In order to be admissible, applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by meeting one of the following criteria:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (taken before Jan. 2026) | 80 (no subscore under 17) Send via ETS using institution code 6681 and leave department code blank |
| TOEFL iBT (taken after Jan. 2026) | 4.0 (no subscore of 3.0 or under) Subscores below 5.0 will require enrollment in additional coursework:
NOTE: Upon arrival on campus, students may test out of these courses by performing well on the English Language Placement Exam (EPE). |
| TOEFL iBT Home Edition | 80 (no subscore under 17) Send via ETS using institution code 6681 and leave department code blank |
| TOEFL Essentials | 9 Send via ETS using institution code 6681 and leave department code blank |
| IELTS | 6.5 (no subscore of 5.5 or under) Subscores below 7.5 will require enrollment in additional coursework
NOTE: Upon arrival on campus, students may test out of these courses by performing well on the English Language Placement Exam (EPE). |
| ACT | English subscore of 21 or greater Students who are admitted holistically below the 21 English subscore requirement will be required to enroll in the following courses:
NOTE: Upon arrival on campus, students may test out of these courses by performing well on the English Language Placement Exam (EPE). |
| SAT | Reading + Writing score of 540 or greater Students who are admitted holistically below the 540 Reading + Writing section score requirement will be required to enroll in the following courses:
NOTE: Upon arrival on campus, students may test out of these courses by performing well on the English Language Placement Exam (EPE). |
| Advanced Placement Exams: English and Composition | Mark of 4 or higher Send via College Board using institution code is 6681 |
| Advanced Placement Exams: Literature and Composition | Mark of 4 or higher Send via College Board using institution code is 6681 |
| Cambridge International Exams: English Literature A Level | Grade C or higher Upload a copy of your GCE Exam Certificate in your Admissions Profile in MyUI after you apply |
| Cambridge International Exams: English Literature AS Level | Grade C or higher Upload a copy of your GCE Exam Certificate in your Admissions Profile in MyUI after you apply |
| Cambridge GCSE and IGCSE Exams: English or English First Language | Grade C or higher Upload a copy of your GCSE/IGCSE Exam Certificate in your Admissions Profile in MyUI after you apply |
| International Baccalaureate: HL English A: Literature | Mark of 5 or higher Send an IB Certificate or Diploma via International Baccalaureate |
| International Baccalaureate: HL English A: Language and Literature | Mark of 5 or higher Send an IB Certificate or Diploma via International Baccalaureate |
Other Ways to Show English Proficiency
Citizen of a Country in which English is the Official Language reflected on your application.
(Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, St. Christopher & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
Attend a U.S. high school (located within the U.S.) for a minimum of 3 years and will graduate from a U.S. high school.
Upload a copy of your transcript from your U.S. high school in your Admission Profile in MyUI after you apply.
Transfer students who complete 30 s.h. of transferable credit with a minimum 2.50 GPA from a U.S. institution.
Have official transcripts sent from every U.S. college and university you have attended.
American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) transfer students who complete 30 s.h. of transferable credit with a minimum 2.50 GPA.
Upload a copy of your transcript for every college and university you have attended outside of the U.S. in your Admissions Profile in MyUI after you apply.
Transfer students who complete the equivalent of the University of Iowa's Composition I and Composition II while physically attending a U.S. institution.
Have official transcripts sent from every U.S. college and university you have attended. Online courses are not accepted.
English Language Placement Exam (EPE)
Placement in English Language Coursework is based upon subscores of standardized exams. If a student believes they were incorrectly placed into English language coursework that is not needed to be successful at Iowa, they can elect to take the English Language Placement Exam (EPE) upon arrival to campus, during the first week of classes. If a student demonstrates English proficiency beyond what was provided through standardized examination scores, the required English Language coursework can be waived.