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English assessment

Evidence of English proficiency for students whose first language is not English.

English proficiency requirements

English is the language of instruction for all classes at SCAD. Students are required to demonstrate their current level of proficiency to receive an ESL waiver or take a placement test administered by the SCAD Language Studio during international orientation.

ESL waiver

ESL courses may be waived upon successful performance on the ESL proficiency test or if one of the following conditions is met and supporting documentation is provided:

  • Student's native language is English.
  • The student has Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) minimum scores (SCAD does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores) as follows:
    • For tests taken before Jan. 21, 2026, an overall band score of 85, with a minimum score of 20 on each section.
    • For tests taken on or after Jan. 21, 2026, an overall band score of 4.5, with a minimum score of 4.0 on listening and speaking and at least 4.5 on reading and writing.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) composite score of at least 6.5 with a score of at least 6.5 in both reading and writing.
  • SAT reading score of at least 550 or ACT reading and writing scores of at least 22 and 8, respectively.
  • Transcripts show extensive study (attended all high school years) at an institution at which English is the language of instruction.
  • The graduate student has earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university where English is the official language of instruction. Documentation of the official language of instruction is required. (Requires approval from SCAD or additional proof of proficiency will be required.)
  • The transferring student has completed a year of potential transferable credits in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction with an average GPA of 3.0/4.0 scale in significant academic coursework. Final decisions are considered at the discretion of the SCAD review committee.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) verbal section score of at least 153.
  • Students who completed SCAD Language Studio less than two years before starting their degree program.
  • Duolingo overall band score of 120 with Listening: 115–120, Speaking: 115–120, Reading: 120–125, and Writing: 120–125.

The student must meet the minimum English proficiency benchmarks from a single test administration. SCAD does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores, combined subscores from multiple Duolingo English Tests, or any other form of superscoring. Students who meet the minimum required composite score but do not meet the minimum section scores are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for possible exemption. No exceptions are made if the minimum composite score is not met. All decisions are final.

Any student who has been approved for an ESL waiver or exemption and fails any single course due to language deficiencies (as determined by the director of the SCAD Language Studio) will be required to take an SLS English language placement test before proceeding with degree courses. Results of the English language placement test will be used to determine what level or levels of ESL instruction, if any, are required.

ESL placement test

Otherwise qualified applicants who do not meet the minimum scores for an ESL waiver may be considered for admission to SCAD. These students are required to take a placement test administered by the SCAD Language Studio, regardless of other test scores.

SLS Placement Tests assess student skills and determines the necessity of ESL classes and placement into the appropriate level of ESL upon enrollment. The two-hour test consists of listening, structure, reading, vocabulary, and writing questions. Additionally, there is an interview with each student to determine proficiency.

Any student who stops taking classes at SCAD Language Studio for two (2) consecutive quarters or longer is required to take a placement test to determine the student’s current proficiency level. Students must satisfactorily complete ESL coursework through completion of Level VI.