Prospective Students

English Proficiency Requirements

In order to successfully participate and complete college level classes, you mus be able to listen, read, speak and write in the English language. The English proficiency test scores is one area that determines your admission eligibility to the College.

Proof of Proficiency

The most common examinations accepted as proof of English proficiency from international students are TOEFL and IELTS.

Note: Results more than two years old will not be accepted.

TOEFL: Minimum requirement of 61 iBT or 46 PdT (Paper-delivered Test)

Foothill's TOEFL code is 4315.

iTEP : Minimum requirement of Level 4

Foothill College is an official iTEP Test Center. Make an appointment to take iTEP at Foothill

IELTS: Minimum requirement of 6.0

Step Eiken: Minimum requirement of 2A

Pearsons PTE Academic: Minimum requirement of 45

Cambridge English: Minimum requirement of 175 on Advanced exam

Duolingo: Minimum requirement of 95 (50 old version)

GTEC CBT: Minimum requirement of 1100

TOEFL and IELTS Waivers

English proficiency can be demonstrated by meeting one of the following conditions instead of demonstrating a TOEFL or an IELTS score.

We do not guarantee waivers and must review the application in order to make a decision.

Earned a high school diploma, or studied for a minimum of 3 years and attained a grade of "C" or better in English in one of the English speaking countries (U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia).
Earned a high school diploma in an International School or similar, where English is the primary language of instruction. You must submit school transcripts and other documentation, such as a letter on school's letterhead, stating that English was the primary language of instruction.

Completed all years of study in a school in Singapore with grades of “C” or higher.
Completed all years of study in a school in Scandinavian countries and received grades of "VG" or "MVG" in English A and B.
Completed college-level English classes at a U.S. college or university with grades of “C” or higher. You must provide an official transcript to receive this waiver.
Received a degree from a college or university in the U.S., the U.K., Canada or Australia. You must provide an official transcript to receive this waiver.

Language Schools

Foothill College has relationshiops with various language schools such as ELS, Education First, Kaplan and others. Students who are interested in attending Foothill College but did not meet the English proficiency score can choose to attend one of our partner English language schools. Once the proper level is achieved, the student can transfer to Foothill College and receive full admission.

The list of partner language schools are below are can also be printed here

Students who attend a language school will receive a Conditional Letter of Admission.

Language School	Program Level
American Academy of English (AAE)	ESL for Academic English (EAP) or Advanced Level
EC English School	Upper Intermediate B2
Education First (EF) International Language Center	Level B2-3
ELS Language Center	Level 109
Embassy English	Advanced Level
Global Village English Centres	Level 6
Golden Gate Language School	Level 12
ILSC Education Group	Academic Preparation Level 14
Kaplan International	Advanced Level
Language Pacifica	Level 5
Mission College - Institute for International Studies	Level D Link Class
New York Film Academy - ESL School	Level 6
San Jose State University - International Gateways	Level 600
Stafford House	Level 5
USC International Academy	Level 4
UCLA American Language Center	Level 105