Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Samford recommended English scores
From Samford's international students admission page. English tests are required if your high school courses were not taught in English.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (first-year and transfer) | 6.5 or above (recommended) | TOEFL iBT 90 (232 computer, 575 paper), Duolingo 120 |
Who needs a test
The page asks for English test scores only from applicants whose high school courses were not taught in English. It lists no other alternatives such as SAT or school-leaving English grades, and no PTE score.
Transfer applicants with 24 or more college credits do not need to send a high school transcript, but the page does not say this changes the English requirement.
Free test: are you at Samford 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 your score
Because these are recommended scores, an application slightly below them is not ruled out by the page, but a score at or above them puts you in the range Samford describes as favourable. Graduate programmes are not covered on this page.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Samford programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Samford 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 Samford University require?+
Samford recommends IELTS 6.5 or above for undergraduates whose high school was not taught in English.
Does Samford accept Duolingo?+
Yes. The recommended Duolingo score is 120 or above.
What TOEFL score does Samford recommend?+
TOEFL iBT 90 or above, using code R1302.
Does Samford accept PTE?+
The international admission page does not list PTE.
Keep reading
Related
- UAB IELTS requirement
- Auburn University IELTS requirement
- University of Alabama 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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