Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
SCSU English minimums by level
From SCSU's international admissions page.
| Level or programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6.0 | TOEFL 72 iBT / 525 paper (pre-2026) or 4.0 (from 1 Jan 2026), Duolingo 100, PTE 53, SAT 900, ACT 19 |
| Graduate | 6.5 | TOEFL 79 iBT / 550 written (pre-2026) or 4.5 (from 1 Jan 2026), Duolingo 105, PTE 53 |
Waivers
Graduate applicants may qualify without a test score if they hold an associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree earned in the United States. The undergraduate list gives SAT and ACT scores as alternatives but no separate waiver.
Free test: are you at Southern Connecticut State University's score yet?
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Validity
SCSU says scores must be received within two years of the test date to be considered valid. The page sets no minimum for each IELTS band.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your SCSU programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Southern Connecticut 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 does Southern Connecticut State University need for a master's?+
IELTS 6.5 for graduate applicants.
What IELTS does SCSU need for undergraduate study?+
IELTS 6.0.
Does SCSU accept Duolingo?+
Yes. 100 for undergraduates and 105 for graduate applicants.
Is IELTS waived with a US degree at SCSU?+
Graduate applicants with a degree earned in the United States may qualify without a test score.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- Central Connecticut State University IELTS requirement
- University of New Haven IELTS requirement
- Quinnipiac University 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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