What IELTS score do you need for San Francisco State University?

The English test requirements page lists TOEFL 80 iBT (4.0) or 550 paper-based, IELTS 6.5 including the IELTS Indicator, PTE Academic 59 and a Duolingo graduate minimum of 110, while the FAQ gives Duolingo 120. Some programs do not accept IELTS, PTE or Duolingo in place of TOEFL, and some set higher TOEFL scores, so check your department page. See graduate English test requirements.

Graduate business programs ask for TOEFL 88 (4.5 after January 2026), IELTS 6.5, PTE 59 or Duolingo 120, and strongly recommend TOEFL, IELTS or PTE over Duolingo. See the College of Business page.

The test is waived for a bachelor's or master's degree from listed countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Singapore, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh are not listed. A petition is possible but needs your department's support and evidence of your English, and not all are approved. If you fall short, SF State suggests the American Language Institute before applying; there is no conditional graduate admission. See the international FAQ.

Undergraduates need TOEFL 61 or IELTS 6.0 (some majors ask for more). They do not need a test after three years of full-time study at secondary level or above at an institution where English was the principal language of instruction. See the undergraduate bulletin.

The US F-1 student visa sets no English test score of its own. What counts is the requirement SF State sets for admission, which leads to your Form I-20. For the wider picture of studying in the US with each test, see IELTS for the USA and PTE for the USA.

Requirements change between admission cycles. Check the SF State graduate English test requirements page again before you book a test, and check your own program page, which can set a higher bar.