English Proficiency Requirement

A good grasp of the English language is essential for academic success at SPU. If you are an international student and a non-native English speaker,* you must demonstrate English proficiency. You can accomplish this in several ways:

• Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The required minimum score is 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT).
• Take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. The minimum score requirement is an overall band score of 6.5.
• Take the Pearson’s Test of English (PTE Academic). The minimum score is 56.
• Take the Duolingo English test. The minimum score is 105.
• Native Japanese speakers may take the EIKEN exam. SPU’s score requirement is pre-level 1 or higher.

The English proficiency test requirement will be waived for the following applicants:

• Students who complete level 6 at the INTERLINK Language Center, which is housed near the SPU campus.
• Post-baccalaureate applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S., or at a recognized university in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, or New Zealand.
• An actual or anticipated Associate's degree holder prior to start at SPU. Must have earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in college-level courses at a U.S. institution, and have completed both English Composition I & II with a minimum grade of B (3.0) in each class.

*SPU considers an international student to be a native English speaker if both their primary and secondary education took place in Australia, Canada (other than Quebec), Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, or the U.S. (other than Puerto Rico).

Note: Seattle Pacific University reserves the right to require English proficiency testing, before or after admission and matriculation, should it be deemed necessary by the University.