English Language Proficiency and Exemptions

English Language Proficiency Requirement

It is highly recommended that international freshman applicants take the SAT test to fulfill the English language proficiency requirement. Submitting SAT scores will also assist in determining scholarship eligibility and providing an early admissions decision.

All applicants who did not graduate from native English-speaking countries will be required to provide adequate proof of English Language Proficiency. The University of Houston considers the countries listed below to have English as their native language. If you country is not listed, your proof of English Language Proficiency must be received by the University by the application deadline.

The English language proficiency requirement may be fulfilled by one of the following:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) www.toefl.org
  The minimum TOEFL score required is 550 (paper-based test) or 79 (internet-based test). TOEFL scores must be received directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). The University of Houston's ETS Institutional Code is 6870.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) www.ielts.org
  The minimum IELTS score required is an overall band score of a 6.5. The testing agency should mail the official results directly to the University of Houston.
• UH Language and Culture Center www.lcc.uh.edu
  Completion of Level 6 of the University of Houston’s Language and Culture Center.
• Freshman ONLY - SAT I - Minimum SAT I Total (Critical Reading + Math) = 1100, with minimum Critical Reading = 500, and minimum Math = 500. Scores should be sent through The College Board (code 6870).

The Office of Admissions will use the highest test score from one test date. Photocopies or other duplication of scores are not acceptable. Scores must not be more than two years old.

Exemptions

Applicants are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Earned a high school diploma, Associates of Arts, Associates of Science or bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. high school, college or university. Please note that completion of a GED does not waive the English Language Requirement.
• Completed the equivalent of a high school education or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree* in one of the following countries:
  Recognized English-speaking Countries

  Anguilla	Fiji Islands	St. Vincent & the Grenadines
  Antigua	Grenada	St. Kitts & Nevis
  Australia	Guyana	Bahamas
  Barbados	Jamaica	Trinidad
  Belize	Liberia	Trinidad & Tobago
  Bermuda	Montserrat	United Kingdom
  British Virgin Islands	New Zealand	U.S. Virgin Islands
  Canada (English-speaking provinces)	Sierra Leone	West Indies
  Cayman Islands	South Africa	Zimbabwe
  Dominica	St. Lucia

  
  * Associate's degrees earned from the above countries do not apply to the English Language Proficiency Requirement exemption.