Test Requirements

Graduate applicants to SJSU may be required to submit standardized test scores as part of their application process. 

• How to Submit Test Scores
• Programs Requiring a GRE or GMAT
• Required English Language Proficiency (ELP) Exams
• English Language Proficiency Exam Waivers
• Programs Requiring a Higher ELP Test Score

Test Score Submissions 

Test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to SJSU.
Test scores must be received by SJSU by the document deadline for the applicant's program. 

• TOEFL (iBT): Educational Testing Services (ETS) code is 4687. TOEFL scores must be less than two years old.
  
  
• GRE: Educational Testing Services (ETS) code is 4687. GRE scores must be less than five years old.  

• Academic IELTS: IELTS scores must be less than two years old.
  - Summer 2026 Applications: Email [email protected] a  copy of your IELTS Score Report. Please include your full name and SJSU ID number.
  - Fall 2026 Applications: Submit Official IELTS electronically to Cal State Apply directly from IELTS. [Note: Institutional Name is Cal State Apply]
  
  
• Academic PTE: Access to your PTE portal to send your official PTE score report to SJSU. PTE scores must be less than two years old.
  
  
• Duolingo Test Score: Access your Duolingo account to send your official Duolingo Scores to San Jose State University - Graduate Admissions & Program Evaluations. 
  
  
• GMAT: Access your GMAT account to send official GMAT scores to SJSU. GMAT scores must be less than five years old.  
  

^{IMPORTANT NOTES:}

• _{If your name or birthdate is different on your standardized test from what you listed on your university application, please notify our offices by emailing [email protected] and include an explanation.}
• _{If you have retaken any test and/or are sending updated test results, please email [email protected] with your full name and SJSU ID.}

Department Required Exams- GRE/GMAT 

Many of our graduate programs require that applicants submit standardized test (GRE or GMAT) results in order to be considered for admission.  Check the Degree Program Requirements table as to whether the program you are applying to requires a standardized exam.

University Required English Language Proficiency (ELP) Exams

An English Language Proficiency Exam [TOEFL (iBT), Academic IELTS, Academic PTE, Duolingo English Test] is required for all graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants

• Who come from a country where English is not the primary language
  AND
• Who do not possess a baccalaureate degree from a post-secondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction.

SJSU interprets “where English is the principal language of instruction” to mean that the higher education institution is located in a country in which English is the official language (the daily medium of communication of the majority of residents) and that the students receive academic instruction in all subjects (except foreign language courses) at all levels of education in English.

_{*TOEFL iBT score reports will feature a new (1.0-6.0) scale beginning January 21, 2026.  Score reports will display the new 1-6 scale and a comparable overall score on the 0-120 scale for a two years transition period. Minimum proficiency scores may be subject to change per guidance from the California State University Chancellor’s Office. Additional Notes: SJSU Graduate Admissions Office will accept MyBest TOEFL (iBT, iBT Home) Scores. TOEFL Essentials Scores are not accepted at this time.} 

Some programs will require a higher ELP score than the university minimum.  For a complete list, see below.

English Language Proficiency Exam Waivers

Waivers will be considered for applicants who meet one of the following criteria:

• Studied full-time at a U.S. college or university for at least three years (completed 72 semester/108 quarter academic units at a regionally accredited institution within the U.S.)
• Completed three years of full-time study at a high school in the U.S.
• Completed (or in progress of being completed) Bachelor's or Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution within the U.S. or from one of the following countries/territories outside of the U.S.

*Countries not listed will not meet the English Language Proficiency requirement.

Note: SJSU does not accept “English-medium of instruction” as a substitute for an English-language proficiency exam such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the Pearson’s Test of English. Letters from applicants or institutions will NOT be accepted.

Waiver Review Process: English Language Proficiency (ELP) exam waiver criteria is verified on the applicant's official academic records (e.g. an official U.S. transcripts or required International Evaluation). Applicants may anticipate this waiver review process to occur after their official academic records have been successfully submitted for their graduate application.

Programs Requiring a Higher ELP Test Score