English Proficiency Requirement

To satisfy the English language proficiency requirement, undergraduates may take any one of the following tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Duolingo

Official score reports must be electronically transmitted by the testing center directly to SJSU after the student has submitted a Cal State Apply online application. SJSU will notify students after they apply when to submit scores (via the MySJSU "To Do List").

Score reports for TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo over two years old are not valid. The SJSU school code for SAT and TOEFL results is 4687. For IELTS, submit scores on your Cal State Apply application using code Cal State Apply for all schools applied to. 

*Please note: Effective January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT exam will transition to a 1-6 score scale. These changes aim to better align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), providing ease of interpretation and clarity in the reporting of English proficiency. TOEFL results received before this transition date will be based on the 0-120 scale score and must meet the minimum proficiency standard as noted below:

Exemptions to the test requirement

Applicants who have completed 60 semester/90 quarter transferable units at a U.S. college or university

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Applicants who have studied full-time at a U.S. college or university for at least three years

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Applicants who have studied full-time at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction for at least three years.