Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
SLU-Madrid English scores
From SLU-Madrid's English language requirements page.
| Test | Direct placement | One-semester Bridge Program |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 (6.0 reading and writing) | 6.0 (5.0 reading and writing) |
| TOEFL iBT (1–6) | 4.5 (4.0 reading and writing) | 4 (3.5 reading and writing) |
| PTE | 54 | 50 |
| Duolingo | 110 | 100 |
| Cambridge | CPE grade C | CAE grade C |
| Trinity ISE | ISE III | ISE II |
Other ways to qualify
SLU-Madrid also accepts ACT English 21 (19 for the Bridge), SAT ERW 550 (500), AP English Language and Composition 3 (2), IB English HL or SL 5 (4), A-level English C or higher, or four years of a US or UK secondary curriculum (three for the Bridge). It recommends the TOEFL and asks you to send scores to code 7763.
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What the Bridge Program means
Bridge students take two ESL courses (six credits that do not count toward the major) alongside up to 12 credits in other subjects, at full-time tuition with merit scholarships applied. Direct-placement students take a writing placement test after admission, and SLU-Madrid runs TOEFL ITP sessions at the start of each semester to check placement.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SLU-Madrid programme page and in your offer, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Saint Louis University Madrid 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 does SLU Madrid need?+
IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in reading and writing for direct placement, or 6.0 with 5.0 in reading and writing for the Bridge Program.
Does SLU Madrid accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 110 for direct placement and 100 for the Bridge Program.
Does SLU Madrid accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE 54 for direct placement and 50 for the Bridge Program.
Do native English speakers need IELTS for SLU Madrid?+
SLU-Madrid says even native speakers must show proficiency, but school results such as IB English, A-level English or a US or UK curriculum count.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for Spain
- Saint Louis University IELTS requirement
- IE University IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- 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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