Cincinnati, Ohio, US
University of Cincinnati: English test requirements
UC prints undergraduate English minimums by college. Most colleges share one set, the College-Conservatory of Music has lower scores, and the College of Nursing lists SAT and ACT only. Graduate applicants use one university-wide set, and programmes may ask for more.
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 from 6
PG 6.5
TOEFL iBT
UG from 66
PG 80
PTE Academic
UG from 53
PG 54
Duolingo English Test
UG from 100
PG 110
Undergraduate (first-year)
The page has a table by college. Nine colleges share the standard set: Arts & Sciences; Education, Criminal Justice, & Human Services; Engineering & Applied Science; Lindner College of Business; Design, Architecture, Art, & Planning; Medicine; Allied Health Sciences; Blue Ash; and Clermont. Tests must be valid up to two years before the start of the term. SAT or ACT English scores are also accepted as proof.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard collegese.g. College of Arts & Sciences, College of Engineering & Applied Science, Lindner College of Business, College of Design, Architecture, Art, & PlanningSource for this group | 6.5 overallWriting 6.0, Speaking 6.0, all other sub scores 5.5 | 4.0 overall (after Jan 2026) / 79 overall (before Jan 2026)After Jan 2026: Writing 4.0, Speaking 4.0, all other 3.5. Before Jan 2026: Writing 20, Speaking 20, all other 15 | 53 | 100 overallProduction 100, Conversation 100 |
| College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)Source for this group | 6.0 overall5.0 all sub scores | 66 overallBefore Jan 2026: 15 all sub scores. After Jan 2026: 3.5 all sub scores | 53 | 100 overallProduction 80, Conversation 80 |
| College of NursingSource for this group | Not on the listThe table shows a dash for this college. | Not on the listThe table shows a dash for this college. | Not on the listThe table shows a dash for this college. | Not on the listThe table shows a dash for this college. |
Standard colleges, other tests: Cambridge English 176 (recommended exam: C1 Advanced); SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 480; ACT English 19; ELS 112 Graduation
College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), other tests: Cambridge English 176 (recommended exam: C1 Advanced); SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 480; ACT English 19; ELS 112 Graduation
College of Nursing, other tests: SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 480; ACT English 19
“English proficiency is a requirement for all international students.”
International first-year applicants: requirements and English test scores
Graduate
One university-wide set. Both centre and at-home tests count. Self-reported scores do not complete an application. Some programmes set higher minimums, so applicants should ask the programme.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall band | Accepted | |
| TOEFL iBT | 4.5 (1-6 scale) or 80 iBT (0-120 scale) | Accepted | |
| PTE Academic | 54 | Accepted | |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 | Accepted |
“Only IELTS Academic exam is accepted.”
Graduate admissions: requirements
Admissions tests
SAT / ACT · First-year applicants
Optional
The international first-year page lists SAT or ACT as optional. The test-optional page says choosing not to send a score does not disadvantage applicants.
“The University of Cincinnati is proud to offer test-optional admission to first-year students.”
GMAT / GRE · Lindner MBA programmes (application checklist)
Optional
GMAT and GRE scores are accepted and considered if submitted. The checklist covers the Lindner MBA programmes in general, not only the full-time programme.
“The GMAT and GRE are currently optional.”
Other tests the university lists
- Cambridge English (C1 Advanced recommended)
- ELS Graduation level 112
The page says these are not accepted
- TOEFL Essentials (graduate)
- TOEFL MyBest (graduate)
- IELTS One Skill Retake (graduate)
- IELTS General Training (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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