
Saskatchewan students graduating from Fransaskois and French Immersion high school programs are not required to meet further English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements.
To review program specific ELP requirements, please select your program of choice.
Program-specific ELP requirements
Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing
Canadian and U.S. high schools
Completion of grades 11 and 12 English, in sequence, as part of two full academic years, in a high school using a provincially- or state-accredited Canadian or U.S. curriculum OR a grade of 80% or better in a grade 12 provincially-examined English course, as part of one full term of study
English-language post-secondary
Successful completion of at least 24 credit hours in an approved English-language post-secondary institution, including at least 6 credit hours in humanities or social science subjects and with a grade point average of 60.00% or equivalent.
GCSE/IGCSE/GCE
GCSE/IGCSE/GCE Ordinary Level English, English Language, or English as a Second Language with minimum grade of ‘B’ or GCE A/AS/AICE Level English or English Language with minimum grade of ‘C’.
One of the following tests also will be accepted. Test results must be received, by the Admissions Office, directly from the testing service.
Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
A minimum score of 4.5 in each of Listening, Reading, and Writing and a score of 5.0 or higher in Speaking.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) and CAEL CE
A minimum score of 70 with a minimum sub-score of 70 in all components.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic Module
An overall band score of 7.0 with a 7.0 or higher in Speaking
IELTS at Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-based (iBt)
A minimum overall score of 90 with minimum sub-scores of 20 in Reading and Writing, 26 in Speaking, and 22 in Listening.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-based
A minimum overall score of 580 with a minimum sub-score of 50 in each of Listening and Speaking, and a minimum score of 5.0 in each of Writing and Reading.
Collaborative Nurse Practitioner
Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English. English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence for one of the following:
- Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education)
- Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially-accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 or equivalent. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
- Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school
- Successful completion of a minimum of two full years (minimum 24 credits) from an accredited program at a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent.
If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted:
- International Language Testing Source – Academic Version (IELTS-AC)
- Overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 7.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Michener English Language Assessment (MELA)
- Minimum score of 8 in each of Reading, Listening and Speaking and a minimum score of 7 in Writing.
Critical Care Nursing
Cytotechnology
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English. English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence for one of the following:
- Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education)
- Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially-accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 or equivalent. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
- Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school
- Successful completion of a minimum of two full years (minimum 24 credits) from an accredited program at a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent.
If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted:
- International Language Testing Source – Academic Version (IELTS-AC)
- Overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 7.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Michener English Language Assessment (MELA)
- Minimum score of 8 in each of Reading, Listening and Speaking and a minimum score of 7 in Writing.
Health Information Management
English language requirements
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English. English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence of one of the following:
Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education):
- Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English or English/French immersion, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially-accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30, or equivalent.. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school:
- Successful completion of a minimum of two years and at least 24 credit hours from an accredited program as a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic (not including non-credit courses or English language training courses, e.g., LINC), where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent.
If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted.
International Language Testing Source (IELTS) - Academic Module
- Overall minimum score of Band 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component is required.
Michener English Language Assessment (MELA)
- Minimum score of 8 in each of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Internet-based (iBt)
- Minimum overall score of 98 with a minimum score of 23 in Speaking, a minimum score of 24 in each of Listening and Reading, and a minimum score of 27 in Writing.
Medical Laboratory Assistant
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English. English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence for one of the following:
- Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education)
- Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially-accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 or equivalent. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
- Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school
- Successful completion of a minimum of two full years (minimum 24 credits) from an accredited program at a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent.
If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted:
- International Language Testing Source – Academic Version (IELTS-AC)
- Overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 7.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Michener English Language Assessment (MELA)
- Minimum score of 8 in each of Reading, Listening and Speaking and a minimum score of 7 in Writing.
Medical Laboratory Technology
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English. English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence for one of the following:
- Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education)
- Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially-accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 or equivalent. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
- Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school
- Successful completion of a minimum of two full years (minimum 24 credits) from an accredited program at a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent.
If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted:
- International Language Testing Source – Academic Version (IELTS-AC)
- Overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 7.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Michener English Language Assessment (MELA)
- Minimum score of 8 in each of Reading, Listening and Speaking and a minimum score of 7 in Writing.
Medical Radiologic Technology
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English. English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence for one of the following:
- Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education)
- Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially-accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 or equivalent. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
- Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school
- Successful completion of a minimum of two full years (minimum 24 credits) from an accredited program at a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent.
If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted:
- International Language Testing Source – Academic Version (IELTS-AC)
- Overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 7.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Michener English Language Assessment (MELA)
- Minimum score of 8 in each of Reading, Listening and Speaking and a minimum score of 7 in Writing.
Mental Health and Addictions Counselling
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English.
