Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Mission College English levels
From Mission College's how to apply page and its proof of English proficiency flyer. You need to meet one of the criteria.
| Programme or placement | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Associate degree programmes | 6.0 with 5.5 reading and 6.0 writing | TOEFL iBT 61 (or iBT Home Edition 61), Duolingo 90, PTE 45, iTEP Level 4 |
| Other tests | STEP EIKEN 2A, GTEC 1190, Cambridge 175+ on C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | |
| IIS Intensive English Program | Not needed | Students may be under 18 |
Other routes
You can also qualify by completing the advanced level of the IIS Intensive English Program, or the right level at an accredited US intensive English school. School and university routes are secondary education in an English-speaking country (transcript and diploma), an international high school diploma (transcript and school letter), a degree from the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, Nordic gymnasium English B at VG or MVG, or all years of study in Singapore.
The flyer lists three conditional admission partners: California College of Communications in Santa Clara, Language Pacifica in Mountain View and English Language Institute in San Francisco.
Free test: are you at Mission College, Santa Clara'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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Fees and processing
The application fee is $100. Mission College says it reviews applications within 10 business days and emails your I-20 if the file is complete. Non-resident tuition for 24 units a year is listed at $8,952, plus $1,104 in enrolment fees.
Requirements and placement levels change between terms. The score that binds you is the one on Mission College's international admissions page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Mission College, Santa Clara 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 Mission College need?+
IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in reading and 6.0 in writing for associate degree programmes.
Do I need IELTS for Mission College's Intensive English Program?+
No. No proof of English is required for the IIS Intensive English Program.
Does Mission College accept Duolingo?+
Yes, a score of 90.
How old can my IELTS be for Mission College?+
The score must be less than two years old.
Keep reading
Related
- Foothill College IELTS requirement
- San José City College IELTS requirement
- Santa Clara University IELTS requirement
- IELTS band score calculator
- 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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