Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
PLNU undergraduate English requirements
From PLNU's undergraduate admissions checklists and deadlines page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (international) | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 80 (before 21 January 2026) or 4 (on or after), Duolingo 110 |
Other ways to meet the requirement
International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT or ACT with the application unless their high school was primarily taught in English, English is their native language, or they completed a college composition course at a US college with a C or better.
If one of those applies, PLNU asks you to contact your admissions counsellor to have the requirement waived.
Free test: are you at Point Loma Nazarene University'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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How to check
The checklist asks for transcripts translated into English and evaluated by an approved service before they are sent. It covers undergraduate admission only, so graduate applicants should check their programme page.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your PLNU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Point Loma Nazarene 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 Point Loma Nazarene require?+
IELTS 6.5 for international undergraduate applicants.
Does PLNU accept Duolingo?+
Yes, with a minimum score of 110.
Can SAT or ACT replace IELTS at PLNU?+
Yes. The checklist says TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores can be waived if you take the SAT or ACT.
Does PLNU accept the IELTS Indicator?+
Students in countries where test centres are currently closed may submit an IELTS Indicator score.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- University of San Diego IELTS requirement
- Azusa Pacific University IELTS requirement
- San Diego State University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 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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