Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
JSU English requirements by level
From JSU's international English proficiency page. The page lists overall scores only. TOEFL iBT changed scale for tests from 21 January 2026, and the page gives both figures for undergraduates.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 61 (3.5 from 21 Jan 2026), PTE 45, Duolingo 85, iTEP 3.7, ACT 18 (English 14), SAT 960 |
| Graduate | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 79, PTE 56, Duolingo 100, iTEP 3.9 |
Exemptions and the ELI route
Students from the countries on JSU's list are exempt from the test; the list includes the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and Canada (except Quebec). Undergraduates transferring at least 24 academic credit hours from accredited US institutions may be exempt, and graduate applicants with a bachelor's degree from an accredited US institution may be exempt. Waiver requests go to the international admissions office.
Completing JSU's English Language Institute (ELI) also meets the requirement: Level 4 for undergraduates and Level 6 for graduate applicants.
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Graduate applications
The international graduate admission page lists proof of English proficiency alongside GRE, GMAT or MAT scores where a programme requires them, and a financial document showing at least $30,500 for the I-20. JSU's page does not state how old a test score may be.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your JSU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville State University need?+
IELTS 5.5 overall for undergraduates and 6.0 for graduate applicants.
Does JSU accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 85 for undergraduates and 100 for graduate applicants.
Does JSU accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE 45 for undergraduates and 56 for graduate study.
Can I meet JSU's English requirement without a test?+
Yes, by completing JSU's English Language Institute at Level 4 (undergraduate) or Level 6 (graduate), or by qualifying for an exemption.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- Jacksonville University IELTS requirement
- University of Alabama IELTS requirement
- UAB 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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