English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency (ELP) as part of the admissions process.

ELP requirements for each NorQuest College program are detailed on the Program Requirements page. For most programs, there are five ways to meet ELP requirements:

1. By completing NorQuest College ESL Intensive coursework that the program has identified as acceptable for meeting ELP.

2. By achieving an acceptable score on an ELP test, such as:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

  • Request that your results be mailed directly from TOEFL to NorQuest College.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

  • Use Contact Admissions to send us your test report form number so that we can confirm your results online.

CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language)

  • When completing the test, indicate you are seeking admission to NorQuest College so we can confirm your results online.

CELBAN (Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses, a test for internationally-educated nurses.)

  • When completing the test, indicate you are seeking admission to NorQuest College so we can confirm your results online.

CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)

  • When completing the test, indicate you are seeking admission to NorQuest College so we can confirm your results online.

CLB (Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks)

  • Submit your results to the Office of the Registrar.
  • CLBA or CLBPT – for foundational programs only
  • Arrange for your CLB test through:
    Language Assessment, Referral & Counselling Centre
    8212 118 Avenue NW
    Edmonton, AB T5B 0S3

Other ELP tests as deemed acceptable by the Office of the Registrar

View the NorQuest College English Language Proficiency Chart

3. By completing high school in Canada.

Studies must have been in English at an approved Canadian high school with at least three consecutive years of full-time academic study and completion of Grade 12 English or its equivalent.

4. By completing a recognized post-secondary degree or diploma program in Canada.

The program must have involved at least two full years of full-time, consecutive academic study in English.

5. By completing at least three consecutive years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study in English in an ELP Recognized Country or in a recognized institution where the primary language of instruction is English.

These studies must include satisfactory completion of Grade 12 English or its equivalent, and cannot include English as a Second Language or Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada courses.

 

English Language Proficiency Recognized Countries

Applicants who have successfully completed at least three consecutive years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study in English in one of these countries may meet English language proficiency (ELP) requirements for NorQuest programs. ELP requirements vary by program; details can be found in the academic calendar.

American Samoa Cayman Islands Malta St Lucia
Anguilla Falkland Islands Mauritius St Vincent and the Grenadines
Antigua and Barbuda Fiji Montserrat Tanzania
Australia Ghana New Zealand Trinidad and Tobago
Bahamas Gibraltar Nigeria Turks and Caicos Islands
Barbados Grenada Philippines3 Uganda
Belize Guam Repubic of Ireland United Kingdom
Bermuda Guyana Seychelles United States of America
Botswana India2 Singapore Virgin Islands
Brunei Jamaica South Africa Zimbabwe
Cameroon1 Kenya St Helena  
Canada Liberia St Kitts and Nevis  

Notes:

  1. Individuals educated under the British education model only; to be confirmed by the General Certificate of Education.
  2. Individuals educated in senior secondary schools affiliated with the CBSE and CISCE examining bodies only. Post-secondary studies are not considered towards the required years of education.
  3. Must be confirmed with a letter from the applicant’s previous high school and/or university that specifies the language of instruction was English.

In cases where contradictory evidence has been received, NorQuest College may require further evidence of ELP. Examples of contradictory evidence include, but are not limited to, low grades on English-based courses, low scores on English placement or ELP tests, and/or significant communication difficulties.

Following college policies and procedures, the Office of the Registrar makes the final determination of whether evidence of ELP is required for an applicant. If ELP is required from an applicant, this item will appear on their 'To Do' list in MyQuest.

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