What IELTS score do you need for the University of Pennsylvania?

All international applicants submit an English test unless English is their native language, or English was their primary language of instruction for at least three years (high school, college or both) by the time they enroll. Penn accepts TOEFL, IELTS Academic and the Duolingo English Test. It says competitive applicants show "demonstrated consistency" across sections, so a weak section can matter even with a 7 overall.

Penn does not accept self-reported English scores; results must come from the testing agency. For the 2026–27 cycle, only exams taken on or after 1 April 2025 count. Penn does not accept the IELTS Indicator, IELTS One Skill Retake or TOEFL MyBest scores. See the application guidelines.

The Graduate Division of Arts and Sciences (PhD and master's programs) says international applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS. It publishes no minimum on that page, and some programs may waive the test if your post-secondary degree was taught entirely in English; ask your program. See Arts and Sciences application information.

Example: Penn Engineering's master's admissions accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS or Duolingo and recommends TOEFL 5.0 (100 on the legacy scale), IELTS 7.5 or Duolingo 135. Scores are valid for two years, at-home TOEFL and IELTS are accepted, and PTE is not listed. Waivers are available for US graduates, schooling where English is the official language, or an English-taught degree noted on the transcript. See Penn Engineering.

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