English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence of one of the following:
Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education):
- Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially-accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30, or equivalent. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school:
- Successful completion of a minimum of two years from an accredited program at a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent.
If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted:
International Language Testing Source – Academic Version (IELTS-AC)
- Overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 7.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
- Minimum score of 4.5 in each of Listening and Reading, a minimum score of 4.0 in each of Speaking and Writing
Michener English Language Assessment (MELA)
- Minimum score of 8 in each of Reading, Listening and Speaking, and a minimum score of 7 in Writing
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Overall score of 94-101 with a minimum score of 23 in Speaking, a minimum score of 24 in each of Listening and Reading, and a minimum score of 27 in Writing
Pharmacy Technician
Evidence of English language proficiency will be based on submission of one of the following for evidence:
- Language proficiency test results determined by the National Association for Pharmacy Regulatory Authority (NAPRA) (pdf) language proficiency requirements for licensure as a pharmacy technician in Canada
- Graduation from a high school in Canada or a Collège d’enseignement general et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec with four consecutive, first language English or French* courses/credits
- An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, where instruction is in English or French*
*Saskatchewan Polytechnic is a unilingual institution with all academic instruction, labs and clinicals delivered in English only.
Practical Nursing
If your first learned language is not English, you must successfully demonstrate English proficiency in one of the following ways.
NOTE: There are no countries considered ELP exempt.
- A minimum of two (2) years of full-time study in total (i.e., at any level from primary to post-secondary in any combination), in English in Canada (not including non-credit courses or English language training courses, e.g., LINC), or the following ELP results for IELTS (Academic) or the CELBAN. (CELBAN is an option for internationally educated nurses only).
NOTE: College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan (CLPNS) defines full-time studies as a minimum of 3 courses per semester
- IELTS (Academic): Must meet the minimum in each component shown below, and an overall minimum of 7
- Writing – 6.5
- Speaking – 7
- Listening – 7
- Reading – 6.5
- CELBAN: For internationally educated nurses only
- Writing – 7
- Speaking – 8
- Listening – 9
- Reading – 8
4. TEF Canada (used for the program partnership with College Mathieu)
- Reading - 4
- Listening - 4
- Writing - 4
- Speaking - 5
Primary Care Paramedic
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English.
English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence of one of the following:
Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education):
- Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially-accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30, or equivalent. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school:
- Successful completion of a minimum of two years from an accredited program at a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent.
If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted:
International Language Testing Source – Academic Version (IELTS-AC)
- Overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 7.0 in each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Michener English Language Assessment (MELA)
- Minimum score of 8 in each of Reading, Listening and Speaking, and a minimum score of 7 in Writing
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- Overall score of 94-101 with a minimum score of 23 in Speaking, a minimum score of 24 in each of Listening and Reading, and a minimum score of 27 in Writing
Psychiatric Nursing
The language of instruction and assessment for this program is English. In addition to the general admission requirements, if your first or primary language is not English and/or your country is not exempt, you must demonstrate an appropriate level of proficiency in English. English language proficiency will be based on submission of evidence for one of the following:
- Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education) Completion of grades 10, 11, and 12 English, in sequence, as part of three full academic years in a high school using provincially accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 or equivalent. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
- Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school Successful completion of a minimum of two full years (minimum 24 credits) from an accredited program at a recognized institution or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination with a grade point average of 60% or equivalent.
If one of the above requirements is not met, evidence of one of the following English proficiency tests meeting the specified exam standards must be submitted:
- IELTS (Academic): Must meet the minimum in each component shown below, and an overall
minimum of 7
- Writing – 6.5
- Speaking – 7
- Listening – 7
- Reading – 6.5
- CELBAN: For internationally educated nurses only
- Writing – 7
- Speaking – 8
- Listening – 9
- Reading – 8
- TEF Canada
- Reading – 4
- Listening – 4
- Writing – 4
- Speaking – 5
Registered Nursing Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Nurses
Letter from the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) or the regulatory body in the province where the student resides, recommending the candidate and indicating the candidate meets English language proficiency
Registered Nursing Bridging Program for Re-entry to Practice
Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Saskatchewan Polytechnic Literacy and Adult Education programs (other than Adult 12)
Program head approval is required for all Literacy and Adult Education programming other than the Adult 12 program.
All remaining programs follow the information below
ELP exempt countries
Saskatchewan Polytechnic applicants who have completed their secondary (high school) education or received post-secondary training in one of the following exempt countries are not generally required to provide evidence of English language proficiency (ELP). Note: If you are from an exempt country, you may need to meet a program's specific English language proficiency requirement.
