Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
CSUSM English requirements by level
From CSUSM's freshman and transfer English requirements page and its master's degree English requirements page. Both pages set a writing minimum as well as an overall band.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman and transfer | 5.5, with 5.5 in writing and no band below 5.0 | TOEFL iBT 61 (writing 19, no section below 14), Duolingo 95, PTE 50, iTEP 3.6, GTEC 1125, Cambridge 168 |
| Master's degree (and second bachelor's) | 6.0, with 6.0 in writing and no band below 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 80, Duolingo 110, PTE 65, Cambridge C1 or C2 at 180 |
Other ways to meet the requirement
Freshmen can also qualify through three years at a high school where English was the principal language of instruction; the page asks you to confirm with International Admissions that your school is eligible. Transfer students can use a course equivalent to CSUSM's 1A English Composition with a C or better.
Master's applicants can use a bachelor's or master's degree from a US university, or a bachelor's degree from an institution where English is the principal language of instruction, again confirmed by International Admissions.
Free test: are you at California State University San Marcos's score yet?
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Conditional admission and how to check
The freshman page says applicants without a passing test score can apply for guaranteed conditional admission through the English language programme, and that Cambridge scores from 160 make you eligible for the pathway programme. Questions go to iapply@csusm.edu.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CSUSM programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where California State University San Marcos 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 San Marcos require?+
IELTS 5.5 for freshmen and transfers (writing 5.5, no band below 5.0) and 6.0 for master's applicants (writing 6.0, no band below 5.5).
Does CSUSM accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 95 for undergraduates and 110 for master's applicants.
What PTE score does CSUSM need?+
PTE 50 for freshmen and transfers, and 65 for master's programmes.
Can I get conditional admission to CSUSM without IELTS?+
Undergraduates without a passing score can apply for guaranteed conditional admission through CSUSM's English language programme.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- San Diego State University IELTS requirement
- Cal State San Bernardino IELTS requirement
- Cal Poly Humboldt IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3112 guides
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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