English Requirements
The language of instruction at WesternIC is English. Before being granted admission into a program at WesternIC, you must demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency. This can be done by obtaining one of the results shown in the table below. Individual band scores apply.
Direct Entry
If you meet the direct entry English language requirement and the relevant academic requirements for your country, you will be eligible for direct entry International Year One. Direct entry includes a non-credit academic literacy course. This program is designed to be completed in three terms.
English Boost Entry
If you meet the Boost entry English language requirement and the relevant academic requirements for your country, you will begin your International Year One by taking English Boost courses in your first term of study. This program is designed to be completed in four terms.
International Year One English Entry Requirements
| English Language Qualification* | English Boost Requirements | Direct Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | A minimum overall band score of 5.5, with minimum 5.5 in Reading and Writing and a minimum 5.0 in each section | Minimum overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in each section |
| TOEFL | A minimum overall score of 69, with minimum 18 in Writing and a minimum of 15 in each section. For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, a minimum overall score of 4.0 with a minimum 3.0 in Speaking, a minimum 3.5 in Reading and Listening, and a minimum 4.0 in Writing. | A minimum overall score of 83 with a score of 20 in each section. For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, a minimum overall score of 4.5, a minimum of 4.0 in Reading, Speaking and Writing and a minimum 4.5 in Listening. |
| Duolingo | A minimum 100 overall, minimum Literacy score of 100, and a minimum 90 in all other subscores | A minimum of 115 overall, with a minimum 100 for each subscore |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | A minimum overall score of 39, with minimum 38 in Reading and Writing and minimum 29 in each section | A minimum overall score of 58 with a minimum of 56 in each section |
| Cambridge | A minimum overall score of 162, a minimum 162 in Reading and Writing, a minimum of 154 in each section | A minimum overall score of 176, a minimum of 169 in each section |
| CAEL | A minimum overall score of 40 with a minimum of 43 in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 35 in each section | A minimum overall of score of 60 with a minimum of 60 in each section |
| GCSE/O Level English Language | N/A | GCE AS/A-level English Language OR English Language and Literature with a grade of A GCSE/IGCSE O-Level English Language OR English Literature OR English First Language with a grade of A Note: IGCSE and GCE English as an Additional Language and English as a Second Language are not accepted |
| IB English A (HL/SL) or English Literature and Performance (SL) | N/A | IB English A HL with passing score or IB English A SL with a score of 4 |
Important Notes:
- WesternIC reserves the right to require applicants with an English Language Proficiency score disparate from their academic English prerequisite achievement to present further evidence of proficiency.
English as a Principal Language Countries
Applicants from the following countries are automatically exempt from needing to present proof of English Language proficiency:
- United States of America
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- United Kingdom
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Wales
- Bahamas
- Bermuda
- Barbados
- Canada
- Cayman Islands
- Isle of Man
- Pitcairn
- Virgin Islands (British)
- Virgin Islands (U.S.)