English Proficiency Requirements
International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by taking one of the approved English proficiency tests listed below.
During each application period, students have the opportunity to take the TOEFL and IELTS tests multiple times. However, the English Language Admissions Test (ELAT) administered by BYUH can only be taken once per application period. The registration for the ELAT is two months before the completed application deadline (see the ELAT and application schedules). Keep in mind that the scores for the TOEFL and IELTS tests are valid for two years, while the ELAT test score is only valid for one year after the test.
Based on the English test results, students may be required to complete the EIL program at BYU–Hawaii, which may take one to three semesters.
English Proficiency Test Options
English Language Admission Test (ELAT)
The ELAT is a free, online English test exclusively for BYU–Hawaii applicants.
BYU–Hawaii requires a minimum score in each English language skill area to pass the ELAT: a reading score of 10 or more, a listening score of 11 or more, a writing score of 3.5 or more, and a speaking score of 3 or more.
To register for the ELAT, simply complete the ELAT option in the profile section of the BYU–Hawaii application.
Register and Prepare for the ELAT
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
BYU–Hawaii requires a minimum composite score of 66 on the IBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 17 on reading and writing and 16 on listening and speaking.
BYU–Hawaii does NOT accept the TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) or ITP (Institutional TOEFL). To find out the dates, locations, and cost of TOEFL tests, contact TOEFL.
More About TOEFL
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
BYU–Hawaii requires a minimum score of 6.0 with a minimum sub-score of 5.5 or higher. To find out the dates, locations, and cost of IELTS tests, contact IELTS.
More About IELTS
Tests Not Accepted by BYU–Hawaii
As of winter 2024, BYU–Hawaii will no longer accept the Michigan, SLEP, EIKEN, and PTE test scores.
EnglishConnect 3
EnglishConnect 3 (EC3) is not an approved English proficiency test for admission to BYU–Hawaii; however, it is highly recommended that applicants enroll in EC3 to prepare for the ELAT.
EnglishConnect 3 students who receive their certificate of completion and achieve a level 4 in reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary, as well as a level 3 in listening and speaking, are prepared to take the ELAT.
To join EnglishConnect, go to englishconnect.org.
Read more about the BYU–Hawaii BYU-Pathway Worldwide partnership.
Submit Test Scores
Test scores must be received two to three days before the application deadline of the desired semester.
Official test scores may be sent electronically in one of two ways:
- Directly from the testing service.
- By the applicant via email to admissions@byuh.edu if they are in PDF format and cited (see below) by an ecclesiastical leader (branch president, bishop, stake president) who is not a family member. Test scores may be sent by a self-reliance manager or missionary as long as they are sent and cited by the manager or missionary who administered the test.
Cite Test Scores
The official test score needs to be taken to the ecclesiastical leader.
The leader needs to include the following:
- Leader's printed name, title (branch president, bishop, etc.), and the date.
- The following words: "Official test score has been cited."
The leader then signs the document underneath the above information.
The student can then email a PDF version of the document to admissions@byuh.edu.