Demonstrated English Proficiency

Demonstrated English proficiency is required of all international students. Students whose first language is not English or who are from a country where the medium of instruction is NOT English may demonstrate proficiency by submitting official copy of score reports, certificates or transcripts of one of the following:

  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of either 550 on the paper-based exam or 79 on the Internet-based exam
  • The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum of a band 6.0
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) with a minimum score of 53

Exceptions to the English language proficiency testing requirements described above may be made on an individual basis. Students whose first language is not English may demonstrate proficiency by submitting original copies of score reports, certificates, and transcripts or through a combination of other assessments, including, but not limited to the following:

  • high school transcripts showing completion of a minimum of two years at an institution where instruction is in English and demonstrating significant language achievement through rigorous coursework
  • completion of at least 24 semester credits at an accredited college or university in the United States
  • completion of English composition or an equivalent course, with a grade of "C" or higher, at an accredited college or university in the United States
  • completion of the new College Board SAT Evidenced-Based reading and writing tests with acceptable minimum scores of 500
  • completion of the ACT with reading and writing scores of 21 or higher
  • transcripts showing the successful completion of an ESL (English as a Second Language) program at a regionally accredited college or university and the completion of a course in English Composition equivalent to ENGL 103 with a grade of C or higher

Note: International students who meet admission requirements with the exception of English language proficiency and need additional English language training prior to entering as a full-time degree seeking student may be considered for Jacksonville University’s English Language Program (ELP). Admission to ELP does not guarantee admission to Jacksonville University degree programs. (See the JU ELP description, program requirements, and outline at the end of this Undergraduate International section).