What IELTS score do you need for Texas Tech University?

International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency before their applications can be considered, and only the most recent measure counts. Texas Tech accepts Duolingo 100, TOEFL iBT 79 or TOEFL Essentials 8.5, IELTS Academic 6.5 (General Training not accepted), PTE Academic 60 (PTE General not accepted), Cambridge C2 Proficiency 180, Cambridge C1 Advanced 175 or ELS level 112. TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo are valid for two years; Cambridge results for life. See international prospective students.

Computer Science uses the same Graduate School list and says it does not review individual IELTS band scores. See the CS graduate FAQ. Conditional admission is not stated by Texas Tech.

Citizens of listed countries are exempt on proof of citizenship. The list includes Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa and the UK; India is not on it. A degree, or four consecutive semesters of non-developmental English coursework, at a US regionally accredited college or a ministry-recognized university in a listed country also exempts you. See exempt countries.

Undergraduates use the same tests, with TOEFL 4 from 21 January 2026 (79 before), plus SAT reading and writing 500, ACT English 21, IB English 4 or A-Level English C. Two consecutive years at a US or US-accredited high school, or at a high school in an exempt country, also count, as do 30 transferable credits. See proof of English proficiency.

The US F-1 student visa sets no English test score of its own. What counts is the requirement Texas Tech 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 Texas Tech Graduate School international prospective students page again before you book a test, and check your own program page, which can set a higher bar.