Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
CSUB English requirements by level
From CSUB's international student application page, which has separate undergraduate and graduate sections. CSUB's TOEFL school code is 4110.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (first-time and transfer) | 5.5, at least 5.5 in each section | TOEFL 3.5 or 61 iBT, Duolingo 95, PTE 43, SAT EBRW 550 |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL 4 or 80 iBT, Duolingo 105, PTE 58 |
Waivers and English courses
Undergraduates can also use a college-level English course with a C or higher, but CSUB does not accept online English courses as proof. A language proficiency waiver is available for those who qualify.
Graduate applicants are waived with a bachelor's degree from an accredited US university, and CSUB may waive the requirement for students from listed countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Singapore, Mauritius, the UK and Canada (except Quebec). India and Pakistan are not on the list.
Free test: are you at CSUB's score yet?
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Graduate GPA and how to check
Graduate applicants need a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and individual programmes can set higher requirements. CSUB asks graduate applicants to check with the CSUB Graduate Center for updates.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CSUB programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) 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 State Bakersfield require?+
IELTS 5.5 with 5.5 in each section for undergraduates, and 6.5 for graduate applicants.
Does CSUB accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 95 for undergraduates and 105 for graduates.
Does CSUB accept online English courses as proof?+
No. CSUB says it will not accept online English courses to prove proficiency.
Are Nigerian graduate applicants exempt at CSUB?+
CSUB may waive the requirement for students from listed countries, which include Nigeria.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- Fresno State IELTS requirement
- Cal State Dominguez Hills IELTS requirement
- Cal State Northridge 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.
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