Los Angeles, US
University of Southern California: English test requirements
Undergraduate figures are recommended minimums, and the page says lower scores can still be admitted at reduced rates. For graduate study there is no university-wide minimum; the published scores decide whether an admitted student must sit USC's own English exam on arrival, and programmes may set higher scores.
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
PG from 6.5
TOEFL iBT
UG 5 / 100
PG from 4.5 / 90
PTE Academic
UG 68
PG from 61
Duolingo English Test
UG 130
PG Not on the list
Undergraduate
One recommended set for all first-year applicants. Applicants below the recommended scores are admissible but at reduced rates. A Duolingo-only applicant must also sit USC's International Student Exam on arrival. SAT and ACT English-section scores can also be used. The page says no waivers are granted for non-native speakers.
| Test | Overall | Each part | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (including IELTS Indicator) | 7recommended | Accepted | |
| TOEFL iBT (including Special Home Edition) | 5 (new 1-6 scale, tests on or after 21 Jan 2026) / 100 (0-120, tests before 21 Jan 2026)recommended | no section below 4 (new scale) / 20 (0-120) | Accepted |
| PTE | 68recommended | Accepted | |
| Duolingo English Test | 130recommended | AcceptedRequires the International Student Exam on arrival. | |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 185recommended | 169 in each skill | Accepted |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing / ACT English | SAT EBRW 650 / ACT English 27recommended | Accepted |
“We do not grant waivers or exceptions to this policy under any circumstances.”
USC Undergraduate Admission: international students
Graduate (Master's and PhD)
USC sets no university-wide graduate minimum. These scores exempt an admitted student from the International Student English exam on arrival, and individual programmes may require more. Scores must be under 24 months old at application and from a single sitting.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master's degree programmesSource for this group | 6.5no band below 6 | 4.5 (new 1-6 scale, tests on or after 21 Jan 2026) / 90 (0-120, tests before 21 Jan 2026)no section below 4 (new scale) / 20 (0-120) | 61no band below 53 | Not on the listNot listed on the graduate page. |
| PhD programmesSource for this group | 7no band below 6 | 5 (new 1-6 scale, tests on or after 21 Jan 2026) / 100 (0-120, tests before 21 Jan 2026)no section below 4 (new scale) / 20 (0-120) | 68no band below 53 | Not on the listNot listed on the graduate page. |
Master's degree programmes, other tests: Cambridge C1 Advanced 176
PhD programmes, other tests: Cambridge C1 Advanced 185
“USC does not set university-wide score minimums for graduate admission.”
USC Graduate Admission: English proficiency
Admissions tests
SAT / ACT · First-year applicants, 2027-28 cycle
Optional
USC says SAT or ACT scores are not required for the 2027-28 first-year cycle; if sent they are considered with the rest of the application. International applicants who use SAT or ACT to show English proficiency have the scores assessed for both purposes.
“first-year applicants to the 2027-28 academic year are not required to send SAT or ACT scores to apply”
GMAT / GRE · Full-time MBA (USC Marshall)
Optional
GMAT or GRE scores may be submitted as an additional data point; there is no minimum score.
“Submission of standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE) is optional.”
The page says these are not accepted
- TOEFL ITP Plus for China (undergraduate)
“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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