Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026
Cal Poly TOEFL minimums
From Cal Poly's English exam requirements page.
| Level or programme | TOEFL iBT minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All applicants (test before 21 Jan 2026) | 80 | Internet-based test |
| All applicants (test on or after 21 Jan 2026) | 4.5 | Internet-based test |
| Some graduate programmes | May be higher | Check programme-specific requirements |
How Cal Poly handles TOEFL scores
Send scores to institution code 4038. The page says some individual graduate programmes may require higher scores, so check your programme's own requirements.
For comparison, the same page sets IELTS at 6.5, taken within two years.
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If your TOEFL score is below Cal Poly's level
No conditional admission is described. Graduate applicants with an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution get an automatic waiver. Undergraduates educated for at least three years at an English-medium institution may request a waiver, which is treated as an appeal and needs official transcripts, and citizens of a listed group of countries are waived automatically.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Cal Poly programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
What TOEFL score does Cal Poly SLO need?+
80 on tests before 21 January 2026, or 4.5 on tests on or after that date.
What is Cal Poly's TOEFL institution code?+
4038.
Do Cal Poly graduate applicants need the TOEFL?+
Graduate applicants with an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution get an automatic waiver.
Can I ask Cal Poly to waive the TOEFL?+
Undergraduates with three or more years at an English-medium institution may request a waiver, reviewed individually as an appeal.
Keep reading
Related
- Cal Poly SLO IELTS requirement
- Cal State Long Beach TOEFL requirement
- The new TOEFL score scale (2026)
- IELTS vs TOEFL for US universities
- All 3797 guides
Guide updated on 31 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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