English Language Requirement

The ability to understand, speak, read and write English effectively is required for all UC students.

If your native language is not English, you are required to demonstrate your English proficiency by submitting scores from ONE of the following standardized tests: SAT, TOEFL or IELTS:

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

The University of Cincinnati encourages students to take this particular test for two reasons: (a) it demonstrates your English proficiency and (b) it is required for freshmen (first-time college students) seeking academic scholarships.

Minimum required scores:
970 Composite score (Critical Reading + Math) for admission or 1200 Composite score for scholarship consideration, with a 480 Critical Reading score.

Notes:

1. These are minimum SAT requirements for the university as a whole. Some academic programs require higher SAT scores.
2. If your composite score meets the minimum requirement, but the Critical Reading score is lower than 480, you will be required to take the TOEFL or IELTS test and achieve a passing score to be admitted to the university.
3. SAT scores are required for incoming freshman students to be considered for academic scholarships.
4. The SAT includes a writing section, but this score is not factored into the composite score that UC uses for admission decisions.
5. SAT2 subject tests are not required.

Learn more about why the SAT is important.

OR

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Minimum required scores:
Most UC undergraduate programs require a minimum overall TOEFL score of:

• 515 (paper-based test), or
  
• 187 (computer-based test), or
  
• 66 (internet-based test)

UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) and UC College of Engineering, and selected programs in the College-Conservatory of Music require :

• 550 (paper-based test), or
  
• 213 (computer-based test), or
   
• 79 (internet-based test) (College of Engineering requires a 20 in the Speaking section)

UC College of Business requires:

• 600(paper-based test), or
  
• 250 (computer-based test), or
   
• 100 (internet-based test)

• UC Testing Code: 1833
  

OR

Most UC undergraduate programs require a minimum overall IELTS score of:

• 5.5 overall band score

UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) requires:

• 6.0 overall band score

The UC College of Engineering UC and the College of Business require:

• 6.5 overall band score

OR

C grade or above Certification in Advanced English

OR

C grade or above Certificate of Proficiency in English

UC offers courses in English as a Second Language for students who need marginal assistance with English skills. However, we are planning to implement a comprehensive Intensive English Program in the near future.