Program-level details
UC San Diego undergraduate admissions accepts TOEFL iBT 83 minimum with no subscore minimum, but competitive applicants typically score 100+. Graduate programs set their own minimums: most departments accept 85, but Rady School of Management requires 100 and Jacobs School of Engineering programs often want 95. The Division of Extended Studies offers an English Language Institute pathway for applicants below the threshold.
Translating this score to the 2026 1-6 band scale
From January 2026, ETS reports the TOEFL iBT on a 1.0-6.0 band scale (in 0.5 increments) rather than the legacy 0-120 scale. University of California, San Diego (UCSD)'s undergraduate minimum of 83 corresponds to roughly band 4.0, which aligns with CEFR B2. The graduate minimum of 85 corresponds to band 4.0 (B2). For a more precise read on what these bands mean for your speaking, writing, listening, and reading, take a free TOEFLMock practice test — you'll see your score reported on both scales side-by-side.
Other accepted English tests
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) typically accepts: IELTS 7.0+ (undergrad), 7.0-7.5+ (graduate), Duolingo English Test 120+. Many universities accept the Duolingo English Test, and some accept Cambridge English Advanced (C1) or Proficiency (C2). Acceptance and minimum thresholds for alternative tests change frequently — verify against the current admissions page before relying on a specific alternative.
How to prepare for the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) TOEFL minimum
A target of 83 on the TOEFL iBT is a band 4.0 performance. Realistically, this means consistently scoring well across all four sections, since universities almost always set sub-section minimums (typically 22 in each of Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing for top-tier programs). The fastest way to spot which section is holding you back is to take a full-length practice test under timed conditions and compare your section bands. From there, focused section practice is more productive than another full-length attempt.
- Take a free full-length TOEFL practice test to see your starting band
- Reading practice — 16 free 2026-format reading tests
- Listening practice — 16 free 2026-format listening tests with the new task types
- Writing practice — 16 free Build-a-Sentence + Email + Academic Discussion tests
- Speaking practice — 16 free Listen-and-Repeat + video Interview tests
Common questions
What is the minimum TOEFL score for University of California, San Diego (UCSD)? ▾
University of California, San Diego (UCSD) requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 83 for undergraduate admission and 85 for most graduate programs. UC San Diego undergraduate admissions accepts TOEFL iBT 83 minimum with no subscore minimum, but competitive applicants typically score 100+. Graduate programs set their own minimums: most departments accept 85, but Rady School of Management requires 100 and Jacobs School of Engineering programs often want 95. The Division of Extended Studies offers an English Language Institute pathway for applicants below the threshold.
What if my TOEFL score is below the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) minimum? ▾
If you score below the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) minimum, options include retaking the TOEFL after focused practice, taking an alternative accepted test (IELTS 7.0+ (undergrad), 7.0-7.5+ (graduate), Duolingo English Test 120+), or applying to a pre-sessional English program offered by the university.
Does University of California, San Diego (UCSD) accept the Duolingo English Test? ▾
Many universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL. Whether University of California, San Diego (UCSD) accepts it depends on the program and the year — verify against the official admissions page linked above.
How do I send my TOEFL scores to University of California, San Diego (UCSD)? ▾
Official TOEFL scores are sent directly from ETS to the university you specify. You can list up to four institutions to receive your scores at no extra cost when you register for the test. Additional score reports cost a fee per institution.
Verify before applying
University admission requirements change. Always confirm the current TOEFL minimum on the official University of California, San Diego (UCSD) admissions page before applying. The figures on this page were last verified 2026-05-26 and reflect publicly stated institutional minimums; specific programs may set higher thresholds, and some courses (medicine, law, education) frequently do.