English Proficiency
International applicants whose primary language is not English, or who attended school in a non-English speaking country, regardless of citizenship, must prove English proficiency. English proficiency may be proven by any of the following:
Test Scores
| Fulfillment of English Proficiency | Minimum for most majors | Minimum for Engineering, Business, Nursing, and SBS Law ONLY |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT or MyBest Scores | 70 | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| CEPT Full Academic Test | 100 | 110 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 580 or higher | 580 or higher |
| ACT English | 21 | 21 |
| PTE Academic (Pearson English Language Test) | 53 | 53 |
| Duolingo | 100 | 105 |
Students who take an exam (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, ACT, Duolingo) must have the testing center send the score report directly to the University of Arizona.
Academic Coursework
| Fulfillment of English Proficiency | Minimum for most majors | Minimum for Engineering, Business, Nursing, and SBS Law ONLY |
|---|---|---|
| IB (English A – Higher Level) | 5 or higher | 5 or higher (Engineering, Nursing, and SBS Law ONLY) |
| Cambridge IGCSE, O Level or Higher | C or higher | Not Applicable |
|
Cambridge English Scale (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) |
169 |
176 |
| Completion of 4 years of regular English at an accredited American or IB High School | C or higher | C or higher (Engineering ONLY) |
| Completion of ENGL 101 or 102 or 107 AND 108 (or equivalent course) | C or higher | C or higher (Engineering & SBS Law ONLY) |
Please contact your enrollment counselor if you have questions regarding the use of academic coursework to satisfy English proficiency requirements.
CESL English Language Endorsement
The Undergraduate University Track Pathway (U-Track Pathway) is CESL’s pathway/bridge program. It features a content-based curriculum specifically for students conditionally-admitted to the University of Arizona.
Students learn content similar to what they will encounter in their first year as undergraduate students and thereby improve their language abilities. They also enroll in a CESL-supported general education course for credit; this course will count toward any major at University of Arizona.
With CESL's English Language Endorsement, students in the U-Track Pathway can fulfill UA's minimum English language proficiency requirement without taking an additional TOEFL or IELTS exam.
Students are encouraged to enroll in the U-Track Pathway for 2 sessions (1 semester). CESL’s U-Track Pathway is available in-person on our main campus or fully online.
Temporary Testing Options (COVID-19)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The University of Arizona has arranged for the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) to conduct their own English test online for only $40. We invite you to take the CESL English Proficiency Test (CEPT):
- To learn more about CEPT go to: https://cesl.arizona.edu/testing/cept-full
- To Register for the test go to: https://ceslapp.arizona.edu/admissions/cept/
We will also accept Duolingo for Spring 2021, Fall 2021, and Spring 2022 applicants. Applicants for most undergraduate majors need a minimum Duolingo score of 100. Select other majors may require a score of 105.
Additionally, TOEFL has released a special edition of the TOEFL iBT test that students can take at home. Please visit TOEFL’s website for more information.
Finally, IELTS is continuing to update testing protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit the IELTS website for the most up-to-date information.