English Proficiency Requirements
If English is your native language, indicate this on your application form. You will not need to demonstrate English proficiency by any other means. Please do not state that your native language is English if you are not proficient. The university reserves the right to require English testing and/or support classes if your application materials and interviews indicate that your level of English proficiency may not be sufficient for university studies. In addition, faculty at APU may require students to take English support classes if students appear to be having difficulty in their studies. This is for your benefit. APU is a top-ranked university in the United States with a reputation for academic excellence. Your ability to communicate in English will be important for success in your studies at APU.
If English is NOT your native language, you will need to demonstrate or gain English proficiency in order to study at Azusa Pacific University. The only exceptions are for APU programs specifically taught in languages other than English, such as the Korean and Spanish language theology programs. Except for these kinds of special programs, there are three ways to demonstrate and fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement:
1. Prior study in English
You can demonstrate English proficiency by verifying that your prior studies (secondary school or university) were conducted in English. You must verify all of the following:
- You completed at least two years of full-time study without ESL support/classes.
- Your studies in English ended no more than two years before applying to APU.
- The language of instruction was English.
To verify these points, you must provide academic transcripts along with an official letter from the institution where you studied stating that the language of instruction was English.
– OR –
2. English testing by one of the following two options:
A. International standardized English tests (TOEFL and IELTS)
You can demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score report that meets or exceeds the requirements listed below. The university considers the component scores for admissions.
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | ||||
| (Top Score: 9) | Speaking (Top Score: 30) | Listening (Top Score: 30) | Reading (Top Score: 30) | Writing (Top Score: 30) | |
| Conditional* | 5.5 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 18 |
| Undergraduate | 6 | 18 | 20 | 20 | 22 |
| Masters** | 7 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 24 |
| Doctoral | 8 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
*The conditional option is applicable only for undergraduate programs. If you score in the range of subsets listed below, you must take the corresponding intensive English courses (and will take other university classes for a maximum of 14 units at the same time), which may count for credit towards your bachelor’s degree. If you don’t meet the minimum requirements for the conditional level, you may re-test at the American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI).
| Scores: | IELTS: 5.5 TOEFL Speaking: 15-17 TOEFL Listening: 16-19 |
Corresponding English Course: TESL 101 |
| Scores: | IELTS: 5.5 TOEFL Reading: 16-19 TOEFL Writing:18-21 |
Corresponding English Course: TESL 102 |
** All masters-level students proving English proficiency through the TOEFL or IELTS tests must enroll in the TESL 500 English class, regardless of their test score. However, they may later waive this course if they pass an additional English test on the first day of classes.
B. APU English placement test
You can also demonstrate English proficiency by taking a free (provided that you have already paid the APU or ALCI application fee) placement test through the American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI). This placement test is administered on campus at APU and periodically at limited locations around the world. Please contact the International Center for schedules and locations for APU English testing.
There are six levels of placement in the ALCI program, covering basic to advanced English. Undergraduate applicants must successfully test beyond or pass Level 4 in order to be considered for admission. Graduate applicants must successfully test or pass beyond Level 6 in order to be considered for admission.
– OR –
3. Completion of an intensive English language program at APU
The American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) is an intensive English language program at APU. Some students attend ALCI solely for the purpose of studying English without completing further university studies at APU. Other students attend ALCI as preparation for their university studies at APU.
If you are academically qualified for undergraduate or graduate admission to APU and you choose to fulfill your English proficiency requirement through study in the ALCI program, you will be offered “conditional” admission to the university. After successfully completing the required levels of study through ALCI, you may continue with your university studies in the next available term.
Please note that completion of the ALCI intensive English program does NOT guarantee admission to the university. If you wish to study as an undergraduate or graduate student at APU, you must also submit an application and be formally admitted to the university.
Please be aware that there are additional costs for study in the ALCI program at APU. Students who plan to attend the ALCI program must complete an ALCI program application(PDF) in addition to the university application.
Application for ALCI will be reflected on the admitted student’s immigration document along with the student’s major area(s) of study or designated graduate program at APU, if applicable.
There are some advantages to completing your intensive English language studies through the ALCI program in preparation for university studies at APU:
- The ALCI program is specifically designed to prepare students for university-level studies in English.
- No TOEFL/IELTS test is required for entry to the program.
- Successful completion of the program will fulfill the English proficiency requirement for university studies at APU without the need for any other tests.
- Students who have been conditionally accepted to APU and choose to fulfill their English proficiency requirement through the ALCI program may simultaneously audit or take a limited number of university courses for credit while completing the program. Talk to an APU admissions counselor for more information.
