English Proficiency Requirement
A good grasp of the English language is essential for academic success at SPU. If you are an international student and a non-native English speaker,* you must demonstrate English proficiency. You can accomplish this in several ways:
- Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The required minimum score is 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT) or 550 on the paper-based test (pBT).
- Take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. The minimum score requirement is an overall band score of 6.5.
- Take the Pearson鈥檚 Test of English (PTE Academic). The minimum score is 56.
- Native Japanese speakers may take the . SPU鈥檚 score requirement is pre-level 1 or higher.
The English proficiency test requirement will be waived for the following applicants:
- Students who complete the ESL program at either the , which is housed adjacent to the SPU campus, or the Washington Academy of Languages (WAL), located nearby. Students must receive a full recommendation from INTERLINK or WAL for admission to the University. Students who receive a full recommendation are not required to submit a proficiency test score.
- Post-baccalaureate applicants who earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree or higher at a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S., or at a recognized university in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, or New Zealand.
*SPU considers an international student to be a native English speaker if both their primary and secondary education took place in Australia, Canada (other than Quebec), Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, or the U.S. (other than Puerto Rico).