English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you are applying to Saint Louis University an international graduate student, your requirements will be determined by your program. If you do not meet SLU’s direct entry requirements, we encourage you to apply to the Pathway or English Language programs offered by INTO Saint Louis University.

Submitting and Scheduling Your Tests

Saint Louis University’s Educational Testing Service (ETS) code for submitting TOEFL and SAT scores is 6629 and for ACT scores is 2352. Your TOEFL and IELTs scores are considered valid for two years.

Schedule Your Test

TOEFL IELTs PTE

ESL and Pathway Programs

If you do not meet our English proficiency requirements, you may still be able to come to SLU. Our Academic English (English as a Second Language) and Pathway programs can provide conditional admission for international students.

Exceptions and Additional Testing

Saint Louis University reserves the right to make exceptions on an individual basis and the right to require additional testing of any incoming international student’s English language skills.

International students may be required to take the Saint Louis University Writing Exam (SLUWE) upon arrival to campus in order to determine the most appropriate English writing class.

You may be required to take appropriate academic English courses prior to — or in conjunction with — enrolling in the University's academic programs.

English Language Proficiency

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, 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 not scoring the minimum score are required to follow the recommendations by the English as a Second Language Center. These recommendations may range from exemption from ESL courses, to concurrent enrollment in ESL and a program, or full-time enrollment in ESL until the desired level of English has been achieved.