English Proficiency Requirements for Admission

 

NOTICE: San Bernardino Valley College does not offer an English Language Learning Program or English Second Language (ESL classes) to international students at this time. If you apply to SBVC, please do so with the intent to immediately begin taking course work that will require English proficiency. You will also begin with college level English 101 by your second semester if applicable. 
 

Prospective international students may satisfy the English proficiency requirement by meeting one of the following:

 

For Spring, 2025 applicants: 

  • TOEFL iBT: 45
  • IELTS: 4.5

Summer/Fall 2025 applicants and later: We have expanded the range of English Proficiency Exams that SBVC accepts for student applying for summer/fall 2025 admission and later.  The TOEFL and IELTS minimum score has also increased.

  • TOEFL iBT: 60
  • IELTS: 5.0
  • PTE Academic: 45
  • Duolingo English Test: 75
  • iTEP: 3.5
  • GTEC CBT: 1000

Prospective students may be able to waive one of the above English Proficiency Exams by meeting English proficiency in one of the following ways below. An English Proficiency Exam Waiver Form (found under forms) will be required with supporting documentation.

  • Completion of English Composition class at another regionally accredited college or university in the US. Two levels may be required for an out of state English class.
  • Completion of high school in a country where English is not the official spoken language, but the high school’s medium of instruction in majority of classes is in English. A letter from the high school verifying the language of instruction may be required.
  • Completion of high school (minimum 2 years) in the U.S.
  • Your native language is English. This applies to native English speakers from countries such as but not limited to the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Nigeria, and Canada (except Quebec), where English is both the official language of the country and the language of instruction.