The University at Buffalo wants students who excel academically and who will succeed in our rigorous and demanding academic environment.
You can learn about UB's international admission requirements by following the navigation links to the left, or if you know your English proficiency score, you can start by finding your score under your applicant type (freshman or transfer) below.
Freshman or transfer status has a strict definition which is based upon the facts of your educational background.
If a minimum of one item in statement 1 and all of statement 2 is true, then you are a freshman applicant. Otherwise you are a transfer applicant.
STATEMENT 1: A minimum of one item must be true.
A. I am currently studying in high school (secondary school).
B. Even though I am not in high school, I am studying a secondary school curriculum.
C. I have completed high school.
AND
STATEMENT 2: This statement must also be true.
I have never enrolled in or studied at a postsecondary institution after completing secondary school.
Both are true? You will apply as a Freshman.
Any part not true? You will apply as a Transfer.
You are an international applicant if a visa is required for you to reside and study in the United States.
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident who currently lives and studies outside the U.S. is considered a domestic applicant with foreign credentials.
Below are the minimum scores to be eligible for consideration for admission to undergraduate programs at the University at Buffalo.
Find your score and then choose the admission type that is right for you by clicking on the link at the bottom of that column to learn more about the specific English proficiency requirements and other admission criteria.
If you are not able to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home.
Test Type | University Admission |
|---|---|
TOEFL (IBT) (including MyBest scores)
TOEFL Home Edition | 70 |
| TOEFL (PBT) and TOEFL ITP Plus | 523 |
| IELTS and IELTS Indicator | 6.0 |
| PTE | 50 |
| ACT (English and Reading) | 18 |
| SAT I ERWS | 500 |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 105 |
| Other recognized tests | Learn about other tests for freshman applicants |
If your English Language Proficiency scores are lower than those listed above, you may still be considered for admission if:
You retake the English Language test and submit a passing score
Below are the minimum scores to be eligible for consideration for admission to undergraduate programs at the University at Buffalo.
Find your score and then choose the admission type that is right for you by clicking on the link at the bottom of that column to learn more about the specific English proficiency requirements and other admission criteria.
If you are not able to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home.
| Test Type | University Admission |
|---|---|
TOEFL (IBT) (Including MyBest scores)
TOEFL Home Edition | 70 |
| TOEFL (PBT) and TOEFL ITP Plus | 523 |
| IELTS and IELTS Indicator | 6.0 |
| PTE | 50 |
| ACT (English and Reading) | 18 |
| SAT I ERWS | 500 |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 105 |
| Other recognized tests | Learn about other recognized tests for transfer applicants |
If your English Language Proficiency scores are lower than those listed above, you may still be considered for admission if:
You retake the English Language test and submit a passing score
The University at Buffalo wants students who excel academically and who will succeed in our rigorous and demanding academic environment.
UB offers two types of admission based on your English language abilities. Below are the different tests you can take to demonstrate your English proficiency and the minimum scores required to be considered for admission.
Select your test and then follow the link to learn more about the admission type that is right for you based on your score.
If you are not able to take the IELTS, PTE or TOEFL tests because they are cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University at Buffalo will accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) for proof of English proficiency. This test can be taken online, in your own home.
If your English Language Proficiency scores are lower than those listed in the chart, you will need to improve your English before you can be considered for admission to UB.
