Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 4 November 2026
Buffalo State English proficiency minimums
From Buffalo State's international requirements page. It asks for evidence of English proficiency from any one of these tests.
| Test | Minimum |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.5 band score |
| TOEFL iBT | 61 (3.5 on the 1 to 6 scoring system) |
| PTE Academic | 44 |
| Duolingo English Test | 90 |
| iTEP Academic | 3.5 |
Other requirements on the same page
The page also asks for the equivalent of 12 years of elementary and secondary education and proof of ability to pay all college costs, with the FSA-4 form. It asks TOEFL score reports to be sent with Buffalo State's code 2533.
The page states no waiver and no IELTS band minimum, so ask undergraduate admissions about any exception.
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How to check
This requirements page is for undergraduate students. Graduate programmes at Buffalo State may publish their own English requirements, so check the graduate page for your course.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Buffalo State programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where SUNY Buffalo 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 Buffalo State need?+
A minimum IELTS band score of 5.5 for international undergraduates.
Does Buffalo State accept PTE Academic?+
Yes. The page lists PTE Academic 44.
Does Buffalo State accept Duolingo?+
Yes. The page asks for a Duolingo English Test score of 90.
Does the page give separate IELTS band minimums?+
No. It gives a single minimum band score of 5.5.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- University at Buffalo IELTS requirement
- Canisius University IELTS requirement
- SUNY Oswego IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university and visa
- All 5669 guides
Guide updated on 4 November 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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