ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
All applicants of Silicon Valley University (SVU) whose native language is not English must demonstrate an established level of English language proficiency through either the TOEFL®(Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the academic format of the IELTS™(International English Language Testing System).
- The TOEFL® Test - Test of English as a Foreign Language. The TOEFL® test is the most widely accepted English-language test in the world. No matter where you want to study, the TOEFL® test can help get you there.
- IELTS™ is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills . listening, reading, writing and speaking . for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
The test must have been taken within two years of the first trimester of enrollment. When submitting the test scores to SVU. The original test scores are required; applicants may submit the scores in person or by mail.
The following table explains the TOEFL® and IELTS™ requirements at SVU. Note that there is no separate essay score on the internet-based TOEFL® as essay scores are included in the Writing score. Although the internet-based TOEFL® includes a Speaking component, a minimum score on the Speaking section is not required.
| Degree | Institutional TOEFL® | Internet-based TOEFL® | IELTS™ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor | 500 | 61 | 5.5 |
| Master | 530 | 71 | 6.0 |
Applicants are strongly encouraged to take the TOEFL® test prior to coming to SVU. Those applicants who did not take the TOEFL®or IELTS™ test, or those who did not pass the proficiency requirements stated above, will be required to take the TOEFL®/IELTS™. test during their first week of class at SVU. The students can either take the official TOEFL® or IELTS™. at certain test centers or the Institutional TOEFL® administered by SVU. Applicants will be on conditional admission until English proficiency is demonstrated.
If an applicant does not qualify for provision admission as indicated above, the applicant will have to arrange to have an English language evaluation upon arrival and will be recommended, if necessary, any required steps for remediation. This may include passing on or more English classes or retaking the TOEFL®/IELTS™ or equivalent proficiency test. Also note that the applicant also has the option to retake the TOEFL®/IELTS™ prior to arriving at SVU and if the new scores exceed the minimum required, the applicant will not have his/her English evaluated upon admission.
Waiving the TOEFL®/IELTS™ Requirements
The Academic Dean may consider and grant exceptions to the minimum English proficiency requirements on a case-by-case basis.
International applicants who have earned Bachelor's or higher degrees from English-speaking accredited institutions in the US, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or other eligible English-speaking countries do not have to submit TOEFL®/IELTS™ scores.
The TOEFL®/IELTS™ requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis for students who have earned a degree from a foreign institution where the language of instruction was English. Documentation that the school's language of instruction was English must be provided.
