English Proficiency
International undergraduate applicants whose first language is not English will be evaluated for English language proficiency during the application review process.
The most common and preferred way to provide evidence of English language proficiency is through an exam. Select from the options below to review the minimum scores and guidelines.
Please note: Score results must be from a test taken within the past two years. If self-reported scores are used at the time of application review, official scores must be provided if you are admitted and accept your admission offer. Official test scores must be received directly from the testing organization. You are required to submit all the standardized test results indicated on your application. Meeting the minimum English proficiency score does not guarantee admission. Your complete application is holistically reviewed before a decision is made.
English proficiency test results may be used for English course placement upon enrollment. Students admitted without a formal English proficiency exam (i.e., DET, IELTS or TOEFL) may be subject to an English placement exam upon enrollment.
Generally, applicants have a 110 or better.
Please request to have your official results submitted to Purdue University Undergraduate Admissions directly from your DET account.
Purdue accepts the IELTS Online Academic Test and the IELTS Indicator version of the exam. Generally, applicants have a score of 6.5 or higher with a minimum score of 6.0 in each section.
Request to have official scores sent to Purdue University – Office of International Students and Scholars. You may also self-report scores in your Purdue application portal. From the Application drop-down menu, select Test Scores and click on Update or Add a New Self-Reported Test Score to complete the form. You may report a new IELTS test score or submit an update to a previously reported score.
Please note: Purdue does not accept the IELTS General Training Test.
Purdue accepts the TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) Home Edition. Generally, applicants have an 88 or higher with at least a 20 or higher per section.
Purdue University’s ETS code: 1631.
Please note: Purdue does not accept the TOEFL Essentials Test, MyBest Score (superscore) results or the TOEFL ITP Plus for China Solution.
You must have a score of 26 or higher on the English section.
Purdue University’s ACT code: 1230.
You must have a score of 600 or better on the Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section.
Purdue University’s SAT code: 1631.
If you have been academically successful in a completed English-speaking curriculum, which demonstrates that you have a strong command of the English language, it may be considered. We expect the following:
- Enrollment in an English-taught curriculum for at least three years
- Equivalent of a B or better in all English courses
- Strong overall academic performance
If you have taken a traditional English proficiency exam (i.e., TOEFL, IELTS or DET) in addition to completing an English-speaking curriculum, you are encouraged to submit the exam results to support your demonstrated English ability.
As an alternative to demonstrating English proficiency by presenting adequate standardized test scores, you can demonstrate English proficiency by submitting evidence of having completed 24 or more transferable credits at the time of application from an accredited U.S. college or university with a GPA of 3.0 or better, including six credits of nonremedial, non-English as a Second Language (ESL) coursework in English composition and/or speech communication with a grade of B or better.
If you are a transfer student wishing to use your college coursework to meet the English proficiency requirement, email our office at intl-admissions@purdue.edu when your transcripts have been marked as received on the application checklist in your Purdue application portal.
Review additional application requirements for international students.