English Proficiency Requirement

To satisfy the English language proficiency requirement, undergraduates may take any one of the following tests:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
  • Duolingo

Official score reports must be electronically transmitted by the testing center directly to SJSU after the student has submitted a Cal State Apply online application. SJSU will notify students after they apply when to submit scores (via the MySJSU "To Do List").

Score reports for TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo over two years old are not valid. The SJSU school code for SAT and TOEFL results is 4687.

Freshman and lower division transfer applicants will need to meet the English Proficiency Requirements below.

SJSU undergraduate minimum proficiency standards Internet Paper
TOEFL: Undergraduate, except Engineering 61 500
TOEFL: All Engineering majors 80 550
IELTS: Undergraduate, except Engineering 6.0 N/A
IELTS: Engineering 6.5 N/A
PTE: Undergraduate, except Engineering 44 N/A
PTE: All Engineering majors 53 N/A
DUOLINGO 95 N/A

Exemptions to the test requirement

Applicants who have completed 60 semester/90 quarter transferable units at a U.S. college or university

-or-

Applicants who have studied full-time at a U.S. college or university for at least three years

-or-

Applicants who have studied full-time at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction for at least three years.