Acceptable Tests & Scores

• Successful completion of Level 6 of the English Language Institute (ELI) at Sacred Heart University; or successful completion of English language/ESL coursework at another accredited U.S. institution, subject to review and approval by SHU International Admissions on a case-by-case basis.
• International School curriculum in English
• AP English
• SAT/ACT Reading/Writing scores (optional for general admission to SHU)
• TOEFL PBT: 550
• TOEFL iBT: 4 (old score: 80)
• TOEFL iBT® Home Edition: 4 (old score: 80)
• TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
• Academic IELTS: 6.5
• EIKEN Pre-1
• GTEC: 1200
• iTEP: 5
• PTE: 62
• Completion of ELS 112
• Completion of EF Level C1
• Completion of Talk Level 7
• On-site ESL test proctored at SHU
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: 180
• Duolingo: 110 (production score minimum 85)
• VEPT 5.5
• iESOL: B2 Communicator with a minimum of 39 points
• Oxford Test of English, Advanced Test: 135

Other exams may be acceptable. Please email International Admissions if you have questions.

A minimum band score may be required for some graduate programs. Specifically for MS Healthcare Informatics, the minimum English language proficiency requirements are an overall IELTS of 6.5 (no bands below 6.5), or TOEFL of 4 (old: 85 with no bands below 16), or Duolingo of 110 (no bands below 85, minimum production score of 90).

Sacred Heart University offers Provisional Acceptance for students who do not meet the minimum English language requirements.

Students may complete ESL courses at SHU’s English Language Institute or other ESL school prior to starting their academic program. If applicant does not have an English Proficiency Exam score, complete the ESL Exam Waiver Request and upload to your SHU Admission portal.