English Language Proficiency Test Information
International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. In addition, federal immigration regulations prohibit the University from issuing a visa document to any student who has not satisfied this requirement.
The chart below provides the University's minimum requirements for the different English language proficiency tests. However, your graduate program may have higher requirements and may not accept all items listed. Be sure to check your program's English proficiency requirements before you apply.
| Type of English proficiency evidence | University Minimum Requirement for Admission |
| TOEFL Exam The TOEFL iBT may be taken at the test center or at home. |
To submit your TOEFL scores Twin Cities and Rochester campus: 6874 |
| IELTS Exam The IELTS or IELTS Online tests are accepted. |
To submit your IELTS Scores Official IELTS scores can be sent electronically to the Graduate Admissions Office. When prompted, please select University of Minnesota Graduate Admissions All Campuses from the drop-down menu. Official IELTS scores for applicants to any campus can also be sent by physical mail to the Graduate Admissions Office. When prompted, please enter the following address: University of Minnesota Twin Cities Graduate Admissions |
| Duolingo | Minimum Scores for Admission
Refer to the Duolingo instructions for submitting your scores to the University of Minnesota. |
| PTE or Cambridge C1 Advanced Exams | Visit the central Graduate School Admissions Office's English Language Proficiency website for more information. |
| Secondary School Education | If you completed secondary school in the U.S. or in a country on this list,* then you satisfy the basic English language proficiency requirements. |
| Post-secondary Education | You satisfy the English proficiency requirement if you completed post-secondary coursework in the U.S. or a country on this list,* and the coursework:
|
Visit the central Graduate School Admissions Office's English Language Proficiency website for more information on English proficiency requirements and the tests noted above.
Additional Testing for Teaching Assistants
Please note that graduate teaching assistants must also meet a minimum English speaking proficiency requirement. Contact the Graduate Office with any questions.
Official English Proficiency Exam scores are required before visa documents can be issued, and before course enrollment.
Score reports uploaded to your application or emailed to our office are NOT official. Scores must be sent directly to the University of Minnesota from the appropriate test agency. Official scores will appear in your application AFTER you submit the application and pay the application fee. Please allow 4-6 weeks for scores to be matched to your application record. If you have already submitted an application and want to find out if we have received your official scores, log into your application and check your application status page.
Note: The information above is for applicants or current students in master's or doctoral programs only.
If you are a student seeking a bachelor's degree, please visit the undergraduate admissions website.