English Language Requirement

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

If you require full-time, intensive English preparation before entering the university, please contact the ELS - Cincinnati Language Center. This center is located on UC's campus and ELS students can receive many of the benefits available to UC students. Additionally, ELS and UC work collaboratively to issue Conditional Letters of Acceptance to certain academic programs, including many undergraduate programs.

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your English proficiency by completing ONE of the following requirements in order to study at UC: SAT, ELS, 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

ELS

If you require full-time, intensive English preparation before entering the university, please contact the ELS - Cincinnati Language Center. This center is located on UC's campus and ELS students can receive many of the benefits available to UC students. Additionally, ELS and UC work collaboratively to issue Conditional Letters of Acceptance to certain academic programs, including many undergraduate programs.

Students must successfully complete the ELS 112 class to meet the English proficiency requirements.

 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), UC College of Engineering, and the Voice Program in the College-Conservatory of Music requires:

• 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

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

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) and the College of Engineering UC require:

• 6.0 overall band score

The UC College of Business requires:

• 6.5 overall band score

OR

C grade or above Certification in Advanced English

OR

C grade or above Certificate of Proficiency in English