TOEFL Cut-Off for Psychology Courses in Canadian Universities

Psychology is one of the most popular and competitive academic fields in Canada. International students aiming to pursue psychology at undergraduate or postgraduate levels must prove their English proficiency. Most universities accept the TOEFL iBT® as a standard test. Meeting or exceeding the cut-off scores is a vital step in securing admission.

Let’s explore the TOEFL score cut-offs for psychology programs at major Canadian universities and how you can strengthen your test performance to meet these benchmarks.

University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC’s psychology graduate programs typically require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90, with no section scoring below 22. Aiming for a score of 95 or above will make your application stronger in a competitive pool. For undergraduate admissions, the requirement is usually around iBT 90 as well.

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto expects high English proficiency for psychology programs. For graduate studies, a minimum iBT score of 100 is generally recommended. While the undergraduate cut-off might be slightly lower, applicants should still aim above iBT 90 to stand out, especially for research-heavy or competitive specialisations.

McGill University

McGill accepts a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 86 for its psychology graduate programs. However, a score of 90 or above is advisable to remain competitive. Strong scores in Speaking and Writing sections are particularly important for coursework and research presentations.

University of Alberta

For psychology programs, the University of Alberta usually requires an overall TOEFL iBT score of 93, with no section scoring below 21. For specialisations such as Educational Psychology or Clinical Psychology, higher scores might be expected, particularly in Listening and Speaking.

University of Waterloo

Psychology applicants to Waterloo must meet a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90, with individual section requirements (Writing and Speaking typically needing at least 25). The university places strong emphasis on critical thinking and communication skills.

Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson)

Toronto Metropolitan University sets a high standard for its MA and PhD psychology applicants. A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 is expected. Balanced section scores are essential, and speaking fluently in academic settings is a key component of success.

McMaster University

McMaster’s undergraduate and graduate psychology programs generally require a TOEFL iBT score between 86 and 92, depending on the course level and stream. Research-focused graduate streams may expect higher sectional scores in Reading and Writing.

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser typically expects iBT 88–90 for psychology courses. To increase your admission chances, it’s recommended to aim for 90+, especially in programs involving research or communication-based coursework.

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary accepts TOEFL iBT scores ranging from 86 to 90 for psychology-related programs. Like most institutions, it values higher performance in Writing and Speaking for graduate-level studies.

Queen’s University

For psychology programs, Queen’s University requires a TOEFL iBT score of 88, with at least 24 in Writing. This reflects the emphasis placed on the ability to produce academic essays and thesis work in psychology studies.

Summary Table: TOEFL Score Requirements for Psychology

How to Meet These TOEFL Score Targets

Here are a few tips to help you meet or exceed the TOEFL cut-offs for psychology programs:

1. Focus on Academic Vocabulary

Psychology programs require a command of academic language. Practice reading psychology-related journals or articles to boost vocabulary and comprehension.

2. Practice Sectionally

Target each section separately. For example, spend one week solely improving Speaking and another on Listening. This helps track improvement and avoid burnout.

3. Simulate Test Conditions

Take full-length mock tests in a quiet environment. This builds stamina and helps with pacing—especially critical for the Writing and Reading sections.

4. Prioritise Speaking & Writing

Since psychology students need strong communication skills, universities give extra weight to these two sections. Practice structured essays and opinion-based speaking tasks daily.

5. Use Real TOEFL Materials

Stick to official TOEFL resources and practice tests to get used to the format, tone, and complexity of actual test questions.

I hope this blog on TOEFL cut-off scores for psychology courses in Canada helped you gain clarity. While most universities accept scores between 86 and 100, aiming higher will always strengthen your profile. With consistent practice and the right resources, you can meet your target score and step confidently toward your academic goals in Canada. Stay focused and keep moving forward!