English Proficiency Requirements

All undergraduate applicants for whom English is a second language must present evidence of proficiency in the English Language in one of these ways:

1. 4.0 on the Internet-based TOEFL (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026). Consistency across subsections will be considered for English proficiency. For example, for the TOEFL IBT, generally, a minimum score of 3.5 is expected in each section of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Scores over two years old by the beginning of the term you wish to enter are not acceptable unless you have been attending school in the U.S. since the test date.
2. 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL (for exams taken before January 21, 2026). Consistency across subsections will be considered for English proficiency. For example, for the TOEFL IBT, generally, a minimum score of 20 is expected in each section of Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Scores over two years old by the beginning of the term you wish to enter are not acceptable unless you have been attending school in the U.S. since the test date.
3. 6.5 on the IELTS. Consistency across subsections will be considered for English proficiency. Scores over two years old by the beginning of the term you wish to enter are not acceptable unless you have been attending school in the U.S. since the test date.
4. 100 on the Duolingo English Test (DET).
5. 53 on Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic).
6. Secondary school work in the United States, including achievement of the high school curricular requirements required for freshman admission, or attainment of the recognized certificate of completion required for entrance into a university in any other country in which English is the native language and the language of instruction in the high school.
7. Satisfactory completion of 24 or more semester hours of college-level coursework from a regionally or nationally accredited university in the United States, or in any other country in which English is the native language. Note: Simple instruction in English, completion of 24 hours of university coursework, or completion of a degree in a country in which English is the official, but not native, language will not satisfy this requirement. See the list of OU Approved Native English Speaking Countries.
8. Completion of a Bachelor’s degree, or higher, at an accredited university in the United States, or in any other country in which English is the native language.
9. Successful completion of the University of Oklahoma CESL program.

For graduate level language requirements, check the Graduate College's website.