Academic Requirements
International Academic Credential Requirements
In order to receive an offer of admission, international students must satisfy credential-specific requirements as well as program-specific requirements. We encourage you to verify that your secondary school subjects include the required courses for your program of choice.
In addition, you’ll need to prove you’re proficient in either English or French, depending on the language of instruction for your chosen program.
Cross-regional credentials and curriculum:
British Pattern Education
Applicants may be considered for admission if they meet one of the following:
- 5 unique GCE/GCSE/IGCSE subjects with at least 2 at A-Level. OR;
- 4 AS-Level subjects with 1 GCSE/IGCSE/O-Level subject will be considered, provided the AS-levels do not duplicate subject matter at the GCSE/IGCSE or O Level (example: a student would need 5 distinct subjects).
Each course must have a grade of C (4) or higher.
American Curriculum
To be eligible for admission, students following the American Curriculum must meet the following criteria:
- High School Diploma
- Grade requirement: B average or better
West African Curriculum (WAEC/WASSCE/NECO)
To be eligible for admission, students following the West African Curriculum must meet the following criteria:
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO).
- Minimum final grades of C4 or better are required for most programs.
International Baccalaureate Secondary school student
To be eligible for admission, International Baccalaureate (IB) students must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Score: 24 points.
- Diploma Completion: Must complete the full diploma (six subjects, with at least three at the Higher Level).
- Documentation: An official IB transcript must be submitted to the Office of Admissions.
Transfer Credit Policy
The number of credits you can receive depends on your final score and course levels:
| Qualification | Criteria | Credit Limit |
| Higher Level (HL) courses | Grade of 5 or higher (Diploma not required) | Up to 18 credits |
| Standard Level (SL) courses | Grade of 5 or higher AND Diploma score of 28+ | Up to 6 extra credits |
| Maximum total | Combination of HL and eligible SL courses | 24 credits |
Advanced Placement secondary school student
Applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses in appropriate subjects with a grade of 4 or higher may receive transfer credit equivalent to a maximum of 12 credits. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements listed above. An official AP transcript is required for the evaluation process.
Please note: the degree requirements of their program may impact the transfer credits a student receives.
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture Requirements
Architecture
- Senior level English and two senior level math
Computer Science
- Senior level English and two senior level math
Engineering
- Senior level English, senior level math, senior level physics and senior level chemistry
Forensic Science
- Senior level English, senior level math, senior level biology and senior level chemistry
Sciences
- Senior level English
- one senior level math & two senior level sciences OR two senior level math & on senior level science
Conditional Admissions may be considered for those missing requirements.
Program Specific Requirements
Candidats des écoles secondaires de l’Ontario
Préalables des programmes:
- 1 cours de français niveau U/M 12ième année;5 autres cours niveau U/M 12ième année
- Moyenne globale minimale de 70 % des meilleurs 6 cours du niveau U/M 12ième année
Language Requirements
English Program Language Requirements
Academically admissible applicants who do not present the appropriate English proficiency requirements can complete one of the following approved English proficiency tests or English Academic Preparation (EAP) programs.
Presenting an Accepted English Proficiency Test
Laurentian University recognizes several language tests to demonstrate proficiency. English language test scores are valid if completed within 2 years of when your application is received.
Note: When registering for your language proficiency test, make sure that you select Laurentian University as the “Destination” or “Receiving Institution” of your score results so we can review and verify them online when we receive them. This option is available for most tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo.
| English Proficiency Tests | Minimum Required Score |
|---|
| TOEFL iBT - Test Of English as a Foreign Language | As of January 1st, 2026, we require an overall Score of 4.5, with a minimum of 5.0 for Writing and Speaking . We also accept an 88 overall for tests completed prior to January 1st, 2026. |
| IELTS Academic and IELTS One-Skill Retake - International English Language Testing System | 6.5 overall; No band lower than 6.0 |
| Cambridge Assessment English | C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a Cambridge Score of 176 or more |
| CAEL - Canadian Academic English Language Assessment | 70 overall; No part below 60 |
| Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees - CanTEST | 4.5 overall; No part below 4 |
| PTE Academic - Pearson Test of English | 60 overall |
| DuoLingo English Test | 120 overall; No Individual Subscore in Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening lower than 110 |
| Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) | 7 score; No band below 6 |
Completion of an Approved English Language Program
Students can meet language requirements for direct entry by pursuing one of the 3 approved English Language Programs.
Note: Students who have applied to Architecture or Nursing are not eligible for conditional admission with the EAP, as these admissions cannot be deferred.
Laurentian University's EAP Program
Complete Laurentian University's EAP Level 3 (CEFR C1) with a minimum overall score of 70%.
- Only available to students that demonstrate evidence they have attained a CEFR B2 - Upper Intermediate score. Students must submit an approved English Language test to be considered.
- This program is offered at Laurentian University with intakes in September, January and May.
- Each level of the program is 11 weeks.
Oxford International Digital Institute
Completing Oxford's International Digital Institute Online Pre-Sessional English program with an ELLT score of 7, with no band lower than 6.
This program offers flexible starts and a customized journey for each learner!
Exigences linguistiques pour les programmes en français
Afin d’être admis à un programme offert en français ou à un programme bilingue, il faut remplir l’un des critères suivants.
Enseignement en français
Vous avez effectué trois années d’études à plein temps dans une école secondaire ou un établissement postsecondaire où le français est la langue d’enseignement (avec documents officiels à l’appui).
Les élèves du secondaire de l'Ontario qui obtiennent le certificat d'immersion en français à une école secondaire de langue anglaise sont aussi exemptés, car ils ont satisfait aux exigences du diplôme en suivant des cours de français et des matières enseignées en français.
Soumettre le résultat d’un test de compétence en français reconnu
Si vous n'avez pas suivi d'études secondaires ou postsecondaires en français, vous pouvez démontrer votre maîtrise du français en passant l'un des tests suivants.
Remarque: Lorsque vous vous inscrivez à votre test de compétence linguistique, veillez à sélectionner l'Université Laurentienne comme « destination » ou « établissement destinataire » de vos résultats afin que nous puissions les examiner et les vérifier en ligne dès leur réception. Cette option est disponible pour la plupart des tests.
| Tests de compétence en français | Résultat minimal |
|---|
| Test de connaissance du français (TCF) | Note minimale de B-2 au Test de connaissance du français (TCF), version pour les futurs étudiants. |
| Test d'évaluation du français (TEF) | Note minimale de B-2 à la composante écrite. |
| Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF) | Score minimum de B-2. |
DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.