As instruction at the American University of Kuwait is in English, evidence of English competency is required of all undergraduate applicants. AUK therefore requires scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants. This proficiency is demonstrated by the following minimum scores:

1. 68 on the internet-based TOEFL
2. 190 on the computer-based Test TOEFL
3. 520 on the paper-based TOEFL

TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years. Undergraduate applicants may be eligible for exemption from the TOEFL prerequisite if they have fulfilled one of the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework with a minimum grade of "C" from an accredited post-secondary institution where English is the language of instruction
2. Verbal score of 450 or above on the SAT I
3. Successful completion of Pre-University Intensive English Program at the American University of Kuwait
4. Overall Band score of 5.5 or above on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).