Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
SXU English requirements
From Saint Xavier's international student admission page.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| First-year undergraduate | 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 80, PBT 550 or CBT 213 (TOEFL ITP not accepted), Duolingo 115 |
| Transfer from an international institution | 6.5 | Same as first-year |
| Transfer from a US institution | 6.5 if a test is required | A test may be required depending on the courses completed |
Sending scores
All results must be sent directly from TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo to Saint Xavier. The page says results sent by students will not fulfil the requirement.
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No ESL route and deadlines
The FAQ says SXU does not currently offer English as a second language or TOEFL-prep coursework, and recommends that applicants who have not met minimum scores do so before applying. Application deadlines are 1 May for fall and 1 October for spring.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Saint Xavier programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Saint Xavier 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 Saint Xavier University require?+
A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for international undergraduates.
Does Saint Xavier accept Duolingo?+
Yes, with a minimum score of 115.
Does SXU offer conditional admission with ESL?+
No. The FAQ says the university does not currently offer ESL or TOEFL-prep coursework.
Is TOEFL ITP accepted at Saint Xavier?+
No. The admission page says the TOEFL ITP exam is not accepted.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.5
- Loyola University Chicago IELTS requirement
- DePaul University IELTS requirement
- Chicago State University IELTS requirement
- Duolingo vs IELTS for universities
- 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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