Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Salem State English requirements
From Salem State's first-year international applicants page, which covers undergraduate study.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (first-year) | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 71, revised TOEFL paper-delivered 54, TOEFL ITP 530, PTE Academic 49, Duolingo 110, Eiken Pre-1 |
Exemptions
Students are exempt with SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing 470 or higher, an IB diploma, or a first-year English composition course equivalent to Salem State's ENL 110 passed with a B or higher at an accredited US college. Students who attended school in a country where the primary language is English are also exempt.
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Intensive English route and sub-scores
Completing Salem State's American Language and Culture Institute at core level 5 or higher, with at least 49 on the Pearson Progress Test and a letter of recommendation from the programme director, also meets the requirement. The admissions office may ask for more proof even if you meet the minimums, and it considers section sub-scores.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Salem State programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Salem State 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 Salem State University require?+
IELTS 6.0 for first-year international undergraduates.
Does Salem State accept Duolingo and PTE?+
Yes. Duolingo 110 and PTE Academic 49.
Does an IB diploma exempt me at Salem State?+
Yes. Students who graduate with an IB diploma are exempt from proving English proficiency.
Does Salem State look at IELTS band scores?+
There is no published band minimum, but the page says sub-scores are considered.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- Simmons University IELTS requirement
- UMass Boston IELTS requirement
- Suffolk 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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