University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt?

Cal Poly Humboldt asks for IELTS 6.0 overall for undergraduate admission and 6.5 for graduate admission. The same table accepts Duolingo 95 or 110, PTE 48 or 59 and TOEFL iBT 71 or 80 on the older scale. Scores must be no older than two years from the start of your term.Source: California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt official English requirements · checked 30 October 2026
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Humboldt English scores by level

From Humboldt's English language proficiency page, which lists many tests in two columns, undergraduate and graduate. It gives an overall IELTS score with no band minimums.

ProgrammeIELTS AcademicOther tests
Undergraduate6.0TOEFL iBT 71 (pre-2026) or 4 on the new scale, Duolingo 95, PTE 48, iTEP 3.7
Graduate6.5TOEFL iBT 80 (pre-2026) or 4.5 on the new scale, Duolingo 110, PTE 59, iTEP 4.5

Other routes and waivers

The table also lists ACT English 22, SAT reading 550, IGCSE or GCSE English Language at grade B or higher, WAEC SSCE English at B3, and CBSE English Core (301) in Class XII at grade A1 or A2, plus completion levels at many language schools. For TOEFL, Humboldt uses the test-date score, not MyBest scores.

You do not need a test if you completed a general education English composition course at a US college with a C or higher, or graduated from a four-year US high school with three years of college prep English at C or higher. If English is your native language, most of your education was in English, or English is your country's official language, you may be exempt and should ask when you apply.

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Conditional admission

The conditional admission page says undergraduates who meet the academic requirements but not the English one may be admitted to a partner language school with a conditional letter for Humboldt. For fall entry you must reach the required level by 15 April, and for spring by 15 October. Copies of results can be used for an offer, but official scores must arrive before you start.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Cal Poly Humboldt programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Minimum vs competitive score

Where California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt 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 Cal Poly Humboldt require?+

IELTS 6.0 for undergraduates and 6.5 for graduate applicants.

Does Humboldt accept Duolingo and PTE?+

Yes. Duolingo 95 or PTE 48 for undergraduates, and Duolingo 110 or PTE 59 for graduate study.

Does Cal Poly Humboldt accept CBSE Class 12 English?+

The table lists CBSE English Core (301) taken in Class XII at grade A1 or A2.

How old can my IELTS score be for Humboldt?+

No older than two years from the start date of the term you apply for.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 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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