All instruction and assessment at Saskatchewan Polytechnic is delivered in English. All applicants must meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for their chosen program by demonstrating proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through accepted tests or prior studies taught in English.
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
Respiratory Therapy
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
- 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
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
Countries and curricula for ELP consideration
Applicants who completed their studies in an English curriculum from one of the listed countries or curricula are generally considered to meet Sask Polytech's English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements.
Successful completion of Grades 10, 11, and 12 (or equivalent) leading to successful graduation or a minimum of 24 credits (or equivalent) from a recognized post-secondary institution is required.
- American Samoa
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Botswana
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Canada (see section on Canadian Studies below)
- Cayman Islands
- Dominica
- England
- Falkland Islands
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Great Britain
- Guam
- Guyana
- India (only curriculums listed below:
- ICSE
- CBSE
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Montserrat
- Namibia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Northern Ireland
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines (only post-secondary studies accepted)
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- 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
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
- GCSE (5 subjects)/GCE (2 A levels)
- Overseas schools offering a Canadian or US curriculum in English)
Evidence may be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
High School
Canadian Adult 12 program or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) program
Completion of an Adult 12 program including a minimum grade of 70% in 30-level English Language Arts.
Completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) program (or GED). The qualification must have been achieved in the past five years.
Completion of studies at a Canadian school
Completion of Grades 10, 11 and 12 English leading to successful graduation.
Completion of Grade 12 leading to successful graduation with a grade of 75 % in the 30 level English Language Arts.
Students graduating from Saskatchewan Français, Fransaskois or French Immersion high school programs are considered to have completed studies in an English curriculum and therefore meet Saskatchewan Polytechnic's English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements.
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
Post Secondary
Completion of studies at an English-speaking post secondary school
Applicants who already met ELP requirement and completed post secondary credentials from Sask Polytech can continue into other programs without additional confirmation of ELP.
English language proficiency tests
ELP tests are valid for two years and must be valid on the date the application was submitted to Sask Polytech.
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).
Duolingo English test
A minimum overall score of 110 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.
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).
Tests take on or after January 21, 2026: an overall score of 4 with a minimum of 4 in each of reading, istening, speaking and writing.
University of Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Minimum grade of C1
LanguageCert Academic
65 overall, with no individual skill below 45
Oxford ELLT
7 overall, with no individual skill below 4
English language programs
Applicants may receive a conditional offer of admission if they provide proof of registration in an approved English language program. The proof must include a specific date by which the applicant will meet the ELP requirement.
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
Currently recognized courses:
- Successful completion of EAP 100 and 101 satisfies the English Language Proficiency requirement for the University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Previously recognized courses:
- 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.
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.
