English Language Proficiency Requirements

Overview

To ensure a successful academic experience at Saint Louis University, international applicants may be required to demonstrate they are proficient in the English language by submitting scores from any one of the following standardized tests:

Note: Graduate programs may have higher minimums based on the level of English proficiency needed for their respective course of study.

Admission English Language Proficiency
Test Type	Minimum Score
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)	6.5
Duolingo	110
Evidence-based reading and writing of the SAT	550
English portion of the ACT	21
GaoKao	Overall score middle of Tier 2 or better and 125/150 English (100/120 Jiangsu)
Pearson Test of English (PTE)	54
TOEFL ITP Plus for China	627
Computer-based TOEFL (IBT)	80
Paper-based TOEFL (PBT)	550

Students may also submit proof that they have successfully completed a college-level English class (not an ESL class) at an accredited college or university in the United States instead of a test score or completed their entire high school curriculum in English (documentation required).

This policy emphasizes that the scores listed above indicate a minimum level of English and do not guarantee the applicant will have a command of spoken and written English. Therefore, most international students enrolling at Saint Louis University will be required to take the Saint Louis University Writing Examination (SLUWE).

Undergraduate students scoring a 4 and graduate students scoring a 4+ on the SLUWE meet all English proficiency requirements. Students who do not achieve the minimum score are required to follow the recommendations by the English as a Second Language Center. These recommendations may include exemption from ESL courses, concurrent enrollment in ESL and a program, or full-time enrollment in ESL until the desired level of English has been achieved.