What IELTS score do you need for the University of San Francisco?

USF accepts TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic and Duolingo. In the College of Arts and Sciences, Applied Economics, Computer Science, Computer Science Bridge, International and Development Economics and Sport Management need Duolingo 115, TOEFL 79 (4) with no subscore below 17, IELTS 6.5 or PTE 53. Biotechnology, Chemistry, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Energy Systems Management, Environmental Management, Global Studies, Migration Studies, Museum Studies and Professional Communication need TOEFL 90 (4.5) or PTE 61, with the same IELTS and Duolingo. The School of Nursing and Health Professions asks for IELTS 7.0 and PTE 68 for its entry-level MSN, PsyD and DNP, and the School of Education's master's programs ask for IELTS 7.0. See the graduate table.

Programs may exempt applicants who studied in English-speaking countries or countries where English is an official language. Citizens who finished secondary school in a listed country such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Singapore or the Philippines may be admitted without further evidence. India and Pakistan are not on these lists. USF can still ask any applicant for a test.

USF prefers TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 125 or PTE 53, with minimums of TOEFL 65 (3.5 from 2026), IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 100 or PTE 46. Students between the minimum and the preferred score are admitted through the Academic English program. No test is needed with SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 560, ACT English 22, IB English A HL 5, GCSE English 6, First Language English IGCSE or English O level at A or B, or a US English composition course at A or B. See undergraduate English proficiency.

The US F-1 student visa sets no English test score of its own. What counts is the requirement USF 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 USF graduate English proficiency page again before you book a test, and check your own program page, which can set a higher bar.