English Proficiency

International students who apply for admission to College of DuPage are required to provide proof of English readiness for our English Language Studies (ELS) or academic programs. The College will accept the following test scores as part of the admission process. A minimum English proficiency is required for admission to the College. I-20s and academic level (Associate vs. ELS) will be issued based on the proficiency score submitted and below exceptions.

Students with one of the following test scores will be considered college-ready, issued an Associate-level I-20, and will be eligible to enroll in academic courses:

• • TOEFL iBT score of 79 or above
  • IELTS Academic score of 6.5 or above
  • Duolingo DET score of 115 or above

Students with one of the following test scores will be issued an ELS-level I-20, complete relevant placement exams, and will be expected to enroll in the appropriate ELS courses per the current placement guidelines:

• • TOEFL iBT score of 40-78
  • IELTS Academic score of 3-6 
  • Duolingo DET score 70-114

Students with one of the following test scores will not be eligible for admission to College of DuPage:

• • TOEFL iBT score of 39 or lower
  • IELTS Academic score of 2.5 or lower
  • Duolingo DET score 69 or lower

Exceptions

The following may qualify for an exemption to the TOEFL and IELTS requirement:

• International students from countries** where English is the primary/native language.
• International students who have taken ACT with a composite score of 20 or higher.
• International students who have graduated from a U.S. high school.
• International students who have successfully completed English 1101 or equivalent at an accredited U.S. college or university.
• International students who have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.
• International students currently residing in the United States and enrolled at language training schools are required to demonstrate language proficiency by completing the TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo DET,  ACT or College of DuPage Kaplan Test of English placement test. The Kaplan test is divided into two parts. Students are placed based on the cumulative score from Part 1 (Multiple Choice) or the average score from Part 2 (Writing and Speaking).

A review of the online sample materials is recommended in order to determine the minimum proficiency required for Level 1 ESL courses.

**Countries include: Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, and U.S. Virgin Islands.