English Language Proficiency Requirements
At least three years of English instruction
Important Notice
- For programs starting September 2024 (or later), there are more options for meeting English Language Proficiency requirements. Check requirements for September 2024 (or later).
- For programs starting before September 2024, follow the requirements shown below.
Students who have completed three years* of full-time, face-to-face secondary or post-secondary education in an English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction may meet VCC's English language requirements by completing one of the following options:
*For example, a student who successfully completed 9 credits of post-secondary study in each of 2 terms in one year, and repeated this over 3 years may meet VCC’s standard for 3 years of full-time study. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are not considered in the three-year calculation. Please contact an Academic Advisor if you have questions about meeting the three-year requirement.
Students may meet VCC's English language requirements by completing a recognized bachelor's degree at a university in an English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction.
Students may meet VCC's English language requirements by completing three credits of undergraduate English at a recognized post-secondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
Undergraduate English grades must meet or exceed the percentages below to fulfil VCC program requirements. Please check your program for the level of English required.
E.g. VCC's Hairstylist Certificate requires English 10. Students can complete three credits of undergraduate English with a minimum overall score of 50% to meet this requirement.
| VCC requirements | English 12 'B' |
English 12 'C+' |
English 12 'C' |
English 12 'C-' |
English 11 | English 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate grades | Minimum 64% |
Minimum 60% |
Minimum 55% |
Minimum 50% |
Minimum 50% |
Minimum 50% |
Students may meet VCC's English language requirements by completing VCC English courses.
Please check your program for the level of English required.
E.g. VCC’s Graphic Design Certificate program requires English 12 with a 'C' grade. Students can complete provincial level ABE (minimum 60%) or University Transfer English 1 (minimum 55%) to meet this requirement.
| VCC requirements | English 12 'B' |
English 12 'C+' |
English 12 'C' |
English 12 'C-' |
English 11 | English 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Transfer English 1 (ENGL 1100) |
Minimum 64% |
Minimum 60% |
Minimum 55% |
Minimum 50% |
Minimum 50% |
Minimum 50% |
| Provincial level ABE English 12 (ENGL 0981 and 0991) |
Minimum 72% |
Minimum 64% |
Minimum 60% |
Minimum 50%; |
Minimum 50% |
Minimum 50% |
| Technical and Professional English 12 (ENGL 0992) |
Minimum 72% |
Minimum 64% |
Minimum 60% |
Minimum 50% |
Minimum 50% |
Minimum 50% |
| Writing Skills (WRSK 1076) AND Reading and Study Skills (RSSK 1076) |
Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Communication for Health Sciences (CCAC 1084) |
Satisfied | Satisfied | Satisfied | Satisfied | Satisfied | Satisfied |
| Advanced level ABE English 11 (ENGL 0861 and 0871) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Pass | Pass |
| Intermediate Level ABE English 10 (ENGL 0750 and 0752) |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Pass |
Students may meet VCC's English language requirements by completing courses in Academic English 10, 11, or 12, or Communications 12 or equivalent in Canada or an English-speaking country where English is the primary language of instruction.
Please check your program for the level of English required.
| VCC requirements | English 12 'B' |
English 12 'C+' |
English 12 'C' |
English 12 'C-' |
English 11 | English 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic English in Canada or equivalent | Minimum 73% |
Minimum 67% |
Minimum 60% |
Minimum 50% |
Minimum 50% |
Minimum 50% |
| Communications 12 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Pass | Pass |
Students may meet VCC's English language requirements by completing one of the following assessments. Scores are valid for two years.
*Note: The Duolingo test is not accepted for Practical Nursing, Access to Practical Nursing, or Health Care Assistant programs.
Please check your program for the level of English required.
| VCC requirements | English 12 'B' |
English 12 'C+' |
English 12 'C' |
English 12 'C-' |
English 11 | English 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VCC NG Accuplacer | Reading: 263 WritePlacer: 6 |
Reading: 258 WritePlacer: 5 |
Reading: 253 WritePlacer: 5 |
Reading: 250 WritePlacer: 5 |
Reading: 240 WritePlacer: 4 |
Reading: 230 WritePlacer: 3 |
| Langara (LET) | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Duolingo Test | Overall: 120 | Overall: 115 | Overall: 115 | Overall: 115 | Overall: 105 | Overall: 95 |
Proof of credentials
All applicants using external credentials (e.g. degrees, credits, or test scores) to meet VCC's English language requirements must provide proof upon application.
Questions?
See more options for meeting VCC's English Language Requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for your program and want more information about VCC English assessments or courses, please contact Advising Services.