English Test Requirements for US Universities

Why English proficiency is required

US universities require international applicants whose first language is not English — or who did not complete their prior education entirely in English — to demonstrate proficiency in English. This is because academic coursework, communication with faculty, and participation in university life are conducted in English.

Each university independently sets its own English proficiency requirements, including which tests it accepts, the minimum scores it requires, and any waiver or exemption conditions. Always check the specific requirement on the official admissions or international student page of each university you apply to.

Tests most widely accepted at US universities

The four tests most commonly accepted by US universities for English proficiency are TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test), IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System), the Duolingo English Test (DET), and PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic).

Each test uses a different scoring scale, is administered differently, and has different recognition levels across universities. The TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic have the longest history of acceptance; the Duolingo English Test is a newer online test that has grown in acceptance but is not yet accepted at all universities. PTE Academic is accepted at many universities, particularly those with a strong UK/Australian connection.

• TOEFL iBT: administered by ETS; as of January 2026 uses a new 1–6 band scale (with 0–120 reference score shown during the 2026–2028 transition period); widely accepted across the US — ets.org/toefl
• IELTS Academic: administered by British Council / IDP / Cambridge Assessment; score range 1–9 bands; widely accepted — ielts.org
• Duolingo English Test: online, on-demand test; scores reported on 10–160 scale; accepted at a growing number of US universities — englishtest.duolingo.com
• PTE Academic: administered by Pearson; score range 10–90; accepted at many US universities — pearsonpte.com
• Some universities also accept Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) — check each institution

Minimum score requirements vary by university and program

There is no single universal minimum score that applies to all US universities. Each institution sets its own minimums, and requirements can also vary between undergraduate and graduate programs within the same university.

For any given university, the official admissions page or the international student office page is the only reliable source for the current minimum score requirement. Do not rely on informal comparisons or outdated figures from forums or third-party sites — requirements change.

Waivers and exemptions

Many universities offer waivers or exemptions from the English proficiency test requirement under certain conditions. Common waiver conditions include having completed secondary education or an undergraduate degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, being a citizen of certain primarily English-speaking countries, or achieving a minimum score on an accepted standardised test (such as the SAT or ACT) that the university deems sufficient evidence of English ability.

Waiver conditions are set by each university and can change. Check the specific waiver policy on the official admissions or international student page of each university you apply to.

How to find the requirement for a specific university

The most reliable approach is to go directly to the official website of each university and search for "English proficiency requirement" or "international student admissions." The international student office page typically lists the accepted tests, minimum scores, and waiver conditions.

If you cannot find the information easily, contact the admissions office directly. Avoid relying on second-hand information. Requirements can change from one application cycle to the next, so always verify for the specific year you are applying.