English proficiency is a critical factor for international students seeking admission to universities in the United States. As English is the medium of instruction in U.S. universities and colleges therefore international students interested in starting a course/degree in US are required to show competence in the English language.
In this article, we will explore the English language requirements for admission to top U.S. universities in 2024:
Intro about IELTS or TOEFL Acceptance in US Universities
Most universities in the United States accept either Medium of Instruction (MOI), Duolingo, IELTS academic, CAE, or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as proof of English proficiency. These standardized tests assess an applicant’s ability to speak, write, read, and understand English language, ensuring that they can participate fully in their academic studies in US universities.
Which English Language Test is Widely Accepted in US Universities?
While both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted in US Universities but this TOEFL is most widely accepted in U.S. universities! However, it’s important to note that the IELTS academic module test is also widely accepted and recognized. It’s crucial for applicants to check the specific English language requirements of the US universities they plan to apply to, as some may have a preference for one test over the other.
In addition to IELTS and TOEFL, some US universities also consider other English language tests like Cambridge Assessment English (CAE), the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET). Additionally, standardized tests such as the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and Advanced Placement (AP) exams include English language components that can contribute to an applicant’s overall language proficiency.
US universities also consider an applicant’s English proficiency in other aspects of the application, such as the personal statement, letters of recommendation, research proposal writing or motivation letter. Applicants having these documents written in proper English language may be admitted to US universities even if their English proficiency test scores are slightly below the minimum requirements.
Now, let’s explore the English language requirements for admission to 10 globally ranked U.S. universities in 2024.
English Language Requirements of US Universities for 2024 | |||||
| List of Top US Universities | TOEFL Exam | IELTS | PTE | Cambridge Tests | Duolingo English |
| Harvard University | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stanford University | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| University of California | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| University of Washington | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Columbia University | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Caltech | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Johns Hopkins University | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Yale University | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| University of California | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Now, let’s delve into the specifics of these top 10 U.S. universities and explore the minimum scores they require for these English language proficiency tests:
1# Harvard University English Language Requirements
Harvard University requires all international applicants whose native language is not English to submit a valid English proficiency test score. Accepted tests include:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 109
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.5
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 75
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 145
Harvard strongly discourages applicants from applying with English proficiency test scores below these minimum requirements.
#2 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) English Language Requirements
MIT recommends that non-native English speakers submit an English proficiency exam score. Accepted tests and recommended minimum scores are:
- TOEFL iBT: Recommended minimum score of 100
- IELTS Academic: Recommended minimum score of 7.5
- PTE Academic: Recommended minimum score of 65
- Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): Recommended minimum score of 185
- Duolingo English Test (DET): Recommended minimum score of 120
MIT does not have a strict cutoff score, but scores are considered in the context of the overall application. Applicants with scores below the recommended minimums may be required to take English language support courses.
3# Stanford University English Language Requirements
Stanford University requires international applicants to submit a valid English proficiency test score. Accepted tests and minimum requirements include:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.0
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 68
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 125
Stanford strongly discourages applicants from applying with scores below these minimum requirements. Other aspects of the application, such as personal statements and letters of recommendation, may also be considered.
#4 University of California, Berkeley English Language Requirements
UC Berkeley requires international applicants to submit an English proficiency test score. Accepted tests and minimum requirements include:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 6.5
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 65
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 115
Applicants are strongly discouraged from applying with scores below these minimum requirements.
5# University of Washington Seattle English Language Requirements
UW Seattle mandates that international applicants whose native language is not English provide a valid English proficiency test score. Accepted tests and minimum requirements are:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 76
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 6.0
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 65
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 110
UW Seattle discourages applicants from applying with scores below these minimum requirements. Some exemptions exist for certain applicants, including those who have completed degrees or substantial coursework in English-speaking countries.
#6 Columbia University English Language Requirements
Columbia University requires international applicants to submit a valid English proficiency test score. Accepted tests and minimum requirements include:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 72 (with no subset score below 16)
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 6.0 (with no band scores below 5.5)
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 60 (with no subset score below 50)
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 105
Columbia strongly discourages applicants from applying with scores below these minimum requirements.
7# California Institute of Technology (Caltech) English Language Requirements
Caltech requires international applicants to submit a valid English proficiency test score. Accepted tests and minimum requirements are:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.5
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120
Caltech strongly discourages applicants from applying with scores below these minimum requirements.
#8 Johns Hopkins University (JHU) English Language Requirements
JHU requires international applicants to submit a valid English proficiency test score. Accepted tests and minimum requirements include:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.0
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 67
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120
JHU discourages applicants from applying with scores below these minimum requirements.
9# Yale University English Language Requirements
Yale University requires international applicants to submit a valid English proficiency test score. Accepted tests and minimum requirements include:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 7.0
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 120
Yale discourages applicants from applying with scores below these minimum requirements.
#10 University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) English Language Requirements
UCLA requires international applicants to submit a valid English proficiency test score. Accepted tests and minimum requirements are:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 80
- IELTS Academic: Minimum score of 6.5
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 65
- Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 115
UCLA discourages applicants from applying with scores below these minimum requirements.
In conclusion, for international students aspiring to study in the United States in 2024, it is crucial to be aware of the English language requirements of the universities they wish to apply to.
