English Language Proficiency

English Proficiency Test Requirements

We accept official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English test.

We have a strong preference toward applications with the following scores:

*Students with scores that are below the preferred score but at or above the minimum score will be admitted through the Academic English program.

Other Options to Demonstrate English Language Proficiency

Students who meet the following requirements will not need to submit an English language test score:

• Your SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score is 560 or higher
• Your ACT English score is 22 or higher
• Your predicted or final IBHL English A score is 5 or higher (English B HL or SL cannot be used to demonstrate proficiency)
• You received a 6 or higher on your English GCSE exam
• You received an A or B on your First Language English IGCSE exam
• You received an A or B on an English O Level exam (e.g. Singapore-Cambridge, CAIE, etc.)
• You received an A or B in an English Composition I or II course taken at a U.S. regionally accredited college or university

Citizens of Countries Where English is an Official Language

If you are a citizen of and have completed secondary school in a country with English as an official language or is predominantly native-English speaking, you may be admitted for study at USF without presenting additional evidence of English language proficiency.

Once your application is submitted, the International Admission team will review your school records to confirm you have a B or higher in English language or writing courses, citizenship, or other application documents and contact you if additional documentation or information is needed to demonstrate English language proficiency.

At its sole discretion, USF reserves the right to make exceptions to these proficiency requirements or waive submission of required official test results when considering a student for admission.