Application Insights: English Language Proficiency
Meeting the English language proficiency requirements
If you’re thinking about applying to the MEL or MHLP, you may have questions about the English language proficiency requirement. In this article, we spoke with Clement Yim, MEL & MHLP Program Manager, about who this requirement applies to and what documents you need to provide to demonstrate your ability to speak, write and read in English.
Why do I have to show proof of English language proficiency?
The MEL and MHLP are professional master’s degrees taught in English. The pace of instruction is very fast, there’s a lot of collaborative group work and you’re expected to complete numerous writing assignments and presentations within each course. Instructors also use a flipped classroom approach, with a heavy emphasis on discussion and active learning.
Strong English language skills are essential to your success in the program and for creating a learning environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully and learn from each other.
How do I show I am proficient in English?
If you completed your undergraduate degree or a master’s degree at a university in Canada or the US, you automatically meet our English language proficiency requirement. You also meet this requirement if you completed your undergrad or master’s degree at a university in a country where English is the official language, like Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and some countries in Africa.
If you graduated from a university where the language of instruction was English, even if English is not an official language of the country, you may also meet our language requirement. This applies to many universities in India and Hong Kong.
However, your transcripts must clearly state that the language of instruction for your degree was English. Some institutions provide a letter that indicates that the language of instruction was in English. Unfortunately, UBC cannot accept these letters. If it isn’t stated directly on your transcript, you will need to complete an English language proficiency test.
What tests do you accept? And what scores do I need?
The most common tests that students take are the TOEFL ibT Home Edition or academic IELTS.
The eligibility page on our website lists the minimum scores you need to achieve for each component of reading, listening, writing and speaking.
You must take the test within 24 months of the date of your application to the MEL or MHLP. If it’s been more than 24 months, you’ll need to retake the test and submit new results. If you don’t, we will consider your application incomplete.
How do I submit my scores?
When you apply to the MEL or MHLP degree, you can self-report your English language proficiency test results scores in your MyApplication portal.
However, if you are admitted to the MEL or MHLP, you’ll need to submit your official test results directly from TOEFL or IELTS. You should request that the official test results be forwarded directly to UBC. Our application checklist page describes the electronic submission process. It can take up to two weeks for your official results to appear in our system.
How do I set myself up for success?
Lots of people study hard to pass English proficiency tests, but passing the test isn’t the same as being fluent in English.
If English is not your first language and you don’t use English regularly in your daily life, I recommend that you try to practice your English as much as possible – listen to podcasts, watch movies and TV, read online magazines or newspapers, and talk with your English-speaking friends.
This will help you succeed as a master’s student at UBC!
