Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
USD graduate English requirements
From USD's graduate application checklist for international applicants. IELTS Academic is accepted at a test centre (computer or paper) or as IELTS Online.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate programmes | 7.0 band score | TOEFL iBT 4.5 (83 for tests before 21 January 2026), Duolingo 120 |
Tests USD does not accept, and the waiver
The page says USD does not accept TOEFL Essentials, the IELTS Indicator or MyBest TOEFL scores for graduate admission.
The exam can only be waived if you are enrolled in or have earned a four-year bachelor's or two-year master's degree, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, from an institution where English is the official language of instruction. Waivers based on living or working in English are not accepted, are not applied automatically, and must be requested through your programme after you submit your application and transcripts.
Free test: are you at the University of San Diego's score yet?
Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill, so you know how far you are from the requirement before you book the real test. Free account, no card.
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How to check
Waivers are granted one by one for a specific programme and term, and must be supported by the programme you are applying to. Supporting documents should be sent electronically by the issuing organisation to grads@sandiego.edu.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your USD programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of San Diego 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 the University of San Diego require?+
A minimum IELTS Academic band score of 7.0 for graduate admission.
Does USD accept the IELTS Indicator?+
No. USD does not accept the IELTS Indicator, TOEFL Essentials or MyBest TOEFL scores for graduate admission.
What TOEFL score does USD need?+
TOEFL iBT 4.5, or 83 for tests taken before 21 January 2026.
Can I get an English test waiver for USD?+
Only with a four-year bachelor's or two-year master's degree, GPA 3.0 or higher, from an institution where English is the official language of instruction. You must request it.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 7.0
- San Diego State University IELTS requirement
- UC San Diego IELTS requirement
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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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