English-Language Proficiency Examinations
All courses at UC (except for foreign language courses) are taught in English. If your native language is not English, or your high school or college/university education has been in a country where the language of instruction was not in English, you must provide evidence of a sufficient level of English proficiency (see below). Students with US citizenship are not exempt from this requirement.
If you attend an institution where the language of instruction is English, located in a country where English is the official language of instruction, you are not required to submit proof of English-language proficiency.
| Qualifications | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Internet-Based (iBT) or iBT Home Edition* ** | 80-83 |
| TOEFL Paper-delivered Test* | 80-83 |
| International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examination in English: Literature, or Language and Literature (Language A only) | 5 |
| International Baccalaureate Standard Level Examination in English: Literature, or Language and Literature (Language A only) | 6 |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency/ C1 Advanced/ B2 First * | 176-185 |
| IELTS (Academic) * | 6.5-7.0 |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 115 |
* Minimum score may vary by host UC: For UCLA/UCSD required scores are TOEFL Internet-Based 83; IELTS 7.0; Cambridge185
**UC does not accept the MyBest TOEFL; only the highest composite TOEFL score from a single exam sitting.
How should I submit my documentation?
TOEFL
Scores are valid for up to two years from the testing date.
Report your score electronically. Reporting is included in the cost of the test if you designate the score recipient when you register.
Select: 4795 U CA ED Abroad
Select: Dept. code 00 (two zeroes) or Undergraduate
If you cannot find 4795 U CA ED Abroad on the institutional reporting menu, ask for assistance.
IELTS
Scores are valid for up to two years from the testing date.
Ask that your score be sent to
Reciprocity
Systemwide Office, Education Abroad Program
420 S Fairview Ave, Suite 202
Goleta, CA 93117
USA
Cambridge English Qualifications
Scores for these qualifications do not expire.
Upload your certificate and from your Cambridge account, ask that your score be sent to
UC Education Abroad Program
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Scores for these qualifications do not expire. Upload your diploma.
Duolingo
Share your results from your notification email
When you receive your results email notification, click "Share Your Score". If you are not already logged in, enter your email and password. Type or select University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), then click "Share Certificate".
Share your results from your account
Login to your Duolingo account. Select the result you want to send under "Tests Taken", then click "Send to an institution" in the "Share" menu. Type or select University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP), then click "Share Certificate".
| Qualifications | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) | 80-90 |
| IELTS (Academic) | 7.0 |
Acceptable tests and minimum score may vary by host UC. Check program-specific requirements.
How should I submit my documentation?
TOEFL
Scores are valid for up to two years from the testing date.
Report your score electronically. Reporting is included in the cost of the test if you designate the score recipient when you register.
Select: Host UC
Select: Dept.code (if applicable)
See department specific instructions.
IELTS
Scores are valid for up to two years from the testing date.
Ask that your scores be sent to the host UC graduate admissions office or department.
See department specific instructions.
| Qualifications | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | English-language proficiency requirements |
| UC Los Angeles | English-language proficiency requirements |
Accepted English-language proficiency document may vary depending on the host UC.
These may include:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- interview by phone or video conference
- letter from the home university.
