Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Sonoma State English requirements by level
From Sonoma State's international admission requirements page. The page also accepts the IELTS Indicator at the same overall scores.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 overall | TOEFL iBT 61, TOEFL paper 500, Duolingo 110, PTE 47, Cambridge 170, iTEP 3.7 |
| Graduate | 6.5 overall | TOEFL iBT 80, TOEFL paper 550, Duolingo 120, PTE 56, Cambridge 182, iTEP 4.5 |
Other ways to meet the requirement
The page lists three alternatives to a test: three years of full-time study at a secondary or postsecondary institution where English is the primary language; education in an eligible country (the list includes Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada except Quebec); or a Written Communication course (CSU GE Area A2 / Cal-GETC Area 1A) at a US institution with a grade of C-.
English Language School (ELS) Level 112 and USC International Academy Level 5 are also listed for both levels.
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Conditional admission and how to check
Successful completion of the Advanced Level at the Sonoma State American Language Institute meets the requirement, and the page notes that conditional admission is available through that route.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Sonoma State programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Sonoma 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 Sonoma State require?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 overall for undergraduates and 6.5 overall for graduate applicants.
Does Sonoma State accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 110 for undergraduates and 120 for graduate applicants.
What PTE score does Sonoma State need?+
PTE 47 for undergraduates and 56 for graduate applicants.
How long are test scores valid for Sonoma State?+
Two years from the test date.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- Sacramento State IELTS requirement
- San Francisco State University IELTS requirement
- Stanislaus State 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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