Strong English language skills are important to academic success at CSU. To support student success, we require all students whose first language is not English to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency regardless of their citizenship. Applicants from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom whose first language is English are exempt from this requirement.
For students looking to improve their English prior to entering a degree program, successful completion of the Intensive English Program (IEP) at CSU is an acceptable method of proficiency. In some cases, Conditional Admission may be offered to IEP students studying at the advanced level.
Undergraduate Direct Admission Requirements
TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or Duolingo English Test (DET) results are the preferred indicators of English proficiency for undergraduate applicants. For applicants seeking direct admission, the requirements are as follows:
| English Test | Clear Admission Minimum |
|---|---|
| TOEFL IBT* (Before January 2026) | 72 |
| TOEFL IBT* (After January 2026) | 4.0 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| Duolingo | 110 |
| Manchester Exam | 350 |
*TOEFL iBT score ranges have changed effective January 2026. CSU will continue to accept both official score types. The paper-based TOEFL (PBT) can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You will be considered for conditional admission if you meet our academic admission standards but have not submitted a qualifying TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.
Students who are awarded conditional admission enroll in the Intensive English Program (IEP) at CSU until the Academic English Program is completed or the required TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS score is achieved.
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 520 or higher
- ACT English/Reading score of 20 or higher
- A grade of 5 or better in the International Baccalaureate (IB) HL English course
- An IGCSE or A-level result of C or better on the English/First Language exam. Test results must be official and not predicted to be considered for direct admission.
- Completion of a U.S. diploma and/or two or more years of secondary transcripts reflecting progress towards a U.S. diploma from a regionally-accredited organization as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
- Completion of at least two semesters of U.S. post-secondary/university course work in English, including college composition and speech with grades of C or better. Courses must have been taken at a regionally-accredited college/university to be considered for direct admission
- Gaokao/NCEE English score of 105 or higher AND an online interview with an international admissions counselor
- WAEC/WASSCE grade of B3 or better on English language
- AP Language & Composition exam or Literature & Composition exam with a score of 4 or better
- Alternative measures of proficiency not listed above may be considered on a case-by-case basis; contact a member of the international admissions team for details.
Graduate School Requirements
CSU Graduate School requires that proficiency in the English language be demonstrated either by the TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or and PTE Academic tests prior to admission.
| English Test | Clear Admission Minimum |
|---|---|
| TOEFL IBT* (Before January 2026) | 80 |
| TOEFL IBT* (After January 2026) | 4.5 |
| TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based) | 550 |
| IELTS Academic (including the IELTS OneSkills Retake) | 6.5 |
| Duolingo | 120 |
| PTE | 58 |
Note: Your department may have higher TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo/PTE score requirements.
CSU Graduate Admissions does NOT accept test scores from:
- General IELTS
- IELTS indicator
- iTEP
- TOEFL ITP
- TOEFL Essentials
Testing Resources:
+ TOEFL Testing Resources
TOEFL scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency. Pearson and IELTS official score printouts should be sent to the Admissions office: 1062 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062 or email: [email protected].
TOEFL test dates, locations, and costs:
Educational Testing Service Rosedale Road, Princeton, NJ 08541 USA Telephone: (609) 921-9000; FAX: (609) 734-5410 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.ets.org/toefl/ Institution Code: 4075
+ IELTS Testing Resources
IELTS test dates, locations, and costs:
IELTS International 825 Colorado Blvd., Suite 112 Los Angeles, CA 90041 USA Telephone: (323) 255-2771 FAX: (323) 255-1261 E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.ielts.org/usa