Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
CSUMB English requirements by level
From CSUMB's international admissions page. The TOEFL school code is 1954. The undergraduate IELTS line reads "IELTS Overall Band: 60", which is not a valid IELTS band, so email internationaladmissions@csumb.edu to confirm the undergraduate IELTS figure before you book.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Printed as "60" (confirm with admissions) | TOEFL iBT 61 or paper-based 500, PTE 45, Duolingo 95 |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 80 or paper-based 550, PTE 65, Duolingo 105 |
Other ways to meet the requirement
At both levels, three or more years of English at a US high school, or transferable English (A2) credit from a community college or four-year university that meets CSUMB's written communication requirement, also satisfies the requirement.
CSUMB says there may be alternate ways to prove English and invites you to contact International Admissions to discuss your situation. Meeting the minimums does not guarantee admission.
Free test: are you at CSUMB's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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Conditional admission and applying
If you do not meet the minimum, you may be eligible for conditional admission. Graduate applicants should also review their programme's own admission criteria. You apply through Cal State Apply with a $70 application fee and select CSUMB as your campus.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CSUMB programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) 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 Monterey Bay require?+
IELTS 6.5 for graduate applicants. The undergraduate figure is printed as "60" on the page, so confirm it with International Admissions.
Does CSUMB accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 95 for undergraduates and 105 for graduates.
Does CSUMB accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE 45 for undergraduates and 65 for graduates.
Can I get conditional admission at CSUMB?+
CSUMB says applicants below the English minimum may be eligible for conditional admission.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- San Jose State University IELTS requirement
- Cal State Channel Islands IELTS requirement
- UC Santa Cruz 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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