English proficiency requirements
English is the language of instruction for all classes at SCAD. Students are required to demonstrate their current level of proficiency to receive an English as a Second Language (ESL) waiver or take a placement test administered by the SCAD Language Studio (SLS) during international orientation.

ESL waiver
ESL courses may be waived upon successful performance on the ESL proficiency test or if one of the following conditions is met and supporting documentation is provided:

The student's native language is English.
The student has Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum scores (SCAD does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores) of 85 on the internet-based test, with a minimum score of 20 on each section.
The student has an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) composite score of at least 6.5, with a score of at least 6.5 in both reading and writing.
The student has a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score of at least 550 on the reading portion, or an ACT score of at least 22 on both the reading and writing sections.
The student has transcripts that show extensive study (attended all high school years) at an institution in which English is the primary language of instruction.
The graduate student has earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university where English is the official language of instruction. Documentation of the official language of instruction is required (and requires approval from SCAD or additional proof of proficiency will be required).
A transferring student has completed at least one year of potential transferable credits in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, earning an average GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in significant academic coursework. Final decisions are considered at the discretion of the SCAD review committee.
The student has a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) verbal section score of at least 153.
The student has completed SCAD Language Studio (SLS) coursework less than two years before starting their degree program.
Students who meet the minimum required composite score but who do not meet the minimum section scores are evaluated on a case-by-case basis for possible exemption. No exceptions are made if the minimum composite score is not met. All decisions are final.

Any student who has provided an ESL waiver or exemption and fails any single course due to language deficiencies (as determined by the director of the SCAD Language Studio and the academic department chair) will be required to take SLS English language placement test. Results of the English language placement test will be used to determine what level or levels of ESL instruction, if any, are required.

ESL placement test
Otherwise-qualified applicants who do not meet the minimum scores for an ESL waiver may be considered for admission to SCAD. These students must take a placement test administered by the SCAD Language Studio, regardless of other test scores.

The SLS Placement Test assesses student skills and determines the necessity of ESL classes and placement into the appropriate level of ESL upon enrollment. The two-hour test consists of listening, structure, reading, vocabulary, and writing questions. Additionally, there is an interview with each student to determine proficiency.