Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Foothill accepted tests
From Foothill's how to apply page. Foothill admits international students four times a year, in autumn, winter, spring and summer.
| Programme or placement | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Full admission | 5.5 (IELTS or IELTS Indicator) | TOEFL 60 iBT (before 21 Jan 2026) or 3.5 (on or after), Duolingo 95, PTE Academic 45, iTEP Level 4 |
| Other tests | TOEFL Essentials 6.5, SAT 500 EBRW, Cambridge 175 (Advanced), GTEC CBT 1100, STEP Eiken 2A, LanguageCert Academic 60 |
Waivers
Foothill reviews waivers case by case and does not guarantee them. The listed routes are high school completed in a country where English is the main language of instruction (from Foothill's list), three or more years at an international high school taught in English with a school letter, IB English A at HL or SL with 4 or higher, English A and B courses in Scandinavian countries, and college English or Composition at a US college with a C or higher.
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Conditional admission through language schools
If you do not meet the score, you can attend a partner English language school. You get a conditional letter of admission, and once you reach the required level you transfer to Foothill with full admission. F-1 applicants also upload a bank letter or statement dated within six months.
Requirements and placement levels change between terms. The score that binds you is the one on Foothill College's international admissions page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Foothill College 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 Foothill College need?+
IELTS 5.5 for full admission. IELTS Indicator is accepted at the same level.
Is an English score required for Foothill admission?+
Yes. The how to apply page says the English test score is a requirement for admission, unless a waiver is approved.
Does Foothill accept Duolingo?+
Yes, a score of 95.
How old can my IELTS be for Foothill?+
Results more than two years old are not accepted.
Keep reading
Related
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- Cañada College IELTS requirement
- San Jose State University 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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