University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for Central Washington University?

Central Washington University asks international undergraduate applicants for IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 71 (3.5 on the new scale), Duolingo 105 or PTE 50. Graduate applicants need IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL 79 (4.0) or Duolingo 120, and the Department of English asks for TOEFL iBT 88. Scores more than two years old cannot be used, and CWU's code is 4044.Source: Central Washington University official English requirements · checked 29 October 2026
  • Guide updated · 29 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026

CWU English requirements by level

From CWU's international application page and the graduate international student admissions page. Both give overall scores only.

ProgrammeIELTS AcademicOther tests
Undergraduate6.0TOEFL iBT 71 or 3.5 (new scale), Duolingo 105, PTE 50, LanguageCert 65
Graduate6.5TOEFL iBT 79 or 4.0, Duolingo 120
Graduate, Department of EnglishNot stated separatelyTOEFL iBT 88

Other tests and exemptions

The application page also accepts Cambridge C1 Advanced 180, C2 Proficiency 200, SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 530, ACT English 19, IB Higher Level English 5, IGCSE, GCSE or A-level English (First Language) grade C, or a C (2.0) in two college-level English composition courses. You do not need proof if you are from a listed country such as Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa or the UK, if your school confirms in an official letter that English was the language of instruction, or if you completed PEAP Level 6 or higher.

For graduate study, the test is waived with a bachelor's degree from a US university. The graduate FAQ also exempts applicants from a country where English is an official language or with a degree from an institution where all courses are taught in English. The graduate page does not mention PTE.

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Sending scores

Official IELTS and TOEFL scores must come directly from the testing organisation; photocopies are not accepted, and Institutional TOEFL scores cannot be used. Use school code 4044.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your CWU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Minimum vs competitive score

Where Central Washington 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 Central Washington University require?+

IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate admission and IELTS Academic 6.5 for graduate admission.

Does CWU accept the new TOEFL scale?+

Yes. The undergraduate page lists 71 iBT or 3.5 on the new scale, and the graduate page lists 79 iBT or 4.0.

Does CWU accept PTE?+

Yes for undergraduates, at 50. The graduate page does not mention PTE.

How old can my IELTS be for CWU?+

Scores more than two years old cannot be used for admission.

Keep reading

Related

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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