Language Proficiency Requirements at York U

What are the Language Proficiency Requirements at York U?

Do you know about the language requirements at York University? If not – don’t worry, you have come to the right place. As some of you may know, York University is home to students from all over the world, however students need to demonstrate an acceptable level of English, and provide proof of English Proficiency by completing a language proficiency test to gain admission.

Keele Campus – The majority of programs at Keele campus are offered in English. If you are unsure, whether or not you meet our language requirements; it will show up on your MyFile account, if York University requires you to submit one. I suggest submitting an acceptable test score, as soon as possible, to avoid delays in the processing of your application for admission. Please Note: ESL courses do not count towards meeting these requirements.

Glendon Campus – If you are applying to Glendon campus, you have the option of providing proof of language proficiency in either English or French. You can write an acceptable English language test or write the French Language Admissions Test administered by the Glendon Recruitment & Liaison Office. (416-487-6710, liaison@glendon.yorku.ca).

York accepts the following three language tests:

• YELT – York English Language Test – offered by York University.
• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language.
• IELTS – International English Language Testing System.

Each test has different acceptable test scores. Please, visit the page for further information.

York English Language Test (YELT)

York English Language Test (YELT), is offered by York University. The YELT is offered all year long, usually on a Friday or Saturday. You can register for YELT, the following ways:

• 1. In Person: Bring the required documents and fee to the Office of Admissions when you register.

• 2. By Mail: Complete and return the Mail Registration Form, the fee and required documents to the Office of Admissions.

There are two parts to YELT:

• 1. Written: You will be given short reading passages from university-level texts. You will be expected to respond in writing to questions about the text, and write a brief essay on a given topic. The test will take 1.5 hours.

• 2. Oral: If you successfully complete Part 1, you will be invited to do Part 2 on a later date. Part 2 is an interview designed to evaluate your spoken English and normally takes 20 minutes.

I strongly recommend, and encourage you to take your YELT, at least a month before your admission application deadline. Check out the following links for guidance with preparation.

• Preparing for YELT futurestudents.yorku.ca/requirements/yelt_preparing

• Sample Test futurestudents.yorku.ca/sites/all/files/pdf/yelt_sample.pdf

You may be exempted from providing a language test, if you have completed:

• Four years of study in Canada, in English or French at the secondary-school level.
• Four years of study at the secondary-school level in English, in a country where English is a primary language; or where English is the main language of instruction.
• One full year of study in an accredited university degree program in English, in a country where English is the main language.
• Two full years of study in English in an accredited college diploma or applied degree program in a country where English is a primary language, or where English is the main language of instruction.

Please visit theLanguage Proficiency Requirements page for more details.

York University English Language Institute- (YUELI)

Location:4700 Keele St, York University
035 Founders College, Keele Campus
Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3
TEL: 416.736.5353  |  FAX: 416.736.5908
EMAIL: yueli@yorku.ca

For those who wish to improve their English for personal and professional reasons, there is support available at York University through YUELI, by offering non-credit English language courses. YUELI offers many different programs; The Academic Program, is a university preparation program. It is a full-time, 7 level program. York U accepts completion of Level 6 at YUELI, as meeting English Proficiency requirements for entry into most undergraduate and graduate programs. Check out the YUELI Brochure for more information.

As a student of YUELI, you have access to full range of York campus services such as gyms, libraries, computers, dental and health programs, along with other campus amenities. The coolest option of all – you can live on residence or experience live in homestay.

Residency at York – Students will experience living in the center of everything, literally! Close to classes, library, gym and work; if you choose to work on campus. Meal plan options include Halal, Kosher and Vegetarian choices. Residence support is available by staff that are senior student mentors, and are always there to guide you and help make your transition on to residence a smooth one.

Live in Homestay – Students will have an opportunity to stay with a Canadian Family during their time at YUELI. It is a great chance to experience the Canadian culture and improve your English. Families are interested in inviting international students because they want to learn about other cultures.

For more information check out the YUELI Website.

Also, keep in mind York always reserves the right to ask for a language test score, even if you meet one of the requirements above. Please leave any comments, concerns and questions below for further inquiries; or call the Admissions office at 416-736-5000.

I wish you the best of luck with your preparations!