University English requirements

What TOEFL score do you need for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo requires an internet-based TOEFL score of at least 80 on tests taken before 21 January 2026, or 4.5 on tests taken on or after that date, from all applicants whose native language is not English. Cal Poly's institution code is 4038. Some graduate programmes may ask for higher scores.
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

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 programmeTOEFL iBT minimumNotes
All applicants (test before 21 Jan 2026)80Internet-based test
All applicants (test on or after 21 Jan 2026)4.5Internet-based test
Some graduate programmesMay be higherCheck 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

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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