Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
SAU English requirements by level
From SAU's international undergraduate admissions page and international graduate admissions page. Both give overall IELTS scores only and say you must meet one of the listed options.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 5.5 | TOEFL iBT 61 (3.5 new scale), PTE 43, Duolingo 90 |
| Graduate | 6.0 | TOEFL iBT 79 (4.0 new scale), PTE 51, Duolingo 100 |
Other routes and waivers
Undergraduates can also qualify with ELS Language Center Level 109, EF Level 4, ACT English 19, or SAT Reading 410 (old) or 22 (new). Graduate applicants can use ELS Level 112 or EF Level 5. SAU asks for official scores and lets you share your test login so it can verify results.
The graduate requirement is waived for applicants with a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited US school. Both pages say some English-speaking countries are exempt but do not list them, so ask the International Office before skipping the test.
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Fees and next steps for graduates
The graduate application fee is $90, or $230 if you want SAU to have your foreign transcripts evaluated by IEE. Both are non-refundable. If your score is below the minimum, the graduate page suggests retaking the test. The graduate affidavit of support must show at least $17,375.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SAU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Southern Arkansas 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 Southern Arkansas University need?+
IELTS 5.5 overall for undergraduates and 6.0 overall for graduate applicants.
Does SAU accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE 43 for undergraduates and 51 for graduate applicants.
Does SAU accept Duolingo?+
Yes. Duolingo 90 for undergraduates and 100 for graduate applicants.
How old can my English score be for an SAU master's?+
No more than two years old, according to the graduate admissions page.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 5.5
- Arkansas State University IELTS requirement
- University of Central Arkansas IELTS requirement
- Louisiana Tech IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 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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