Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
APSU English test minimums
From APSU's English language proficiency page. The graduate admissions page sends graduate applicants to the same list of approved tests. No IELTS band minimums are given.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 3.5 (61 before January 2026); TOEFL ITP not accepted |
| TOEFL Essentials | 6.5 |
| PTE Academic (online also accepted) | 52 |
| Duolingo English Test | 85 |
| Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | 167 |
| GTEC / Unified GTEC | 1051 / 1067 |
| TOEIC / MEXAM / Clarity English | 580 / 301 / 61 |
Who does not need a test
Undergraduates who completed a full US-equivalent high school diploma of at least four years do not need to submit evidence. Nor do applicants with one full semester of English composition (not developmental or remedial) at an accredited US college with a C or better. ACT, SAT or Accuplacer scores that meet the placement minimums can count with the admissions director's approval.
Graduate applicants whose entire US-equivalent undergraduate degree of at least three years was completed do not need to submit evidence. Students who excel at APSU's English Language Institute and meet the Level 5 requirements may receive a waiver.
Free test: are you at Austin Peay State University's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
Take a free mock →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Below the minimum: the Intensive English Program
Students who do not meet the minimum can be admitted to the APSU English Language Institute's Intensive English Program, which is offered online and in person, and move on through its University Transfer Track.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your APSU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Austin Peay State University 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 score does Austin Peay State University require?+
IELTS 5.5 or better. No band minimums are listed.
Does APSU accept PTE online?+
Yes. The page says PTE Academic 52, and that online is also accepted.
How long are test scores valid at APSU?+
Two years, and they must be sent directly from the testing agency.
Can I study at APSU without meeting the English score?+
You can be admitted to the English Language Institute's Intensive English Program first.
Keep reading
Related
- Middle Tennessee State University IELTS requirement
- Tennessee Tech IELTS requirement
- Belmont University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 2279 guides
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.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy