As English is the language of instruction at NAIT, an adequate knowledge of written and spoken English is a prerequisite for admission. All applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirement by presenting proof of completion of the specific prerequisite English course (or approved equivalent), PLUS a minimum of three years of full-time study (excluding ESL courses) in English in a country where English is the principal language. For more information on a list of English Language Proficiency of exempt countries, please visit Exempted Countries.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be asked to submit proof of English language proficiency skills. NAIT accepts one of the following:

  • NAIT's English Language Proficiency Exam: minimum 73% or "B" in each of the four components.  For more information, click here and/or contact NAIT's ESL Office at 780-471-7499.
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Format: overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 5.0. For more information, please contact www.ielts.org/
  • CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): score of 70. For more information, please contact www.cael.ca/
  • MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): score of 85.  For more information, please contact www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/testing/melab/
  • University of Alberta ESL 140/145: successful completion
  • TOEFL iBT (Internet Based) requires a minimum total score of 80 with no individual test score below 20 or Paper Based requires a minimum score of 550.  NAIT is an authorized testing centre.  For more information, please contact www.ets.org/

PLEASE NOTE that the following programs only accept TOEFL iBT (Internet Based) or IELTS (Academic format) with these minimum scores listed below: Animal Health Technology, Combined Laboratory & X-Ray Technician, Cytotechnology, Dental Assisting, Dental Technology, Denturist Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Technology – Paramedic, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Medical Laboratory Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Transcription, Medical Radiologic Technology, Personal Fitness Trainer, Veterinary Administration, and Bachelor of Applied Information Systems Technology.

  • TOEFL iBT (Internet Based) with minimum test scores for each component
    • 23 in the Speaking component
    • 20 in the Reading component
    • 20 in the Listening component
    • 20 in the Writing component
  • IELTS (Academic format) with minimum band scores for each component
    • 6.5 in the Speaking component
    • 6.0 in the Reading component
    • 6.0 in the Listening component
    • 6.0 in the Writing component