California State University Has Proposed TOEFL Changes
The CSU Board of Trustees is considering a policy to replace the mandatory English proficiency exam.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in College Applications
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The California State University system has proposed replacing the current TOEFL requirement with a broader array of English proficiency assessments. Officials aim to modernize admissions standards and mitigate barriers associated with test costs and accessibility.
Why it matters
CSU leadership describes the existing mandate as outdated and inconsistent with contemporary assessment methods. The change seeks to reduce the financial and logistical burdens placed on international applicants.
The CSU currently mandates minimum TOEFL scores of 500 for paper-based exams or 61 for internet versions. Registration fees for the ETS-administered test range from $170 to $475 globally.
The players
California State University
It is the largest public four-year university system in the United States.
ETS
This private non-profit organization is responsible for the development and administration of the TOEFL exam.
The details
The proposal aims to replace a rigid, single-test requirement with multiple proficiency measures, potentially easing the path for prospective students. While the system currently requires the TOEFL, individual campuses may still maintain the authority to set higher minimum standards based on local needs.
Timeline
The Vice Chancellor proposed the admissions policy amendment on Tuesday.
The Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the proposal in November.
The University of California removed its SAT/ACT requirement in 2020.
The University of California expects to decide on standardized testing status by June.
Culture Shift
This proposal follows a pattern set by the 2020 University of California removal of the SAT/ACT requirement by moving away from rigid, single-test mandates. It reflects a broader trend among major institutions to reconsider the necessity of standardized testing in admissions.
International students applying to the CSU system may soon find more flexibility in how they demonstrate their English language proficiency. This could lead to lower application costs and fewer logistical hurdles for prospective applicants who currently struggle with the TOEFL fee structure.
The takeaway
The proposed policy shift highlights the ongoing debate over the reliance on standardized exams in university admissions. Prospective students should monitor official university communications for updates on which alternative English proficiency metrics will be accepted for future application cycles.
What happens next
The 25-member Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the proposed admissions policy amendment during their meeting in November.
Further reading
For more context on academic entrance requirements in the region, visit the College Applications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Sacramento Bee.
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