Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
CSU English requirements by level
From Chicago State's international undergraduate page and its graduate application requirements.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6 | TOEFL iBT 68, PTE Academic 47, iTEP Academic Plus 3.7, ACT 18, SAT 960 |
| Graduate | 6.0 | TOEFL 69, TOEFL Essentials 8, Duolingo 95, PTE 51 |
Exemptions
Undergraduates do not need to show English proficiency if they completed secondary education in a country where English is the primary language or medium of instruction, or earned at least 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) at an accredited US college. The country list is in the academic catalogue.
Graduate applicants can submit an English Proficiency Waiver Application form instead of a test score.
Free test: are you at Chicago State University's score yet?
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How to check
Undergraduate scores must be from the past two years. Graduate applicants also submit a Scholaro GPA and Degree report, and must provide a general credential evaluation within 45 days of first-semester enrolment.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Chicago State programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Chicago State 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 Chicago State University require?+
IELTS Academic 6 for undergraduates and an overall 6.0 for graduate applicants.
Does Chicago State accept Duolingo?+
The graduate requirements list Duolingo 95. The undergraduate page does not list Duolingo.
What PTE score does Chicago State need?+
PTE Academic 47 for undergraduates and 51 for graduate applicants.
Can I get an English waiver at Chicago State?+
Yes. Undergraduates from English-medium countries or with 24 US semester hours are exempt, and graduate applicants can submit a waiver form.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- Northeastern Illinois University IELTS requirement
- Governors State University IELTS requirement
- UIC IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- 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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