Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
CBU English requirements by level
From CBU's international undergraduate applicants page and international graduate applicants page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.5, no band below 4.5 | TOEFL iBT 72, PTE 53, Duolingo 105 (no subscore below 100), MET 56 |
| Master's | 6.0, no band below 5.0 | TOEFL iBT 83, PTE Academic 58, Duolingo 125 (no subscore below 115), MET 63 |
| Doctoral | 8.0 | TOEFL iBT 100 |
School results and waivers for undergraduates
Undergraduates can also use WAEC WASSCE English at B3, KCSE English at C+, Cambridge A-level English at C, AS-level, O-level or IGCSE English at B, Cambridge B2 to C2 exams, AP English 3, IB English 5, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 430 or ACT English 16. Two years at a US high school, 24 transferable US units with English composition, an IB curriculum school, an English-only international school or ELS Level 112 also qualify.
Graduate applicants with a degree from a country on CBU's list, such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Singapore, South Africa or the UK, do not need a test. India and Pakistan are not on that list. CBU may require more English testing or classes after arrival.
Free test: are you at California Baptist University's score yet?
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Conditional admission and the composition requirement
Master's applicants who score below the minimum may be granted conditional admission to the Intensive English Program and a graduate programme, but this is not available for every graduate programme. All graduate students must also have completed ENG123 Intermediate Composition or an equivalent; otherwise they take ESL094 Advanced Academic Research in their first semester.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CBU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where California Baptist University 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 California Baptist University require?+
IELTS 5.5 with no band below 4.5 for undergraduates, 6.0 with no band below 5.0 for master's, and 8.0 for doctoral programmes.
Does CBU accept WAEC English?+
Yes for undergraduates. WASSCE English at B3 meets the requirement.
Does CBU accept Duolingo?+
Yes. 105 (no subscore below 100) for undergraduates and 125 (no subscore below 115) for master's.
Can I get conditional admission at CBU?+
Master's applicants below the minimum may be offered conditional admission with the Intensive English Program, but not for every programme.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- Azusa Pacific University IELTS requirement
- UC Riverside IELTS requirement
- Cal State San Bernardino 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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