Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
College of Charleston English scores by level
From the international undergraduate application page and the Graduate School's international students page. Both give an overall IELTS score only.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| First-year, transfer and visiting | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 80 or 4 (new scale), Duolingo 105, iTEP Academic Plus 3.8, SAT reading and writing 500, ACT reading 18 and English 20 |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL 83 computer-based or 550 paper, Duolingo 105 |
Waivers
First-year applicants may qualify for a waiver if English is their native language, or based on results in A-Level English, I/GCSE English, AP English or IB English Language and Literature A. Transfer applicants may qualify if English is their native language or they have 24 credits at an accredited US university. Email international@charleston.edu to check.
For graduate applicants, the requirement may be waived if you attended a US university or your coursework was taught mainly in English, with documentation.
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How to check your score
Neither page describes conditional admission. Graduate programmes may also set their own requirements, so check your programme page.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your College of Charleston programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the College of Charleston 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 the College of Charleston require?+
IELTS 6.5 overall for undergraduate and graduate applicants.
Does the College of Charleston accept Duolingo?+
Yes, with a minimum score of 105 at both levels.
Can I get an English waiver at the College of Charleston?+
Possibly, if English is your native language or based on A-Level, I/GCSE, AP or IB English results. Graduate applicants taught mainly in English may also qualify.
Does the College of Charleston accept PTE?+
PTE is not on either list.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- Coastal Carolina University IELTS requirement
- Winthrop University IELTS requirement
- Furman University 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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