University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for the American University in Cairo (AUC)?

The American University in Cairo asks graduate applicants for Academic IELTS 6.5 overall with 7 in Writing, TOEFL iBT 79 with Writing 21, or Cambridge CAE or CPE 176 with Writing 185. Undergraduates must submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo unless exempt, and AUC uses the highest score to place them in English courses. IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.Source: American University in Cairo official English requirements · checked 29 October 2026
  • Guide updated · 29 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026

AUC English scores

From AUC's graduate admissions page, undergraduate language requirements and undergraduate requirements.

LevelIELTS AcademicOther tests
Graduate, full admission6.5, Writing 7TOEFL iBT 79 (Writing 21); Cambridge CAE/CPE 176 (Writing 185)
Graduate, below the minimumPlaced in Academic English for GraduatesDegree-seeking applicants only
UndergraduateUsed for placementTOEFL or Duolingo also accepted

Test rules and exemptions

AUC accepts IELTS One Skill Retake results and TOEFL MyBest scores; the TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted for graduate applicants. IELTS Indicator is not accepted, and band scores from different tests cannot be combined. Tests must be taken no more than two years before the semester starts. AUC's TOEFL code is 0903.

Undergraduates are exempt if they spent their last four consecutive years of secondary school in a country where English is official and were taught in English, scored 4 or more in AP English Language and Composition, passed a non-remedial university English course, or completed English-medium advanced-placement coursework such as the IB Diploma. AUC does not exempt anyone on citizenship or English-medium schooling alone.

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Placement and how to check

Undergraduates who do not qualify for rhetoric and composition may be offered the Intensive English Program or Academic English for the Liberal Arts. Non-degree graduate applicants must meet the full-admission score. Some departments also set a graduate entrance exam.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your AUC programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.

Minimum vs competitive score

Where the American University in Cairo (AUC) publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.

Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.

If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.

Frequently asked questions

What IELTS does the American University in Cairo need?+

For graduate study, Academic IELTS 6.5 overall with 7 in Writing. Undergraduates are placed in English courses by their score.

Does AUC accept Duolingo?+

Yes for undergraduate applicants, alongside TOEFL and IELTS. The graduate page lists TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge.

Does AUC accept IELTS One Skill Retake?+

Yes. AUC says the One Skill Retake is acceptable for valid official results verified online.

Does an English-medium school exempt me from IELTS at AUC?+

Not on its own. You need one of AUC's listed exemptions, such as four years of English-medium schooling in a country where English is official.

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Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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