All applicants to the University of Arizona whose primary language is not English, or who attended school in a non-English speaking country, regardless of citizenship, must prove English Proficiency. We accept many forms of English Proficiency and have organized them below by academic curriculum and examination.
Undergraduate Requirements
Academic Coursework
One way to demonstrate English Proficiency is through high school or university curriculum and/or coursework. If you meet the below requirements, your English Proficiency will be marked as complete during the application review process. There is no action needed at the time of application, but you may be asked for additional documentation at a later time.
| Admissions Minimum | |
|---|---|
| Cambridge IGCSE, O Level or Higher | C in English Subject |
| IB (English A - Higher Level) | 5 |
| Completion of 4 years of regular English at an accredited American or IB High School | C in English Subject |
| Completion of 3 years of schooling at a High School where medium of instruction is English | C in English Subject |
| Completion of WRIT (previously ENGL) 101, or 102, or 107 AND 108 (or equivalent composition course) | C |
Proficiency by Examination
Many students demonstrate proof of English Proficiency through an exam score. The University of Arizona has established the below list of acceptable exams and scores for undergraduate admission. Students who take an exam must have the testing center send the official score report directly to the University of Arizona. All test scores must be dated within 2 years from your submitted application date to be considered valid.
| Minimum SCORE | |
|---|---|
| ACT English | 21 |
| AP English Language and Composition Exam | 4 |
| AP English Literature and Composition Exam | 4 |
| Cambridge English Qualification / CEFR | 180 or C1 |
| CEPT Full Academic Test | 110 |
| Duolingo | 110 |
| EF FSET or EF SET (90 Min, 4 Skill) English Certificate | C1 or 61 |
| IELTS Academic / IELTS Online / IELTS Indicator / IELTS One Skill Retake | 6.5 |
| iTEP Academic | 3.9 |
| Kaplan Test of English | 450 |
| Language Cert | 75 |
| Manchester Exam | 360 |
| Michigan English Test | 64 |
| Oxford ELLT | 7 |
| Pearson English Language Test, PTE - Academic or PEXT Express | 60 |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 580 |
| TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 |
| TOEFL iBT / iBT Paper Edition / Home Edition / MyBest Scores (pre Jan 2026) | 79 |
| TOEFL iBT / iBT Paper Edition / Home Edition / MyBest Scores (post Jan 2026) | 4 |
English Language PATHWAY
The University of Arizona encourages students who do not meet one of the above minimum English proficiency scores to begin their studies with the Center for English as a Second Language.
The University Track (U-Track) program is a pathway program during which students improve their English language abilities in a supportive environment that allows for general education course credit alongside English language classes. Students learn content similar to what they will encounter in their first year as undergraduate students and thereby improve their language abilities. Upon successful completion of the U-Track pathway, the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) provides English language endorsement, which satisfies the English language requirement for admission.
To apply for CESL U-Track, students should submit a first-year undergraduate application to the University of Arizona and provide an official English proficiency score. For U-Track consideration, the minimum scores include IELTS 5.5, TOEFL 59, and Duolingo 90. Reach out to CESL at cesl@arizona.edu to verify the minimum score needed with another proficiency exam.
Students who do not meet the university or U-Track minimum scores should apply directly to CESL's Intensive English Program.