English Proficiency Requirements
In order to be admitted to Highline College, all international students must submit a proof of English Language Proficiency. We will accept the following:
*As of January 2026, TOEFL IBT uses a new grading scale. Highline will continue using the current scale while we work to determine the equivalency.
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| Duolingo | 90 |
| TOEFL IBT | 54* |
| TOEFL ITP | 480 |
| Kaplan International Test of English | 425 |
| IELTS | 5.5 with no band lower than 5.0 |
| PTE Academic (Pearson) | 42 |
| ITEP | 3.5 |
| STEP/EIKEN Test | Pre-Grade 1 |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) | C |
| GCE (General Certificate of Education) | A-level, O-level or N-level |
| IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) | Grade E in English |
| HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) | 3 |
| HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Exam) | Grade E |
| HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) | D/3 |
| Cambridge Exam | O or A Levels |
| LanguageCert | 25 |
- Students who have completed at least English 5 (or A) in Sweden with a grade of E or above (or G or above prior to the 2011 Swedish grading system reforms). Transcripts, official exam results, or a letter from the school on letterhead affirming this must accompany the Highline application.
- Students who have completed at least one academic year at a high school or post-secondary institution, with passing grades, where English is the primary language of instruction. Unofficial transcripts or a letter from the school on letterhead confirming the language of instruction must accompany the Highline application.
- Unofficial transcripts from another US university or college. Additional requirements will apply; please contact the admissions department at ispadmissions@highline.edu.