Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction at Cape Breton University. It is essential that all students have an adequate knowledge in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the English language for them to be successful in their studies. While this policy outlines CBU’s English language proficiency requirements for the purposes of admission, it remains the responsibility of all students to ensure that their English is at a level of accomplishment necessary for their program. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency for admission, unless an exemption applies.

Please note that some programs have different language requirements other than the requirements noted below. Please refer to the program page of the specific program you are applying for to confirm language requirements.

English Language Requirements for Nursing Applicants (BScN) and Master of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation (MHLI)

Applicants to the BScN and MHLI must meet higher English language proficiency standards than those required for other programs.

Minimum English Language Test Scores for BScN Applicants:

• IELTS Academic: Overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band below 6.5 Equivalent scores from other accepted tests will be reviewed individually to ensure they meet this standard (please refer to the table above for other accepted tests).

Important: All applicants to the BScN and MHLI programs whose first language is not English are required to submit an accepted English language proficiency test. No exemptions will be granted based on prior study in English.

CBU’s English Language Partners

CBU’s English Language Partners offering English pathway programs:

• Cape Breton Language Centre (CBLC)
• International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
  • General: ILAC University Pathways Program: 3.3
  • MHLI: ILAC University Pathways Program: 3.4
• Oxford International
  • General: Minimum overall score of 7 with no score below 6.
  • MHLI: Minimum overall score of 8 with no score below 7.

English Proficiency Exemptions

You may qualify for an exemption of our English language requirement if one of the following applies to you (note this exemption does not apply to the Bachelor of Science Nursing or the Master of Healthcare Leadership and Innovation):

• Completed at least two years in a secondary school (as recognized by CBU) or
• Completed at least 30 credit hours (or equivalent) at a post-secondary institution (as recognized by CBU) where English is the primary language of instruction.

Official documentation, such as an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous institution, will be required to confirm this period of study was in English.

Please note:

• If you meet an English Proficiency Exemption and submit a language score, your score will be assessed against the minimum score requirements listed above.
• If you meet an English Proficiency Exemption and have submitted a score that falls below the minimum score requirements above, your application will be deemed inadmissible. To be considered for re-admission, an official test score must be submitted demonstrating the minimum scores are met.
• In all cases, Cape Breton University reserves the right to require proof of language proficiency before permission will be granted to register in academic courses.