Language Proficiency

English Language Requirements

Since English is the primary language of instruction and communication at McGill, you must demonstrate an adequate level of English proficiency prior to admission to McGill, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin.

McGill University has this language requirement to ensure that all students will have the opportunity for success in their chosen program. On the following pages you will find information on when proof of proficiency is required, not required and where exemptions may occur.

Applicants to the DMD Program and DMD Advanced Standing for Foreign Trained Dentists Pathway should click on the 'Prospective Undergraduate Students English Language Proficiency' link.

Prospective Undergraduate Students English Language Proficiency

Prospective Graduate Students English Language Proficiency 

French Language Requirements

As dental students, you will be in regular contact with francophone patients in the undergraduate dental clinic and in teaching hospitals. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, having a basic knowledge of French (Intermediate B2 level) will be a requirement for admission into the DMD program. 

French-language minimum requirements:

• B2 (mid-intermediate)

For most learners, this is equivalent to completing the 200 (intermediate 2) or even 300 (intermediate 3) level courses at McGill’s School of Continuing Studies. The equivalent Canadian Language Benchmark level is approximately 6 to 8 ( view NCLC-AEL for an interactive self-assessment of English and French up to level 8); The Common European Framework of Reference level is approximately B2 to C1.

French-language requirement exemption:

1. All students who have completed both high school and CEGEP in Quebec (in English or French) will not be required to submit tests or certificates for proof of French-language proficiency. An unofficial copy of proof of high school (transcript or diploma) must be uploaded. The CEGEP transcript is received directly from the Ministry of Education.
2. Successfully completed at least 1 year of secondary* or post-secondary study at an institution whose official language of instruction is French.
3. Candidates who wrote CASPer (score used for admission to DMD) in French.

*Please note that only full-time studies completed in French will be accepted; French Immersion schools outside of Quebec are not eligible.

Note: All applicants must submit proof of French-language proficiency. Once you have taken one of the French-language proficiency tests outlined below or meet the criteria for French-language exemption as outlined above, you may upload the proof to the Applicant Portal by the application deadline.

French-language proficiency test

Applicants who submit their application by November 1 (University-level DMD) or by March 1 (CEGEP-level Dent-P) who do not meet one of the exemptions listed above must submit a valid French-language proficiency test score. A list of accepted tests is found below.

Candidates who do not complete one of the accepted tests can take two online tests (a written test followed by an oral test for candidates who passed the first test) offered by McGill University's School of Continuing Studies at their own expense.

What you need to know about the School of Continuing Studies test

• For applicants who choose this option, it is a written test (online).
• It must be taken before the application deadline.
• Short-listed candidates will receive an invitation from Admissions to complete an oral test.
• Test fees: Approximately $43.00 for the written test and $50.00 for the oral test.
• Please note a new written test must be taken prior to each application deadline. The oral test is valid for one calendar year.

Table of accepted tests

Please note that some test scores are only valid for a certain number of years. Refer to your statement of results for more information. Only valid test scores or certifications will be accepted.

*scores are valid for 2 years