English Proficiency Requirements

All international applicants must prove they meet Kutztown's English proficiency requirements for admission. Official documentation will be required for application review. 

Option 1: English Proficiency Test

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 
English proficiency test scores are accepted within 2 years of completion. SAT and ACT scores are accepted within 5 years. The below chart outlines the minimum score requirements for admission. 

Option 2: Education Occurring in the U.S. 

U.S. Institution Attendance Course Requirements Grade Requirements
High School 1 Year 2 English or related (Not ESL) C or higher
High School 2 Years 1 English or related (Not ESL) C or higher
College/University 1 Year 2 English or related (Not ESL) C or higher
College/University 2 Years 1 English or related (Not ESL) C or higher

Option 3: Completion of an Approved ESL/English Program

    Below is a list of our approved ESL programs. Other ESL programs may be approved on a case-by-case basis for admission into an undergraduate program.

    Note: Kutztown University does not provide conditional admissions at this time. 

    • Click here to see available English Language Programs:

      Oxford International Digital Institute: Online English for Academic Purposes

      • Online program
      • Length of Program: Depends on initial English proficiency - 6 weeks, 12 weeks, or 16 weeks. 
      • Undergraduate Requirement: Successful completion of ELLT level 6
      • Graduate Requirement: Successful completion of ELLT level 7
      • Students must sumit a transcript or official letter from the program showing their successful completion. 

      Northampton Community College: English as a Second Language

      • In-Person program in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 
      • Length of Program: 2 semesters
      • Undergraduate Requirement: Successful completion of the Proficiency in English as a Second Language Specialized Diploma. 
      • Graduate Requirement: Successful completion of the Proficiency in English as a Second Language Specialized Diploma. 
      • Students must sumit a transcript from the program showing their successful completion. 

      St. Joseph's University: ESL Philadelphia

      • In-Person program
      • Length of Program: Depends on your initial English proficiency level. 
      • Undergraduate Requirement: Successful completion of the 109 program.
      • Graduate Requirement: Successful completion of the 112 program
      • Students must sumit a transcript or official letter from the program showing their successful completion. 

      Did you complete an ESL/English program through another school or organization? Email international@kutztown.edu with information about your program and contact information for your ESL/English progam. An International Admissions Counselor will review and determine if the program is eligible. 

    Option 3: English Medium of Instruction

    For select countries, a waiver of the English proficiency requirement will be provided. 

      • Click here to see Countries with a Waiver of English Proficiency

        High school (secondary school) diploma and/or citizenship from one of the following countries will qualify for a waiver of English Proficiency: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Republic of Ireland,  Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malta, Marshall Islands, Montserrat, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norfolk Islands, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Sudan, St. Helena, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe

      Option 4: International Curriculum and Qualifying National Exams

      Kutztown University accepts a some international and national exam scores to meet the English proficiency requirements. 

      • Click here to see qualifying Curriculum, and Qualifying National Exams:

        Exams/Curricula:

        • IB English (SL or HL) with a score of 4 (or higher).
        • 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). 
        • 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).

        Additional national exams with English scores can be approved on a case-by-case basis for admission. Email international@kutztown.edu to inquire about additional exams. 

      Option 5: Endoresement Letter from Home Institution (Exchange and Partner Non-Degree Students Only)

      The exchange student's home university may provide a letter from verifying that they have English language proficiency equivalent to a CEFR B2 level.