Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
Pepperdine English requirements
From Pepperdine's undergraduate English proficiency page and the Graziadio Business School international students page. The undergraduate page gives an overall IELTS score only.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.5 (IELTS or IELTS Indicator) | TOEFL iBT 85 (no MyBest), Duolingo 120, Cambridge C1/C2 186 |
| Graziadio graduate business | Accepted, no minimum published | TOEFL (code 7485) and PTE accepted, no minimum published |
Other ways undergraduates can qualify
Instead of a test, undergraduates can use SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 600, ACT Reading 24, a B or better in a transferable (non-ESL) English Composition course at an accredited US college, a C or better in UK AS or A-level English or Hong Kong HKALE English, ELS Master level 112 with a B, or IB English grade 5. Four years at a high school taught in English also counts, subject to verification by an admission counsellor.
The undergraduate page does not list PTE. Pepperdine does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores.
Free test: are you at Pepperdine University's score yet?
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Graduate business applicants
Graziadio accepts TOEFL, IELTS and PTE taken within the past two years. It waives the test for applicants with a C or better in a college-level English Composition course at an accredited US college, a degree from an accredited US college, or a degree from a foreign college where the coursework was taught in English. For a minimum score, Graziadio asks you to contact its Office of Admission.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Pepperdine programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Pepperdine 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 Pepperdine require?+
IELTS or IELTS Indicator 6.5 overall for undergraduate admission. The page sets no band minimums.
Does Pepperdine accept Duolingo?+
Yes, for undergraduates, at 120 or above.
Does Pepperdine accept PTE?+
The undergraduate page does not list PTE. The Graziadio Business School accepts PTE but publishes no minimum.
How old can my test be for Pepperdine?+
Undergraduate test scores must be taken within two years of application. Graziadio also asks for tests from the past two years.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- USC IELTS requirement
- Loyola Marymount University IELTS requirement
- Chapman 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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