What are the most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests for U.S. master's programs, and which ones are accepted by most universities?

TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic are your safest bets, since virtually every US university accepting international graduate students recognises both. PTE Academic and the Duolingo English Test are gaining ground too, but you should always verify with your specific department before relying on either for a competitive program.

How the Main Tests Compare

Trends That Could Affect Your Score

• Your specific department, not just the university, has the final say, and can mandate a higher minimum or reject an alternative test outright.
• Many graduate schools do not accept superscoring, meaning your subscores must come from a single test sitting rather than your best sections across multiple dates.
• You can often skip the test entirely if your bachelor's degree was taught in English at a recognised institution, so check your waiver eligibility first.

My Advice

Default to TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic unless a specific program you are targeting explicitly welcomes PTE or Duolingo, since sticking with the universal option removes any risk of a last-minute rejection. Confirm the exact testing policy on your target department's admissions page before you register for any exam.