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Language Requirements

In addition to the academic admission requirements, all applicants to Fleming College must provide proof of English proficiency in order to be considered for admission, using one of the following options:

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Option 1 - Submit test results from one of the accepted tests listed:

Submission of English Language Test Scores. Applicants may receive direct admission by submitting one of the following recognized English language test scores with their application.

English Language Test Minimum Score
Diplomas and Certificates
Minimum Score
Pharmacy Technician Diploma
(as per the NAPRA)
Minimum Score
Graduate Certificates
Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL 80 with no score less than 20 N/A 88 with no score less than 22
Paper-based (PBT) TOEFL 550 N/A 577
International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic) 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 Reading 7.0, Listening 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Writing 6.5 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
Duolingo 105+ N/A 120+
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Overall 60 NA Overall 70
Canadian Academic English Language - ONLINE (CAEL - ONLINE) Overall 60 NA Overall 70
Michigan English Test (MET) 56 NA 62
PTE Academic (Pearson Test English) 46+ NA 56+
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE) Minimum 169 with no skill below 162 NA Minimum 176 with no skill below 162

Special notes: Test scores to be valid for a minimum of 2 months following date of application. Students applying within Canada, currently attending an accredited University or College, with expired test scores can be considered for direct admission if the student successfully progresses in a post-secondary program.

Option 2:

Successful completion of Level 8, in Fleming College’s English Language Bridge (ELB) Program.

  • Diploma/Certificates require 70% grade in Level 8
  • Post Graduate Certificates require 80% grade in Level 8

* Students using this option are not eligible for Pharmacy Technician.

Option 3:

Successful completion of English as a Second Language (ESL) or English for Academic Preparation (EAP) at an Ontario Community College, University, or approved pathway language organization. Students using this option are not eligible for Pharmacy Technician, and applicability is based on exit marks.

* Students using this option are not eligible for Pharmacy Technician, and applicability is based on exit marks.

Option 4:

Provide proof of language proficiency based on previous education:

  • Successfully completed three consecutive years of study at the secondary school (high school) level in English in a country where English is a primary language (four years, with graduation diploma are required for Pharmacy Technician)
  • Completed one full year of study (within the last 2 years) in an accredited post-secondary program in English in a country where English is a primary language (not applicable to Pharmacy Technician)
  • Obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or Canadian provincial equivalent) and English credit (Grade 12 C) issued by a public or Catholic school board,
  • Provide proof of graduation from one of the authorized Fleming College pathway partners (not applicable to Pharmacy Technician, and post-graduate applicability is based on marks)
  • Completed three consecutive years of study at a secondary private school in Ontario and received an Ontario Secondary School Diploma and English credit (Grade 12 C)

Note: Fleming College reserves the right to request additional documentation, or a third party evaluation of submitted documents. Fleming College also reserves the right to request an additional English language test from any applicant if the college deems it necessary. Based on the results of Fleming College testing, students may be offered additional language supports. All requirements are subject to change at any time without notice.

* Visa requirements vary. To determine your language requirements for visa approval please check with the Government of Canada website (below), and/or your local Visa Application Centre (VAC).

More information is available on the Study permit: About the process page and the Get a study permit through the Student Direct Stream pages on Canada.ca.

ESL Bridge – Meeting English Language Requirements at Fleming College

The ESL Bridge Program is based on current research into language learning and uses proven methods of instruction. It is designed to support individual learning; we recognize that students differ in the level of language with which they enter the program, and we understand that students progress through the program at different rates. All professors, instructors, and tutors hold internationally recognized ESL teaching qualifications and have years of experience teaching English in Canada and abroad. The program is held at Fleming's Sutherland Campus, in Peterborough.

8 Levels

There are 8 levels of English skill development. Each level is 8 weeks in length and each week consists of 23 hours of instructor-led classes as well as tutoring and experiential learning opportunities. Our English as a Second Language Bridge (ELB) program integrates the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills needed to succeed in a post-secondary environment.

January 3, 2022 ELB
February 28, 2022 ELB-2
May 9, 2022 ELB
July 4, 2022 ELB-2
September 6, 2022 ELB
October 31, 2022 ELB-2
January 2, 2023 ELB
February 27, 2023 ELB-2
May 1, 2023 ELB
June 26, 2023 ELB-2

Skill Development Levels

ELB Starting Level IELTS TOEFL (IBT) Duolingo
1 2.0 0-9 0-25
2 2.5 10-18 30-40
3 3.0 19-25 45-50
4 3.5 26-30 55-60
5 4.0 31-39 65-70
6 4.5 40-49 75-80
7 5.0 50-61 85-90
8 5.5 62-79 95-100

The ELB Program reserves the right to place a student according program believes is appropriate for maximum learning, regardless of IELTS or TOEFL results.

Intense immersion, in and out of the classroom

  • Mornings are dedicated to integrated language skill development and an elective course or specialized writing course (such as English for Science or English for Business).
  • In the afternoons you can participate in optional workshops, such as Pronunciation, Study Skills, Social Conversation, and Idioms and Expressions. These small-group workshops focus strongly on practice and refinement of speaking and study skills.
  • One afternoon each week is dedicated to a field trip away from the campus. You will have the chance to apply language skills to a specific situation, to interact with Canadians in the community, and to become familiar with Canadian culture.
  • Each week you will receive private tutoring for 45 - 60 minutes to help target specific challenges.

Placement test

Students who do not meet the minimum language requirement for a Fleming College post-secondary certificate or diploma program can complete an English Language Skills assessment. The testing will help determine which of the eight (8) levels of English Language studies are most appropriate.

Countries recognized where English is a primary language:

  • Anguilla
  • Antiqua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Botswana
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cameroon**
  • Cayman Islands
  • Dominica
  • Ethiopia
  • Fiji
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland (Northern)
  • Ireland (Republic)
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Malawi
  • Malta**
  • Mauritius**
  • Namibia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • St. Kitt’s & Nevis
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent & The Grenadine
  • Scotland
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa**
  • Swaziland
  • Tanzania
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • Turks & Caicos
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • USA
  • Vanuatu**
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

** Students from these countries will be required to prove that language of instruction was English.

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