TOEFL requirements for University of Ottawa | A handy guide!

TOEFL requirements for University of Ottawa | A brief overview

The University of Ottawa, also known as uOttawa, is a public research university in Ottawa, Canada. Founded in 1848, it is the largest bilingual university in the world, offering programs in both English and French. With over 40,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs, the University of Ottawa is a diverse and dynamic institution committed to providing its students with a high-quality education and exceptional research opportunities.

The University of Ottawa has ten faculties, including the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculté de Droit, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Science, and Telfer School of Management. It offers over 450 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including professional programs in medicine, law, engineering, and education. The University of Ottawa is also home to a vibrant research community, with over 50 research centers and institutes conducting research in health sciences, social sciences, and engineering.

If you are an international student applying to the University of Ottawa, one of the requirements for admission is demonstrating your proficiency in English. As a bilingual university, most of its programs are taught in English. Therefore, international students whose first language is not English must fulfill the TOEFL requirements for University of Ottawa through the standardized English language test.

TOEFL requirements for University of Ottawa 

In order to be considered for admission to the University of Ottawa, international students need to achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 86 on the iBT. However, different faculties and programs may have additional minimum TOEFL requirements for University of Ottawa. For example, some faculties may require a higher TOEFL score for admission to their graduate programs. Some of these programs include-

Course	TOEFL requirement
Master of Business Administration (MBA)	iBT- 250Home edition- 250
Graduate Diploma Engineering Management	iBT- 79- 80PBT- 550
Graduate Diploma Population Health Risk Assessment and Management	iBT- 79- 80PBT- 550
Doctorate in Philosophy Communication	PBT- 625 with minimum 5 in writteniBT- 107 with minimum  24 in written
Master of Health Administration (MHA)	iBT- 25- with at least 5 in written and 50 in speaking

It is important to note that meeting the TOEFL requirements for University of Ottawa does not guarantee admission. The university uses a holistic approach in evaluating applications, taking into consideration a range of factors, such as academic performance, work experience, and extracurricular activities.

How can you prepare for the TOEFL?

Preparing for the TOEFL requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

1. Familiarize yourself with the test format: The TOEFL is a standardized test that consists of four sections – Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section has its unique format and types of questions. Before studying, ensure you understand the test format and what to expect on test day.
2. Take practice tests: One of the most effective ways to prepare for the TOEFL is through mock tests. They can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as give you a sense of the timing and difficulty level of the test.
3. Build your vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for success on the TOEFL. You can improve your vocabulary by reading English-language books, newspapers, and magazines and using online vocabulary-building tools and apps.
4. Improve your grammar and writing skills: The Writing section of the TOEFL requires you to write two essays, so it is important to have strong writing skills. You can improve your grammar and writing skills by taking an English-language course or working with a tutor.

Other English language proficiency tests accepted

In addition to the TOEFL, the University of Ottawa accepts several other English language proficiency exams for admission. Some of the most common exams and their minimum score requirements are-

English proficiency exam	Minimum score requirement
IELTS	Overall 6.5 with no band score below 6.0
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)	Overall 60 with no individual score below 50
PTE Academic	Overall 60 with no individual score below 60
Cambridge English	CPE- 180CAE- 176FCE- 169
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)	Overall 80 with no individual score below 76

It is important to note that the minimum requirements for these exams may vary depending on the program you are applying to at the University of Ottawa. Checking your program’s requirements before applying is always a good idea.

Key takeaways

• The University of Ottawa is a bilingual university committed to providing you with a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• The university offers various resources and services, such as academic advising, counseling, and career services. It is also strongly committed to social responsibility, sustainability, and promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
• The University of Ottawa requires international applicants to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting TOEFL scores.
• The University of Ottawa may waive the TOEFL requirement for applicants who have completed their high school education in English or who have completed a degree in an English-speaking country.
• It is important to plan ahead and schedule your TOEFL exam early to ensure that your scores are available in time for the application deadline.
• Several resources are available to help you prepare for the TOEFL exam, including study materials, online courses, and practice tests.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries regarding studying abroad or preparing for entrance exams, reach out to us or drop a comment below!

Liked this blog? Read next: TOEFL accepting universities in Canada | Know the 2023 list

FAQ

Q1. What should I do if I don’t meet the minimum TOEFL score requirements?

Answer- If you don’t meet the minimum TOEFL requirements, you may be required to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses before beginning your academic program.

Q2. Can the University of Ottawa waive the TOEFL requirement for international applicants?

Answer- Yes, the TOEFL requirements for University of Ottawa may be waived if you have completed your high school education in English or have completed a degree in an English-speaking country.

Q3. How long are TOEFL scores valid for?

Answer- The TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years from the exam date.