To ensure a successful academic experience at Saint Louis University, all international applicants are required to demonstrate they are proficient in the English language by submitting scores from any one of the following standardized tests:
Admission English Language Proficiency
Test Type
Minimum Score
Paper-based TOEFL (PBT)
550
Computer-based TOEFL (IBT)
80
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
6.5
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
54
Evidence-Based reading and writing of the SAT
550
English portion of the ACT
21
Duolingo
125
TOEFL ITP Plus for China
627
Students may also submit proof that they have successfully completed a college-level English class (not an ESL class) at a accredited college or university in the United States instead of a test score.
Graduates programs may have higher minimums based on the level of English proficiency needed for their respective course of studies.
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 international students enrolling at Saint Louis University will be required to take the Saint Louis University Writing Evaluation (SLUWE) during International Orientation.
Students scoring a 4+ on the SLUWE meet all English proficiency requirements. Students not scoring a 4+ 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 with no registration in graduate-level work until the desired level of English has been achieved.
If you are applying as 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.
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.