University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for City University of Seattle (CityU)?

City University of Seattle (CityU) asks for IELTS band 6.0 for undergraduate programmes and language-assisted graduate programmes, and band 6.5 for graduate and doctoral programmes. TOEFL iBT, PTE, Duolingo, iTEP, Cambridge and CELPIP are also listed. Placement test scores are valid for 24 months.Source: City University of Seattle official English requirements · checked 31 October 2026
  • Guide updated · 31 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 31 October 2026

CityU English requirements by level

From CityU's English proficiency page. CityU uses the iTEP for its own placement and lists the other tests as equivalents.

ProgrammeIELTS AcademicOther tests
Undergraduate, language-assisted graduate and ELP Level 76.0TOEFL iBT 76, PTE 51, Duolingo 100, iTEP 4.0, Cambridge First (FCE), CELPIP 7, DAAD B2
Graduate and doctoral programmes6.5TOEFL iBT 87, PTE 59, Duolingo 110, iTEP 4.5, Cambridge Advanced (CAE), CELPIP 8, DAAD B2

Exemptions and the English Language Program

Students who submit official transcripts from a school or programme where the primary language of instruction was English need not show further proof of English proficiency. If the registrar cannot verify this, a formal statement from an official is required.

Undergraduate applicants can also meet the requirement by completing Level 6 of CityU's English Language Program, and language-assisted undergraduate applicants by completing Level 5. Graduation from a high school in an English-speaking country where instruction was in English also counts for undergraduates.

Free test: are you at CityU'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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Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

Retesting rules and how to check

Placement test scores are valid for 24 months. If you miss the minimum on CityU's iTEP, you may retest once within two weeks (not on the same day), then once every 70 to 90 days, and the score must come from a single sitting. Scores from outside tests must be authenticated by the test publisher.

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

Minimum vs competitive score

Where City University of Seattle (CityU) 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 City University of Seattle require?+

Band 6.0 for undergraduate and language-assisted graduate programmes, and band 6.5 for graduate and doctoral programmes.

Does CityU accept Duolingo?+

Yes. Duolingo 100 for undergraduate and language-assisted graduate study, and 110 for graduate and doctoral programmes.

What PTE score does CityU need?+

PTE 51 for undergraduate and language-assisted graduate study, and 59 for graduate and doctoral programmes.

Can I skip IELTS with an English-medium degree?+

Yes. Official transcripts from a school or programme taught mainly in English remove the need for further proof.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 31 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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