Proof of English Proficiency at USJ
Applicants to Bachelor programmes:
Applicants to Bachelor programmes at USJ whose first language is English are exempted from demonstrating English language ability and are transferred to either Mandarin (Putonghua) or Portuguese language classes.
All non-first language English speaker Bachelor programme applicants entering USJ are required to have demonstrated their English ability. Either by holding a recognised English exam result (IELTS, ToEFL iBT or Duolingo, taken within 2 years) or taking the CEFR English placement test at USJ. Applicants who meet the requirements for English exemption are transferred to either Mandarin (Putonghua) or Portuguese language classes.
Applicants to Bachelor programmes:
| ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS | Language Placement | |||
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | Duolingo | CEFR USJ Test | |
| 6.0 – 9.0 | 70 – 120 | 105 – 160 | C1 | Learn Mandarin or Portuguese |
| 5.5 | 65 – 69 | 91 -104 | B2 | Learn English for minimum 1 year and then learn Mandarin or Portuguese |
| 0.0 – 5.0 | 0 – 58 | 10 – 90 | A1 – B1 | Learn English for 3 years |
Applicants to Masters and Doctoral programmes
Applicants to Masters or Doctoral programmes at USJ whose first language is English or applicants that have completed a degree where the teaching medium is English, are not required to demonstrate English language ability.
All Masters and Doctoral non-first language English speaker applicants to USJ are required to have demonstrated their English ability. Either by submitting evidence of English proficiency from one of the three recognised English exams (IELTS, ToEFL iBT or Duolingo, taken within 2 years) or by signing up, completing and submitting the Duolingo English test.


