English Proficiency Exam Requirements

A strong command of the English language is a requirement of admission for international students. The TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo is required for all applicants whose native language is not English.

TOEFL

Achieve a minimum internet-based score of 80 on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or TOEFL Home Edition. This test must have been taken within the last 2 years. Cal Poly's institution code is 4038.

IELTS

Achieve a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). This test must have been taken within 2 years. Some individual graduate programs may require higher scores, so please review program-specific requirements.

Duolingo

Achieve a minimum score of 115 on the Duolingo exam. This test must have been taken within the last two years. Please have scores sent directly from the Duolingo site by searching for our full name: California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. 

TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Requests

Undergraduate applicants may be eligible for a waiver if they have been educated at an institution whose language of instruction is English for a minimum of three years. Transfer applicants must also have completed all General Education Area A courses (English Composition, Critical Thinking, and Public Speaking) with a ‘B’ or higher grade. General Education Area A courses that are currently in progress will not be taken into consideration for an English Proficiency Exam waiver request.

An automatic waiver of the English Proficiency Exam will be given to graduate applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

To request a waiver of the English Proficiency Exam, complete the appropriate form for your entry level.

For your request to be evaluated, you'll also need to mail official transcripts to:

Cal Poly
Transcript Processing
MC 1001
1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

or email to [email protected].

Waiver requests will be treated as an appeal and will be reviewed on an individual basis. Those requesting a waiver can expect to learn the final decision by way of a formal letter sent to their mailing address within three weeks of receipt of the waiver request. Waivers will not be granted without submission of official transcripts.

Country of Citizenship Automatic Waiver

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement is automatically waived for the following countries: