Study Guide
Everything international students need to know about TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, and other accepted English proficiency tests — with score benchmarks by institution type and practical advice on how to improve.
Massachusetts universities and colleges require proof of English language proficiency from most international applicants. Your test score is not just an admissions hurdle — it signals to academic departments that you are ready to participate fully in lectures, seminars, and written assessments from day one.
Requirements vary significantly by institution type, degree level, and even by department. This guide gives you a clear picture of what to expect across Massachusetts institutions, so you can plan your preparation with confidence.
Massachusetts institutions accept a range of standardised tests. Here is what you need to know about each one.
Test of English as a Foreign Language — Internet-Based Test
The most widely accepted test at Massachusetts research universities and liberal arts colleges. Scores are sent directly to institutions via ETS.
International English Language Testing System — Academic
Accepted at virtually all Massachusetts institutions. The Speaking section is conducted face-to-face with an examiner, which some students find more natural.
Duolingo English Test
Accepted by a growing number of Massachusetts institutions, particularly for graduate programs. Convenient and affordable, but not yet universally accepted — always verify with your target institution.
Pearson Test of English Academic
Accepted at select Massachusetts institutions, particularly those with strong ties to international recruitment. Results are typically available within 48 hours.
These are typical minimum requirements. Competitive programs often require scores above the stated minimum. Always confirm with the institution directly.
| Institution type | Level | TOEFL iBT | IELTS | Duolingo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Universities | Undergraduate | 79–100+ | 6.5–7.0+ | 105–120+ | Competitive programs (engineering, business, nursing) often require scores at the higher end of these ranges. |
| Research Universities | Graduate / Postgraduate | 80–100+ | 6.5–7.5+ | 110–125+ | Individual departments may set higher minimums. Teaching assistantship applicants typically need higher speaking sub-scores. |
| Liberal Arts Colleges | Undergraduate | 90–100+ | 7.0+ | 115–125+ | Small class sizes and discussion-heavy pedagogy mean strong speaking and writing scores carry extra weight. |
| Community Colleges | Associate / Certificate | 61–79 | 5.5–6.5 | 90–105 | Many community colleges offer conditional admission with ELP pathway enrollment for students who fall slightly below minimums. |
| English Language Programs (ELP) | Intensive English | Not typically required | Not typically required | Not typically required | ELP providers generally use their own placement tests. Completing an ELP program can satisfy the English requirement for conditional admission to a partner institution. |
| Boarding / Secondary Schools | Grades 9–12 | TOEFL Junior or iBT 61+ | 5.0–6.0 | 85–100 | Many boarding schools also accept SSAT/ISEE scores and conduct their own English interviews as part of the admissions process. |
Research Universities
Undergraduate
TOEFL iBT
79–100+
IELTS
6.5–7.0+
Duolingo
105–120+
Competitive programs (engineering, business, nursing) often require scores at the higher end of these ranges.
Research Universities
Graduate / Postgraduate
TOEFL iBT
80–100+
IELTS
6.5–7.5+
Duolingo
110–125+
Individual departments may set higher minimums. Teaching assistantship applicants typically need higher speaking sub-scores.
Liberal Arts Colleges
Undergraduate
TOEFL iBT
90–100+
IELTS
7.0+
Duolingo
115–125+
Small class sizes and discussion-heavy pedagogy mean strong speaking and writing scores carry extra weight.
Community Colleges
Associate / Certificate
TOEFL iBT
61–79
IELTS
5.5–6.5
Duolingo
90–105
Many community colleges offer conditional admission with ELP pathway enrollment for students who fall slightly below minimums.
English Language Programs (ELP)
Intensive English
TOEFL iBT
Not typically required
IELTS
Not typically required
Duolingo
Not typically required
ELP providers generally use their own placement tests. Completing an ELP program can satisfy the English requirement for conditional admission to a partner institution.
Boarding / Secondary Schools
Grades 9–12
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL Junior or iBT 61+
IELTS
5.0–6.0
Duolingo
85–100
Many boarding schools also accept SSAT/ISEE scores and conduct their own English interviews as part of the admissions process.
These benchmarks are indicative only. Individual institutions and departments set their own requirements, which may be higher than the figures shown. Always verify the current requirements directly with the admissions office of each institution you are applying to.
Practical, proven strategies from students who have successfully met Massachusetts admissions requirements.
Most students underestimate how long it takes to reach their target score. Build in time for at least two attempts, especially if you are aiming for a competitive program.
TOEFL and IELTS test the same skills but in different ways. TOEFL uses integrated tasks that combine reading, listening, and writing; IELTS Speaking is a live conversation. Try official practice tests for both before committing to one.
Many institutions set minimum sub-scores in addition to an overall minimum. A strong total score will not compensate for a very low Speaking or Writing sub-score at most Massachusetts universities.
ETS, British Council, and Duolingo all publish free official practice tests. These are the most accurate reflection of the real exam and should form the core of your preparation.
If you are not yet at the required score, many Massachusetts institutions offer conditional admission through their affiliated ELP. Completing the program satisfies the English requirement and gives you a head start on academic life in Massachusetts.
Students who completed secondary or tertiary education entirely in English (in recognized countries or institutions) may be exempt. Always check the specific policy of each institution you are applying to.
Some students may be exempt from submitting an English proficiency test score. Common exemption criteria include:
Exemption policies differ between institutions and even between departments. Always confirm directly with the admissions office of each institution you are applying to.
Use our school finder to filter Massachusetts institutions by program level, type, and region — and see which ones offer English Language Pathways.
