Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Ohlone English levels
From Ohlone's English proficiency requirements page. Degree applicants must send proof at the same time as the international student application.
| Programme or placement | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Degree programmes | 5.5 overall | TOEFL iBT 57 (old) or 3.0 overall / 3.5 MyBest (new), Duolingo 95, PTE or PTE Express 45 |
| Other tests | TOEFL CBT 163, TOEFL paper 490, Manchester Exam 360, STEP/EIKEN 2A | |
| English Language Institute (ELI) | Not needed | Completing ELI Level 4 meets the degree requirement |
School, college and language school routes
A high school diploma from a country where English is the official language, such as the US, Canada, UK, Australia or New Zealand, counts. So do three consecutive years at an English-medium high school in another country, with a letter or the school's website showing English is the language of instruction, and one year or more of college with a C or better in an English course at an English-medium institution.
Ohlone also accepts ELS Language Centers Level 109, UC Davis Extension Level 600, VUS English Centers IL6 or IL7 and English Language Institute in San Francisco Level C1. Transfer students can use ENGL-C1000 or an equivalent with a C or better.
Free test: are you at Ohlone College'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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Moving from the ELI to a degree
If you are accepted to the ELI and later pass TOEFL or IELTS, send the result no later than three weeks before the first day of classes, and you may be able to start the degree programme instead.
Requirements and placement levels change between terms. The score that binds you is the one on Ohlone College's international admissions page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Ohlone 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 Ohlone College need?+
An overall band of 5.5 for degree programmes. The page sets no band minimums.
Can I apply to Ohlone without IELTS?+
Yes, to the English Language Institute. ELI applicants do not need proof of English.
Does Ohlone accept Duolingo?+
Yes, a score of 95.
Does an Indian English-medium school count at Ohlone?+
Three consecutive years at an English-medium high school count if you send a school letter or website showing English is the language of instruction.
Keep reading
Related
- Mission College IELTS requirement
- San José City 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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