Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
William Paterson English requirements by level
From the international freshman page and the international graduate page. Both list the same core minimums and no IELTS band minimums.
| Programme | IELTS Academic | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman (undergraduate) | 6.0 overall | TOEFL iBT 79, Duolingo 105, PTE Academic 53, Oxford ELLT 6.0, MET 79, SAT EBRW 500, Eiken 2500, GTEC 1350 |
| Graduate | 6.0 overall | TOEFL iBT 79, Duolingo 105, PTE Academic 53, Oxford ELLT 6.0, MET 79 |
Waivers and the MOI letter
The requirement may be waived for US citizens and permanent residents and for citizens of the countries on the university's English proficiency waiver list. Freshmen are also exempt if they graduated from a high school in the US, a US territory or a listed country, or attend an international school following the US system or a listed country's system. Graduate applicants are exempt if they enrolled at a university in the US, a US territory or a listed country.
Applicants can also send an English medium of instruction (MOI) letter from their most recent school or university. MOI letters are accepted for up to five years after leaving the institution and must be on letterhead with an administrator's signature.
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Placement after admission
The international admissions page says accepted undergraduates take a placement test in reading, writing and mathematics, and the results decide whether you need ESL or pre-college courses.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admission cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your William Paterson programme page and in your admission letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where William Paterson 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 score does William Paterson University require?+
IELTS Academic 6.0 overall for both freshman and graduate applicants.
Does William Paterson accept Duolingo and PTE?+
Yes. The minimums are Duolingo 105 and PTE Academic 53.
Does William Paterson accept a medium of instruction letter?+
Yes. An MOI letter from your most recent school or university is accepted for up to five years after you leave it.
What TOEFL score does William Paterson need?+
TOEFL iBT 79.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the USA accepting IELTS 6.0
- Felician University IELTS requirement
- Montclair State University IELTS requirement
- Kean University IELTS requirement
- IELTS for the USA: scores by university
- All 3112 guides
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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