English Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet one of the following English proficiency requirements for admission. Official documentation will be required for full admission and matriculation.

Option 1: Achieve a qualifying score on a recognized English proficiency test

Qualifying scores must have been obtained within the last two years. SAT and ACT scores are accepted within 5 years of submission. The below chart outlines the minimum score requirements on accepted English proficiency exams for admission to undergraduate (Bachelors) and graduate (Masters) degree programs. 

Note: These scores are applicable for admit term Spring 2025 and beyond. The Fall 2024 admit term will use the scores listed under Graduate. 

Exam Undergraduate Graduate
IELTS 6.0 Overall 6.5 Overall
TOEFL iBT 70 79
Duolingo 105 Overall 110 Overall
Oxford ELLT 6 Overall 7 Overall
PTE Academic 50 Overall 53 Overall
iTEP Academic 4.0 4.5
SAT (KU Code 2653) 560 Reading and Writing  560 Reading and Writing 
ACT (KU Code 3706) 21 English/Writing Score  21 English/Writing Score 

Option 2: Completion of a qualifying academic program

  • U.S. high school graduation: Graduation from an accredited U.S. high school or U.S. Department of Defense School overseas. Must have attended for at least three consecutive years.
  • U.S. post-secondary degree: Completion of a regionally accredited associate's degree or bachelor's degree.
  • U.S.-based intensive English program: Completion of an ESL program within the U.S. will be approved on a case-by-case basis for admission into an undergraduate program. 

Option 3: Complete qualifying courses, degrees or diplomas

If a student completes a specific curriculum or course/level within curriculum then we will use it as demonstration of the mandatory English Language Requirement.

  • Student has taken a full year of high school in the U.S. and earned a C grade (or better) in one year of standard English (not ESL). This must be shown on your transcripts.
  • International students transferring from a college or university in which English is the medium of instruction and have completed an English Composition (not ESL) class with a grade of C (or better).
  • IGCSE or GCE score of C grade (or better) on the English language exam. 
  • WAEC (West African Exam Council) score of C6 (or better). 
  • CXC (CAPE and CSEC) English score of Level III (or higher). 
  • You have passed the first year of IB English (SL or HL) with a score of 4 (or higher).
  • Ethiopian General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (EGSECE) or Ethiopian Higher Education Entrance Examination (EHEEE): English section minimum result of A or 75.
  • Norway state exam English score of 3 (or higher).
  • Sweden state exam English score of C (or higher).

      Option 4: Letter from home university (Exchange and Non-degree Only)

      As an alternative to submitting English proficiency scores, international exchange and non-degree students may provide a letter from the international office of their home university verifying that they have English language proficiency equivalent to a CEFR B2 level.