All students from countries and areas where English is not the common, spoken language (even if the student already is a resident of the United States) must have a practical understanding of spoken and written English to benefit from instruction, study, and examinations in that language.

Course work at The Catholic University of America requires university-level English language proficiency and skills. The Catholic University of America, therefore, requires all applicants whose native language is not English to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language or an International English Language Testing System exam before they can be considered for final admission.

For first-year and transfer undergraduate students applying for Fall 2020 who are not able to take the TOEFL or IELTS due to testing site closures, Catholic University will accept Duolingo English Test scores. A minimum score of 105 on the Duoling English Test will be required, in addition to a full review of your undergraduate application and required credentials. 
To submit your score, please send your Duolingo English Test score report and verification link to cua-admissions@cua.edu.

 

Minimally Accepted Scores

  • Minimally Accepted TOEFL Scores
  • Minimally Accepted IELTS Scores
Minimally Accepted TOEFL Scores

When applying for undergraduate programs the minimally accepted TOEFL scores are:

  • 550-paper; or,
  • 213-computer; or,
  • 80 Internet based

Students taking the TOEFL should have at least 20 out of 30 in each of the TOEFL subcategories.

Beginning in August, 2019 TOEFL will be adding superscores, or "MyBest Scores" on all official score reports. Catholic University will accept these superscores for evaluation of undergraduate admission.

Minimally Accepted IELTS Scores

When applying for undergraduate programs the minimally accepted IELTS scores are:

  • 6.5.

Individual IELTS test module scores are also reviewed in addition to the overall IELTS score. 

 

 

Language Requirement Waiver

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived on a case-by-case basis should the applicant have appropriate documentation of successful completion of one of the following:

  1. Catholic University's Intensive English Program.
  2. Level 112 in the intensive English program offered by an ELS Language Center.
  3. A complete Intensive English program at an accredited institution of higher education.
  4. A college-level English Composition class determined to be the equivalent of or more advanced than Catholic University's English Composition 101 course, with a grade of B or above for applicants to undergraduate programs.
  5. A graduate degree, a Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.), or an Associates Degree (A. A.) from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education or a high school diploma. Graduates from a U.S. high school are required however to submit SAT/ACT scores.