List of exempt countries
* with successful completion of at least two years of study at a recognized school or institution where English is the primary language of instruction; submit an attestation from the school that English is the language of instruction
** where English is the primary language of instruction; submit an attestation from the school that English is the language of instruction
- American Samoa
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Botswana
- British Honduras
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Canada (except Quebec)
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- England
- Falkland Islands
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Great Britain
- Grenada
- Guam
- Guyana
- Hong Kong *
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mauritius **
- Namibia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Northern Ireland
- Panama Canal Zone
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines *
- Puerto Rico
- Singapore
- South Africa
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- Scotland
- Sierra Leone
- Tanzania
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Uganda
- United States of America
- US Virgin Islands
- Wales
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
ELP requirements
International applicants with study permits may be subject to further requirements.
Full-time study - secondary education (high school)
For Regular High School and Adult Basic Education a minimum 3 courses in a semester, or 3 courses over two consecutive quarters, or 6 courses in a non-semestered academic year is required to be considered full-time. Adult Basic Education may include Adult 12 bridging courses (at the discretion of International Admissions).
Note: ESL and non-credit courses are excluded.
Evidence may be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
High School
Advanced Placement (AP) English
Canadian provincially-examined Adult 12 program (secondary education)
Completion of a provincially examined Adult 12 program and one successful full-time year of study that includes a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30 and English Language Arts B30 (or equivalent).
Completion of studies at a Canadian or U.S. high school (secondary education)
A minimum grade of 70% in Grade 12 provincially-examined or state-examined English courses as part of one successful full-time year of study; OR successful completion of Grades 10, 11 and 12 English courses or their equivalents, in sequence, as part of three full-time years in a high school using provincially-accredited Canadian or state-accredited U.S. curriculum, including regular (10, 20 or 30 level) or modified (11, 21 or 31 level) courses. English as a Second Language courses will not be considered.
Quebec applicants must provide proof of:
- a Secondary V Diplôme d’études secondaires (DES) with three successful years of English in sequence, or
- a minimum of one complete year in an academic diploma program at a French Collège d’enseignement général et professional (CEGEP), and two of the following English courses: English 603-101, 603-102, 603-103, or
- a minimum of one complete year in an academic diploma program at an English CEGEP college
Completion of studies at an English-speaking secondary school outside North America in a country that is not exempt
U.S. approved Adult 12 program (secondary education)
English language proficiency tests
ELP tests are valid for a period of two years. Each testing service has its own policies concerning re-testing timeframes, etc.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL CE and Online)
Minimum score of 60 with a minimum score of 50 in each component. (CE and Online accepted).
Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
Minimum score of 4.5 in each of listening and reading, a minimum score of 4.0 in speaking, and a minimum score of 4.0 in writing
Note: This test is no longer available as of February 2020. Scores will remain valid for two years.
Duolingo English test
A minimum overall score of 105 on the online Duolingo English test as the equivalent to the minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, for most programs. Program-specific ELP requirements still apply.
Effective for any programs with a start date after July 1, 2025, the Duolingo test score will increase from a minimum of 105 to 110.
International Baccalaureate (IB) English A1 or A2
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Academic module
Overall minimum score of Band 6.5 with a minimum score of 5.0 in each component.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA including online)
A minimum score of 63 with minimum component scores of 50.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-based
An overall minimum score of 81 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), with a minimum score of 19 in each of reading, listening, speaking and writing. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is also accepted (utilizes students' equipment and a human proctor online).
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – paper-based
University of Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Minimum grade of C1
English language programs
Applicants may be conditionally waitlisted and/or conditionally accepted where proof of registration in an English language program is provided. Proof must include a specified date by which the individual is anticipated to meet the ELP requirement.
Students who have previously completed the Saskatchewan Polytechnic English for Academic Purposes English for Success Level 2 meet general ELP requirements. There is no current intake offered at this time.
The Language Gallery Canada
Level 6
Sask Polytech has partnered with The Language Gallery Canada, a member of Global University Systems (GUS), an international network of higher-educational institutions.
University of Regina
Successful completion of ESL 050 (Advanced Level) with completion of either Literature and Writing or Advanced Writing, or a minimum average score of 55 on the ESL placement exam.
University of Saskatchewan
Successful completion of Certificate in English for Academic Purposes Level 4.
English School of Canada
Minimum 70% in UCTP for certificate, diploma, and degree program and 80% for post-graduation certificate program.
International Language Academy of Canada
ILAC University Pathway program minimum 3.2.
Other college and university intensive ESL programs
Successful completion of a Saskatchewan Polytechnic-recognized ESL program from a Canadian college or university, if it is considered equivalent to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s required TOEFL iBT or IELTS admission requirements. Proficiency equivalents will be reviewed by Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s International Admissions Representative in consultation with the relevant program head. Registrar approval will be required.
Completion of studies at an English-speaking post-secondary school
Successful completion of a minimum of 24 credits from an accredited program at a recognized institution, or a combination of accredited programs at institutions recognized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where English is the official language of instruction and examination.