University of San Diego

University of San Diego English Language Requirment

If your native language is not English and your secondary/high school education was in a country where English is not the language of instruction, you must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination (academic modules) or the Duolingo English Test (DET) and have your scores reported to the UC San Diego Office of Admissions. A minimum score of 83 is required for the TOEFL, a minimum score of 7 is required for the IELTS, or a minimum score of 115 is required on the DET.

International Students Applying as a First-Year Student

For international students to be considered for admission to UC San Diego, you must meet specific English proficiency requirements. If you are a transfer applicant, you can fulfill the requirement with grades of “B” or better in your two required transferable courses in English composition. All other applicants must fulfill the requirement with an exam. Report your scores to the undergraduate admissions office before January.

TOEFL minimum scores

• Internet-based: 83
• Paper-based: 550

IELTS minimum score of 7 (Academic module)

AP Exam accepted scores

• English Language and Composition: 3, 4, 5
• English Literature and Composition: 3, 4, 5

IB Exam accepted scores

• English (Lang. A) higher level: 5, 6, 7
• English (Lang. A) standard level: 6, 7

Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115 (Fall 2023 only)

International Students Applying as a Transfer

If your native language is not English, and your high school or college/university education was in a country where the language of instruction was not English, you must provide evidence of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

• Achieve grades of B or better in the required UC-transferable English composition courses.

• Submit a TOEFL score of 83 or higher (internet-based test).

• Submit an IELTS examination with a 7 or better band score (academic module).

• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115 (Fall 2023 only)

TOEFL and IELTS exams must be completed no more than two years prior to transfer.