4.5 overall; Writing and Speaking 5.0
Scope: Undergraduate direct-entry English language requirement.
| Policy | Current overall (1–6) | Current section conditions | Before Jan. 21, 2026 (0–120) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate direct entry | 4.5 | Writing 5.0; Speaking 5.0 | 90; Writing/Speaking 25 |
The old column records the university’s historical requirement. It is not a conversion of the current column. Read the date conditions below before using either.
Section scores, test dates and policy scope
MyBest and Essentials are not accepted. The reviewed policy lists iBT, Home Edition and Paper Edition. A BASE pathway offer is separate from satisfying the direct-entry requirement.
Sending your result
The reviewed page accepts tests completed on or after May 1, 2025. Recheck this intake-sensitive date and your program’s document deadline. Ask ETS to send each relevant test using institution code 0996 and department 00.
Confirm the current instructions and deadline on the official Waterloo admissions page.
What to practice for this requirement
An overall estimate of 4.5 with Writing or Speaking below 5.0 does not reach direct entry. Spend practice time on those two sections where needed; improving only Reading or Listening may leave the application condition unmet.
Choose a TOEFL practice task or review the task guides. Meeting a test threshold does not guarantee admission.
Compare policies without converting the requirement
The TOEFL score converter explains the general relationship between current bands and old overall scores. Use Waterloo’s published policy above for your application.
If you are considering another accepted test, read the separate Waterloo Duolingo English Test profile. The DET requirement is independently set, not calculated from TOEFL.
Official source and review date
University of Waterloo — admissions requirements, reviewed by PrepEx on . Confirm exemptions, test-date limits, program and intake details with the university.
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Also compare: Toronto.