English Proficiency Policies

English Proficiency Requirements Starting Spring 2026 Semester 

You must establish English language proficiency to enter an academic program. You can request that an official score report be delivered directly from the testing organization to Ferris. The list of accepted tests and scores along with our English proficiency policies can be found below. 

• TOEFL score of 79 or better on internet-based test (80 for Graduate Level) 
• IELTS score of 6.5 or better (6.5 for Graduate Level) 
• Duolingo score of 105 or better (105 for Graduate Level) 
• PTE score of 50 or better (54 for Graduate Level)   
• SAT (reading and writing section) score of 510 or better (undergrad only) 
• ACT (reading section) score of 19 or better (undergrad only) 
• ELS completion of level 112 with C or better (for undergraduate admissions)  

We reserve the right to request that students take an additional English placement test upon arrival if English skills do not appear to equal the submitted test scores. 

IB  

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with IB scores of 4 or higher on the English Language, English 150, English Literature, Philosophy, Psychology  

A-level  

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a grade of C or higher on English Language, English Literature Classical Studies, History, Sociology, Psychology, Thinking Skills, or other relevant reading/writing intensive A-Level exams.  

AS exams Cambridge International  

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a B or higher in English – Language, English – Literature, or English – Language and Literature.  

CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)  

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a B2 level or higher.  

O level Exams Cambridge International  

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a B or higher in English Language.  

IGSCE  

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with IGSCE exams with a B or higher (5 or higher) in English – First Language, English – Literature, or English – Literature in English  

GCSE  

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with on GCSE exams with a score of 6 or higher in English Language and English Literature.  

Educational Experiences (instruction in ENG)  

• attending a United States high school for two or more years
• attended a high school with an IB curriculum for two or more years  
• attend a U.S. college or university where they have successfully earned at least a semester of credit  
• attending an international school where English is the primary mode of instruction for two or more year 

Applicants from English Speaking Countries 

Proof of English proficiency may not be required if applying from a country in which English is the native language. The following countries are exempt from the English testing requirement. 

English Proficiency Requirements Before Spring 2026 Semester 

You must establish English language proficiency to enter an academic program. You can request that an official score report be delivered directly from the testing organization to Ferris. The list of accepted tests and scores along with our English proficiency policies can be found below.

• TOEFL score of 61 or better on internet based test (79 for Graduate Level)
• IELTS score of 5.5 or better (6.5 for Graduate Level)
• Duolingo score of 90 or better (105 for Graduate Level)
• MELAB score of 72 or better
• MSUELT score of 73 or better
• PTE score of 43 or better (51 for Graduate Level)
• SAT (verbal section) score of 450 or better (undergrad only)
• ACT (reading section) score of 18 or better (undergrad only)
• ELS completion of level 112 with C or better (for undergraduate admissions)

We reserve the right to request that students take an additional English placement test upon arrival if English skills do not appear to equal the submitted test scores.

Applicants from English Speaking Countries 

Proof of English proficiency may not be required if applying from a country in which English is the native language. The following countries are exempt from the English testing requirement.