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Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose language of instruction is not English must demonstrate sufficient preparation in the English language.

Standardized test scores, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Cambridge and Trinity Exams are useful in assessing a student’s language capability.

Minimum scores required for admission to John Cabot University may be found in the table below. John Cabot University offers an internal English Language Placement Test which may be taken by students in place of any of the exams listed below.

Students whose English Language Test scores are below the minimum required for admissions, may consider enrolling in the University’s English language preparatory program: English Language for University Studies (ENLUS). Questions regarding the University’s English language requirement may be addressed to admissions@johncabot.edu.

 English Language Tests

 Minimum Score for JCU Admission

 Placement into Enlus II

 Placement into Enlus I

  Paper 563 or higher 483-562 433-482
TOEFL Computer-based 223 or higher 160-222 120-159
  Internet-based 85 or higher 56-84 40-55
IELTS   6.5 or higher 5.5-6.4 4.0-5.4
Cambridge   CPE Proficiency CAE FCE
Trinity   Grade 11& 12 Grade 9 & 10 ISE III Grade 7 & 8 ISE II
Council of Europe   Masterly C2 Independent User C1 Vantage B2
ALTE   Level 5 Proficiency Level 4 Advanced Level 3 Upper Intermediate
 Approved by the Chair of the Department of English and the Office of the Dean May 12, 2011

The University operates on a rolling admissions basis and considers each application as soon as all necessary materials are received. Candidates are urged to submit their application and supporting documents early to guarantee a place at the University and to allow sufficient time for passport and visa processing.

Please use the chart below to determine which documents you need to submit according to your student category:

Freshman Transfer Study Abroad Student
Application (including App. Fee, personal statement, privacy statement) Application (including App. Fee, personal statement, privacy statement) Application (including App. Fee, personal statement, privacy statement)
Official Transcripts/Diploma Official Transcripts Official Transcripts
Letters of Recommendation Letters of Recommendation n/a
Standardized Test Results Standardized Test Results n/a
English Proficiency if not native English speaker English Proficiency if not native English speaker English Proficiency if not native English speaker

Completed applications are processed within two weeks of the time they are received and the applicant is notified via email and regular mail of the Admissions Committee’s decision. Applications will not be considered until all supporting materials have been received.

If the English proficiency of any applicant is in question, the Admissions Committee will request additional information or documentation. Students who otherwise meet the entrance requirements of the University but who lack sufficient preparation in written and spoken English may be eligible to enter the University’s ENLUS Program, an intensive English language course which prepares students for study at the university level.

Upon acceptance to the University, new students will be required to submit a non-refundable Tuition Deposit of $500/€500 to confirm their intention to attend the University. This deposit will be deducted from the final tuition payment.

Application materials may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office admissions@johncabot.edu.

Click here to apply online.

Candidates are responsible for ensuring that the completed application and all supporting materials reach the University in time (preferably two months before the start of the term) for the Admissions Committee to review the application and make a final decision. Non-European applicants should allow sufficient time for the processing of their student visas by the Italian consulate in their area of residence.

ENLUS (English Language for University Studies)

An intensive English language course is offered for those students who intend to pursue an undergraduate degree program but lack the necessary proficiency in English. The ENLUS Program is specifically designed for academically qualified students to raise their language skills to university level. An introduction to the American higher education system and orientation to American culture are also provided.

For more information, please click here.