English Proficiency Requirements

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

YOUR PROGRAM MAY NOT ACCEPT ALL OF THESE.

University Minimum Requirement for Admission

YOUR PROGRAM MAY SET STRICTER REQUIREMENTS.

COVID-19 English Proficiency Testing Options for 2022 
     (including Duolingo English Test)

TOEFL Exam
  • 79 total score.
  • Writing subscore of 21
  • Reading subscore of 19
  • Submit scores from ONE test date. The University of Minnesota does not accept MyBest Scores.
  • Test date must be within 2 years of program start date.

To submit your TOEFL scores
Request an electronic score report using the institution codes below: TOEFL scores must be sent electronically from ETS to the University of Minnesota institution codes below:

Twin Cities and Rochester campus: 6874
Duluth campus: 6873

IELTS Exam
  • 6.5 total score
  • Writing subscore of 6.5
  • Reading subscore of 6.5
  • Test date within 2 years of program start date
     

To submit your IELTS Scores

Request that official electronic scores be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office by providing the exact information shown below to the test center:

Account Name:  University of Minnesota Twin Cities Graduate Admissions
Address:              309 Johnston Hall
Address:              101 Pleasant St SE
City:                      Minneapolis
State:                    MN
Zip code:              55455

PTE or Cambridge C1 Advanced Exams

Test scores are not required for applicants who have completed eligible post-secondary coursework in the following locations:

  • United States
  • Canada (except Quebec)
  • United Kingdom
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Australia
  • New Zealand

To qualify for an exemption, the coursework must:

  • Consists of least 16 semester credits or 24 quarter credits,
  • Does not include ESL coursework, and
  • Was completed within the past 2 years, and
  • You were living in one of the countries listed above while completing all of the credits.

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.