English Requirements

Any applicant whose first language is not English must certify proficiency in English when applying to UCLA, and, if admitted, upon arrival.

Such applicants must submit scores received on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as part of their application. The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Applications may be obtained from ETS, Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151. IELTS is administered by local IELTS  test centers throughout the world.  Applicants should consult www.ielts.org for the nearest IELTS test center. The results of these tests help applicants determine whether they are prepared to undertake graduate study conducted in English before making extensive plans for graduate study in the U.S.

A TOEFL score of at least 560 on the paper and pencil test or 220 on the computer based test is the minimum required for applicants to graduate programs at UCLA; some majors may require higher scores as noted. 

For the internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT), the following are minimum passing scores for each section and the minimum total passing score:

• Writing:  25
• Speaking:  24
• Reading:  21
• Listening:  17
• Total minimum passing score:  87

An IELTS overall band score of at least 7.0 is the minimum required. 

Applications are not considered complete without the test scores.

TOEFL scores should be sent to your major department. IELTS scores should be sent to your major department and the Graduate Division.

Please note that TOEFL scores are considered valid for only two years, and that if several scores are submitted, only the most recent is considered.

Admitted applicants are required, upon arrival at UCLA, to take the UCLA English as a Second Language Placement Examination (ESLPE), an English diagnostic test, before being permitted to register. Depending on the results of the ESLPE, you may be required to complete English as a Second Language courses beginning in your first term at UCLA. If English courses are required, you should anticipate spending a longer period of time at the University. Admission is canceled for those who do not pass the ESLPE.

Please note that you must sit for the ESLPE regardless of your score obtained on the TOEFL, IELTS or any other English proficiency test.

Applicants who hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from a university located in the United States or in another country in which English is both the spoken language and the medium of instruction, or who have completed at least two years of full-time study at such an institution, are exempted from both the TOEFL/IELTS requirement and the ESLPE.  Please be sure to include such information in your application.