Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
APU English requirements by level
From APU's English proficiency page. The IELTS table lists overall scores only, but the page states that the university considers component scores for admission.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 80 (R20, L20, S18, W22), Duolingo 115 |
| Graduate | 7.0 | TOEFL iBT 90 (R22, L22, S22, W24), Duolingo 130 |
| Doctoral | 8.0 | TOEFL iBT 100 (25 in each section), Duolingo 130 |
Prior study in English instead of a test
You can meet the requirement with prior secondary or post-secondary study in English if you completed at least two years of full-time study without ESL or EFL support, your English-medium studies ended no more than two years before you apply, and the language of instruction was English. You must send transcripts and an official letter from the institution confirming English as the language of instruction.
APU lists only TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo as accepted tests; PTE is not on the page. Applicants to the Korean- or Spanish-language theology programmes do not need to submit proof of English.
Free test: are you at Azusa Pacific 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.
Support and how to check
The page notes that TESL 500 is available for anyone seeking additional English support.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your APU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Azusa Pacific 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 Azusa Pacific University require?+
IELTS 6.5 for undergraduates, 7.0 for graduate programmes and 8.0 for doctoral programmes.
Does APU look at IELTS band scores?+
The table lists overall scores, but APU says it considers component scores for admission.
Does APU accept PTE?+
PTE is not listed. APU accepts TOEFL, IELTS and Duolingo.
Can an English-medium degree replace IELTS at APU?+
Yes, if it was at least two years of full-time study without ESL support, ended within two years of applying, and you provide an institution letter.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- California Baptist University IELTS requirement
- Chapman University IELTS requirement
- Pepperdine 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