RRU Undergraduate Programs for International Students

Once you’ve submitted your application and supporting documents, we will begin the application review process and let you know if additional information is required.

Flexible Admission

Our admissions process recognizes that your formal educational background is only one part of your story. If you do not meet standard admission criteria, our Flexible Assessment Policy recognizes your years of work experience, real-world life experiences and informal training. We’re looking for self-directed and highly motivated people with program-specific knowledge and skills, as well as the strong interpersonal, research and communication  skills and abilities needed to complete a demanding academic course of study. If you do not qualify under the standard admission criteria, you can still apply by providing evidence that you have sufficient knowledge, skills and abilities to complete a demanding academic program.

English Language Proficiency

As English is the primary language of instruction and communication at Royal Roads University, all applicants whose primary language is not  English must demonstrate their proficiency in English as part of the application process.

Transferring Credit

Whenever possible, qualified students can transfer previously earned post-secondary credits to finish their degrees at Royal Roads University. If you have completed a program or attended a post- secondary institution, contact us to learn about credit-transfer options.

English Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction and communication at Royal Roads University. As part of the application  process, all applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English speaking, listening, reading and writing by one of the following means:

1. Submission of official English language proficiency scores, or
2. Graduation from college or university at which English was the primary language of instruction in an English- speaking country, or
3. Completion of a pathway program through the Global Learning and Language Centre at Royal Roads University or approved partner institution.

For First Year Entry

(4-year undergraduate degree programs with language upgrading)

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: 6.0 overall with a minimum 6.0 in writing and speaking  and 5.5 in listening and reading, or
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: 79 overall with a minimum 18 reading; 23 writing; 19 listening; and 19 speaking, or
• Pearson Test of English – Academic (PTE-A): 55 overall with a minimum 55 in writing and speaking skills; minimum 51 in listening and reading skills, or
• Duolingo English Test (DET): 105 overall with a minimum of 95 in literacy, comprehension, conversation and production.

For All Third Year Entry

(degree completion)

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: 6.5 overall with a minimum 6.5 in writing and speaking and 6.0 in listening and reading.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT: 88 overall with a minimum 24 in writing and 20 in listening, reading and speaking.
• Pearson Test of English – Academic (PTE-A): 60 overall with a minimum 60 in writing and speaking and 58 minimum in listening and reading.
• Duolingo English Test (DET): 115 overall with a minimum of 110 for literacy, comprehension and conversation; and 115 for production.

International Pathway Programs

If you’ve been conditionally admitted into a degree program at Royal Roads, but don’t meet the English language requirements, you can complete an international pathway program to demonstrate proficiency in English.

• L1 – ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES
  • 12 weeks (300hrs) IELTS 4.5 or equivalent
• L2 – ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES
  • 12 weeks (300hrs) IELTS 5.0 or equivalent; min 5.0 writing
• L3 – ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES
  • 12 weeks (300hrs) IELTS 5.5 or equivalent; no band below 5.0
  • RRU 4-year undergraduate program with academic and language support
• L4 – University ACADEMIC PREPARATION
  • 12 weeks (240hrs) IELTS 6.0 or equivalent; min 5.5 reading and listening, min 6.0 writing and speaking
  • Most RRU Graduate programs and year 3 undergraduate completion programs