Arizona State University IELTS requirement: minimum band scores for 2026
Arizona State University based in Tempe, Arizona publishes IELTS Academic minimums for both undergraduate and graduate study. The two cards below show those institutional baselines; the editorial body translates the bands into a study target and lists the programmes that publish their own, higher thresholds.
ASU requires a minimum overall band score of 6.0 on the IELTS Academic test for most undergraduate programmes. Higher requirements apply to specific schools: BSc Nursing (6.5), Fulton Schools of Engineering select programmes (6.5), and Cronkite School of Journalism select programmes (7.0).
The Graduate College requires a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test. The General Training exam is not accepted.
Last verified 2026-06-16. The figures on this page are taken from Arizona State University's own admissions page. Verify against the official source before relying on a specific number; programme directors can revise English requirements between intakes.
About ASU and its IELTS requirement
ASU is one of the most accessible top US universities with a 6.0 undergraduate floor and 6.5 for graduate study. Select programmes in Nursing, Engineering, and Journalism set higher bars (6.5 to 7.0). ASU also uniquely accepts IELTS UKVI and IELTS Indicator alongside the standard Academic test.
Translating the published minimum into a study target
Undergraduate applicants to ASU need an overall IELTS Academic band of 6.0 with no published per-section minimum. In CEFR terms this corresponds to B2. ASU requires a minimum overall band score of 6.0 on the IELTS Academic test for most undergraduate programmes. Higher requirements apply to specific schools: BSc Nursing (6.5), Fulton Schools of Engineering select programmes (6.5), and Cronkite School of Journalism select programmes (7.0).
For graduate study the institutional minimum is overall 6.5 with no published per-section minimum (CEFR B2). The Graduate College requires a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test. The General Training exam is not accepted.
Programmes that raise the bar
Several ASU programmes publish IELTS thresholds that sit above the institutional minimum. The current list on this page includes BSc Nursing (overall 6.5), Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (select programmes) (overall 6.5), Walter Cronkite School of Journalism (select programmes) (overall 7.0). Treat these as the target if you are applying to one of them; the institutional minimum does not over-ride a programme-level publication.
How to prepare for the ASU IELTS minimum
A target of 6.0 (CEFR B2) is achievable for candidates with strong school-level English and 4-8 weeks of focused IELTS practice. The fastest gains usually come from Listening and Reading because the question types are predictable and trainable. Sit a full-length practice test first, identify the section that pulls your overall down most, and drill that section before scheduling the live exam.
Programme-specific IELTS minimums
These programmes publish IELTS thresholds that differ from the institutional minimum above. Verify the programme page for the most current value before you apply.
| Programme | Overall | Per-section |
|---|---|---|
| BSc Nursing | 6.5 | - |
| Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (select programmes) | 6.5 | - |
| Walter Cronkite School of Journalism (select programmes) | 7.0 | - |
Other English tests ASU accepts
Accepts IELTS Academic, IELTS Online, IELTS UKVI, and IELTS Indicator. Also accepts TOEFL iBT (61), Duolingo (90+), and PTE Academic (53). Scores must be less than two years old.
Alternatives and thresholds change between intakes. Confirm on the official admissions page before relying on a specific alternative test.
Official sources
- Arizona State University - official English-language requirements (primary source for the bands on this page)
- IELTS.org - IELTS scoring in detail (official nine-band scale and how each band is awarded)
- British Council - IELTS band scores explained
Common questions
What is the minimum IELTS score for Arizona State University?
Does ASU accept other English tests besides IELTS?
What if my IELTS score is below the ASU minimum?
Are there programme-specific IELTS minimums at ASU?
See where you stand against the ASU minimum
Take a free, full-length IELTS practice test. Get your overall and per-section bands plus a personalised feedback report - no card required.
Start free practice test