Admissions & Scholarships
Study in the US Without IELTS: Routes That Work at A-State
A lot of students search for ways to study in the US without IELTS - maybe test dates don't line up, prep costs add up, or there simply wasn't time to sit for it before an application deadline. At A-State, IELTS is not the only way to prove English proficiency. The university accepts a few alternative paths, and each one fits a different kind of applicant. Here is a rundown of the valid options, with exact score thresholds, so you can figure out which one fits you.
"No IELTS required" does not mean "no English required"
This is where a lot of people get confused. Every application to A-State still has to demonstrate English proficiency somehow - the difference is only in the method you use, not whether proof is needed at all. If you don't have IELTS, TOEFL, or any of the scores below, there is still a path through the university's own English program (ELA), covered further down.
Three IELTS alternatives A-State accepts
1. Duolingo English Test
This is an at-home, computer-based English test with results back within days, usually cheaper and faster to schedule than IELTS or TOEFL. A-State's threshold is 110 for undergraduate applicants and 120 for graduate applicants. It's a solid option if you need a quick turnaround, don't have an IELTS test center nearby, or want to save on testing costs.
2. SAT or ACT scores (undergraduate only)
If you've already taken the SAT or ACT for academic admission purposes, you may be able to use that same score in place of a separate English proficiency test - as long as you hit an SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 550 or an ACT score of 21. This route saves you from sitting a second, separate English exam. Note this path doesn't apply at the graduate level.
3. The English Language Academy (ELA)
If you don't yet have any of the scores above, or your English still needs more time to develop, A-State's ELA program is the most reliable route. It has six proficiency levels, an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and is accredited by CEA (through December 2027). Once you complete the top level, you don't need to submit TOEFL or IELTS for your regular admission file. A full semester of ELA costs an estimated $6,522 (roughly $4,400 tuition, $575 fees, $1,547 other costs). For scheduling details, reach out to ELA@AState.edu.
| Alternative route | Undergraduate threshold | Graduate threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo English Test | 110 | 120 | At-home test, fast results, often lower cost |
| SAT / ACT | EBRW ≥ 550 or ACT ≥ 21 | Not applicable | Reuses scores already submitted for academic admission |
| ELA program | Complete Level 6 | Complete Level 6 | Six levels, 11:1 ratio, CEA-accredited through Dec. 2027, ≈ $6,522/semester |
Beyond these alternatives, IELTS (5.5 undergraduate, 6.0 graduate) and TOEFL (61 undergraduate, 79 graduate) remain valid options if you already have scores or prefer to test.
So which route should you pick?
Illustrative example: say you already took the SAT for academic admission and scored 570 on EBRW - you wouldn't need to sit a separate English test at all; that score already clears the threshold. If you're comfortable with computer-based testing and want a fast, budget-friendly result, Duolingo is a reasonable choice. And if you don't have any scores yet, or your English needs more runway before jumping into regular coursework, ELA offers the clearest, most structured path forward. Try the admission checker tool or the pathway advisor tool to see exactly what your file is missing.
Deadlines to keep in mind
Applications are currently open for Spring 2027 (deadline November 1, 2026) and Summer 2027 (deadline March 2, 2027). The Fall 2027 deadline has not been officially published as of this writing; confirm with the Vietnam Office once it's announced. Whichever English-proficiency route you choose, start early - the process from application to I-20, visa, and travel takes time. See the admissions timeline and deadlines page for the full sequence. Costs, deadlines, and requirements can change year to year, so always double-check the latest figures before you commit.
Talk to International Admissions
Not sure if your Duolingo score, SAT/ACT result, or overall profile clears the bar - or whether ELA makes more sense for you? Don't guess. A-State's Vietnam Office (operated by VNIS Vietnam Co., Ltd) offers free guidance by email at study@astate.edu.vn or hotline 097 586 1994. Learn more about the English program on the ELA page, or leave your details on the contact page and someone will follow up based on your specific situation.
