US entry requirements
Learn what’s required for you to be able to enter a degree or preparation program at a US university.
Can I apply for a US degree?
Your eligibility for admission to a US degree program will depend on:
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What is holistic admission?
Holistic admission means assessing the whole person, not just looking at academic performance. The purpose of holistic admission is to make sure you are suitable for the University, and equally that the University is a good fit for you.
With holistic admission, your grades and test scores are still very important but are reviewed alongside other elements, such as your non-academic achievements and activities.
All our US university partners make decisions that include at least some element of holistic review, except for undergraduate admission at ASU where decisions are generally made on grades and test scores alone.
You will usually need to submit three types of additional document to help a university with its holistic review:
Degree admission entry requirements
Please note that admission requirements vary by university and degree program.
Use our degree finder tool to find a US degree and see its minimum entry requirements.
What academic qualifications do I need for admission to a US degree?
To apply to a US bachelor’s degree program
- Completion of high school or equivalent
- Grades in previous study: minimum GPA of 2.50 to 3.50, or equivalent
To apply to US master’s degree program
- Completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Grades in previous study: minimum GPA of 3.00 to 3.50, or equivalent
To apply for transfer admission into a US bachelor’s degree program
- Completion of a minimum of 12 or maximum of 96 transferrable undergraduate credits
- Grades in previous study: minimum GPA of 2.50 to 3.00, or equivalent
Grade Point Average (GPA) uses a 4-point scale. If your grades in previous study use a different grading scale (e.g., a percentage or letter grade), the University will convert to a 4.0 scale when they consider you for admission.
What English language level do I need to apply for US degree?
To apply to a US bachelor’s degree program
- English language: minimum TOEFL score of 61 to 83, or equivalent
To apply to US master’s degree program
- English language: minimum TOEFL score of 78 to 100, or equivalent
To apply for transfer admission into a US bachelor’s degree program
- English language: minimum TOEFL score of 61 to 83 or equivalent
Degree preparation entry requirements
Please note requirements vary by institution and program duration.
What academic qualifications do I need to apply for US degree preparation programs?
To apply for US bachelor’s degree preparation programs
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- Grade in previous study: options range from no minimum requirement to GPA 2.75, or equivalent
To apply for US master’s degree preparation programs
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Grade in previous study: minimum GPA 3.00, or equivalent (GPAs on the border of 3.00 will also be considered)
What English language level do I need to apply for US degree preparation programs?
To apply for US bachelor’s degree preparation programs:
- English language: minimum TOEFL score of 55 to 79, or equivalent
To apply for US master’s degree preparation programs:
- English language: minimum TOEFL score of 55 to 89, or equivalent
If you don’t meet the entry requirements
What if I don’t meet the academic entry requirements?
If your GPA and/or academic background does not qualify you for admission directly into a degree program, you may have the option to join a degree preparation program.
A degree preparation program can help you meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree program.
What if I don’t meet the English language entry requirements?
If your English language level does not yet meet the requirements to enter a degree or degree preparation program, then you may be able to join an English preparation program.
An intensive English program can help you meet the English language requirements for your chosen degree program.
Which English language tests are accepted?
US universities will accept scores from several different English language tests, including:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT
- TOEFL Essentials
- Kaplan iBT
- Kaplan Test of English
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- IELTS Indicator
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- PTE Online
- Trinity Secure English Language Tests (SELTS)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
If you don’t yet have an English test score, we may be able to provide a coupon code to cover the cost of a Duolingo test, or you can take a Kaplan English test for free.
Do I need to have an English test score if I speak English fluently?
US universities may waive the English test score requirement if you are from an English-speaking country or have a qualification studied entirely in English. Each university has different criteria.
Contact us to find out if you are eligible for a waiver.
Download information on accepted tests by program
(0.214 MB, PDF)
Includes:
- Quick reference tables
- Arizona State University
- Pace University
- Simmons University
- University of Connecticut
Additional entry requirements
Graduate admission test
Arizona State University (ASU) master’s programs
ASU does not require GRE or GMAT for most master’s degree applications. Exceptions: GRE for MS Computer Science (all concentrations); GMAT or GRE for the MBA (but eligible applicants may request a waiver). In general, submitting a GRE or GMAT score may still make your ASU application more competitive.
Pace University master’s programs
Many master’s degrees at Pace require GMAT or GRE scores, although there are waivers for some students. See our quick reference guide for more information.
Previous classes or qualifications
US bachelor’s degree programs
Some US bachelor’s degree programs require you to complete specific classes — called “pre-requisites” — and to submit the grades you earned, before you can start the program.
US master’s degrees
Some master’s degree programs may require you to have studied a specific subject (or “major”) during your undergraduate degree.
To apply to a US degree, you’ll need the following:
View entry requirements for US universities
Choose a university then select a program to view the entry requirements.
