Skip to main content

International Undergraduate Testing Guidelines

For non-Canadian international students

Test results are considered in addition to your grades from high school. Information about your country's grading system will be considered when we assess your transcript. We will usually consult with you and the Educational Advising Center nearest your home if there is a need for clarification.


Calvin University is now test optional, with the exception of the English Proficiency requirements below.

These guidelines are for international undergraduate students only. Access international graduate testing guidelines.

English Language Proficiency

International applicants whose first language is not English should meet one or more of the following English proficiency requirements for regular admission to Calvin University. SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, ELS certificate, and educational experiences are all ways to illustrate language proficiency. See below for further details on each option. 

Evidence of English proficiency is considered with other aspects of a student admission file to make admissions decisions. Connect with your admission counselor for specific considerations. 

Several scholarships that are available to international students are based upon results from the SAT or ACT test. International students are encouraged to take one of these exams for relevant scholarship considerations.

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a reading and writing score of 510 and composite score of 1100 or higher. The SAT Calvin code is 1095.

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with an English score of 20 and total score of 23 or higher. The ACT Calvin code is 1968.

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a internet based TOEFL of 80 or higher, a paper based TOEFL of 550 or higher, a computer based TOEFL of 214 or higher. (Use code 1095 to have scores sent to Calvin.)

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a Duolingo score of 110 or higher. Choose Calvin University as the receiving school.

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with IB scores of 5 or higher on the English Language, History, English Literature, Philosophy, Psychology, or other reading/writing intensive IB exams.

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a grade of C or higher on English Language, English Literature Classical Studies, History, Divinity, Sociology, Psychology, Thinking Skills, or other relevant reading/writing intensive A-Level exams.

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a B or higher in English – Language, English – Literature, or English – Language and Literature.

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with a B or higher in English Language.

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with IGSCE exams with a B or higher (5 or higher) in English – First Language, English – Literature, or English – Literature in English

Student can demonstrate English proficiency with on GCSE exams with a score of 6 or higher in English Language and English Literature.

Students can demonstrate English proficiency with completion of level 12 certificate.

Students can demonstrate English proficiency by:

  • attending a United States high school for two or more years
  • attended a high school with an IB curriculum for two or more years
  • attend a U.S. college or university where they have earned at least a semester of credit
  • attending an international school where English is the primary mode of instruction for two or more years
  • Schools from the following countries are counted as instruction in English:
    • American Samoa
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Australia
    • Bahamas
    • Barbados
    • Belize
    • Bermuda
    • Bostwana
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Canada
    • Cayman Islands
    • Dominica
    • Fiji
    • Gambia
    • Ghana
    • Grenada
    • Guam
    • Guyana
    • Ireland
    • Jamaica
    • Kenya
    • Liberia
    • Malawi
    • New Zealand
    • Nigeria
    • Northern Mariana Islands
    • Saint Kitts and Nevis
    • Saint Lucia
    • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
    • Sierra Leone
    • Singapore
    • South Africa
    • Swaziland
    • Tanzania
    • Trinidad and Tobago
    • Uganda
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • Virgin Islands
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe

TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo

  • Paper-based TOEFL 550
  • Computerized TOEFL 213
  • Internet-based TOEFL 80
  • IELTS 6.5
  • TOEFL code for Calvin #1095
  • Duolingo score 110 (choose Calvin University)
Scores submitted to Calvin must be original or certified copies.

Calvin grants course credit for high school level exams with qualifying scores through advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and A-level Cambridge exams.

Education USA logo

We strongly encourage all students to consult their local EducationUSA advising center as they begin the application process, as they can provide valuable advice about testing, financial aid, and immigration issues.

Loading...