English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose native language is not English, and whose high school or college/university education was in a country where the language of instruction was not English, must provide evidence of English proficiency to be successful in university studies at UCI. Applicants who have less than three years of instruction in English in the U.S. must demonstrate English proficiency by meeting one of the requirements below.
Acceptable examinations and scores:
A minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 80 on the Internet-based test, or 550 on the paper-based test.
A score 3, 4 or 5 on the AP examination in English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition;
A score 5, 6 or 7 on the IB Higher Level Examination in English Language A: Literature or English Language A: Language and Literature;
Score 6 or higher on the IB Standard Level Examination in English Language A: Literature or English Language A: Language and Literature;
Score 6.5 or higher on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
Score 24 or higher on the ACT English and Writing Test;
Score 560 or higher on the SAT Reasoning Test, Writing section.
Note: The English Language Proficiency Test Requirement is waived with one UC transferable English Composition course (not ESL) taken at a regionally accredited U.S. college/university with a grade of C or better.
International Student Applications
What happens when an international student application is received at your university?
When an international applicant applies to a UC, it goes through the UC Undergraduate Application Processing Service before it reaches the individual campuses. When UC Irvine receives the application it is reviewed for UC eligibility and selection.
What is different about international student applications (from domestic applications)?
The application itself is the same, but the application fee is $10 dollars more.
When should foreign transcripts be sent?
We do not request official transcripts/records until a student is admitted. If needed, we will request unofficial transcripts/records to help clarify self-reported information on the application.
NOTE on foreign transcripts/records: Each academic record must list the dates you attended the institution; the titles of courses and examinations you completed; the grades (marks) you received; the credit, hours or units earned; and any degree or diploma you may have received. It may be called by another name — such as leaving certificate, maturity certificate, etc. — in your country.
Are placement recommendations required?
UC does not require or solicit letters of recommendation for undergraduate admission.
Why is an official transcript/record so important to U.S. universities?
An official transcript/record is important because we need to verify self-reported academic information on the UC application with an official academic record. An academic record must come directly from the institution.
Failure to provide official records may jeopardize your enrollment at the university.
Should students have their transcripts translated?
When a student is admitted, translated transcripts/records are required as well as official transcripts/records in the native language. Transcripts/Records must be translated by a certified translator familiar with educational records.
Do you require the SAT or ACT for international students? For transfer students?
SAT or ACT Plus Writing are required for all freshman applicants. They are not required for junior transfer students.
