La Jolla, San Diego, California, US
University of California San Diego: English test requirements
UC San Diego publishes one set of English minimums for first-year applicants and one university-wide set for graduate applicants, and says graduate programmes may ask for more. SAT and ACT scores are not considered in undergraduate admission decisions.
Checked on 31 Oct 2026 against the university's own pages. Universities change their requirements, and some courses ask for more. Always confirm on the university's page before you book a test or apply.
IELTS
UG 7.0
PG 7.0
TOEFL iBT
UG 4.5 / 83
PG 4.5 / 85
PTE Academic
UG Not on the list
PG 65
Duolingo English Test
UG 115
PG 120
Undergraduate (first-year)
The page lists the tests accepted for first-year applicants with one minimum score each. Transfer applicants are covered separately on the same page and are given the same IELTS and Duolingo figures and the same TOEFL figures.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 | Accepted | |
| TOEFL iBT | 4.5 (effective January 2026) / 83 (exams completed prior to January 2026) | Accepted | |
| PTE Academic | – | Not on the listNot named on the undergraduate page. | |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 | Accepted |
“The scores shown here are the minimum necessary to be considered for admission”
UC San Diego international undergraduate admissions (English proficiency and test requirements)
Graduate
University-wide minimums for graduate admission. The page says programmes may set higher minimums, so check the programme page. Duolingo is stated as effective for the Fall 2026 admissions cycle. Scores are valid for two years from the test date. TOEFL MyBest is not accepted.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 7.0 | Accepted | |
| TOEFL iBT | 4.5 (new internet-based test) / 85 (previous internet-based test) | Accepted | |
| PTE Academic | 65 | Accepted | |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 (out of 160) | Accepted |
“The university-wide minimum IELTS Academic Training exam score required for consideration for graduate admission is Band Score 7.”
UC San Diego Graduate Division: English language proficiency
Admissions tests
SAT / ACT · First-year applicants (international page; no cycle dates given)
Not considered
SAT and ACT scores are not a factor in admission decisions. Submitted scores may be used as an alternative way to meet minimum eligibility requirements or for course placement after enrolment.
“UC San Diego will not consider SAT or ACT test scores as a factor in admissions decisions.”
GMAT / GRE · Rady full-time MBA
Optional
The page calls the application test optional. It adds that a competitive GMAT or GRE score can give extra evidence of quantitative preparedness for applicants who do not meet the school's listed criteria (US four-year degree, GPA 3.0 or higher, 36 months of full-time work experience, and quantitative coursework with a B or higher). The Rady page repeats the university-wide English minimums.
“Our Full-Time MBA application is test optional.”
Other tests the university lists
- AP English Language and Composition or Literature and Composition (3, 4 or 5)
- IB English A Higher Level (5, 6 or 7) or Standard Level (6 or 7)
The page says these are not accepted
- TOEFL MyBest (graduate)
“Not on the list” means the test does not appear on the university page we checked. It does not mean the test is refused: the course page or the admissions office may still accept it, so ask them.
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