English Proficiency Requirements

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exams are used to measure your ability to use and comprehend English as it is used in the college or university setting. The TOEFL program provides English proficiency testing services for international students planning to study at educational institutions in the United States, Canada or other countries where degree programs and courses are taught in English. If your first language is not English or if you graduated from a non-English speaking school, you must provide proof of English proficiency. Accepted methods for the demonstration of English proficiency at CTU include:

  • A TOEFL* score of 500 for undergraduate students or 550 for nursing and graduate students; or 173 for the computer based exam for undergraduate students and 213 for graduate students.
  • For the Internet Based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) an aggregate score of 79 for graduate programs and 61 for undergraduate programs is required. In addition to the aggregate score requirement for the internet based test, the following minimum scores must also be met:
Category Graduate Undergraduate Doctoral
Writing 18 17 19
Speaking 18 17 19
Reading 17 16 19
Listening 16 15 19
Studies iBT Computer based TOEFL
Graduate/Nursing/Doctoral 79 213 550
Undergraduate 61 173 500
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.0 and higher for undergraduate students 6.0 or higher for graduate students, and 6.5 for doctoral students
  • A grade of C or better in an intermediate ESL or college-level English course taken at an accredited English-speaking post-secondary institution for undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Graduation from a regionally accredited English-speaking post-secondary institution.

You can take the computer-based TOEFL test in most regions of the world. In instances where computer testing is not available, a paper-and-pencil version of the test is administered. To learn more about the TOEFL, studying for the TOEFL, finding a test center in your country and more, visit the TOEFL Web site at http://www.ets.org/toefl.

Note: Information on transfer of credit, advanced placement, CLEP exams, block transfers, credit by course challenge, military credit, and credit for life experience is in the University Catalog section on Prior Academic Assessment.

Classes Start Jan 07, 2025*

Are You In?

Take the next step. Fill out the form and speak to an Admissions Advisor.

By clicking the “I AGREE & SUBMIT” button below, I consent to CTU using automated technology and/or pre-recorded means to email, call, and text me at the phone number above regarding educational services. I understand that my consent is not required as a condition to purchase a good or services. I am providing an e-signature confirming my consent and my agreement to CTU’s "Terms of Use" and "Privacy Policy". Msg and data rates may apply.

*Start dates may vary by program and location.