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The Graduate College at Ohio University

English Proficiency

Application Requirements

Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English is essential to your success at Ohio University. Non-native speakers of English must submit official results of one of two standardized tests: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), as part of the application packet.

For more information on the TOEFL test, please click here. For more information on the IELTS test, please click here.
 
Exemptions

 

The following international students are exempt from submitting official test scores as part of an application packet:

  • Native speakers of English
  • Applicants who, within the past two years, have received a bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or a foreign college or university accredited by a Regional U.S. accrediting organization (where English is the language of instruction); or
  • Applicants who, within the past two years, have completed at least three years of full-time study at a governmentally-accredited institution of higher learning where English is the primary language of instruction.

Non-native speakers of English who fall into one of the exemptions will be tested for English proficiency upon arrival.  Individual academic programs may require any applicant (even those qualifying for an exemption) to demonstrate proficiency as part of an application or require on-campus English proficiency testing.



Minimum TOEFL/IELTS Scores


Score

TOEFL-Paper

TOEFL-CBT

TOEFL-iBT

IELTS-Academic

University Recommended Minimum

550(TWE*5)

213(TWE*5)

80

6.5 across all bands

Minimum for Conditional Graduate Admission; Admission on a case-by-case basis, may require additional English language study prior to full-time admission to degree program

500

173

61

5.5 across all bands


* Test of Written English for the Paper-based TOEFL and Computer-based TOEFL


Official scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to Ohio University. The Ohio University institution code for the TOEFL is 1593. English language proficiency scores older than two years are not accepted.

 
English Requirements for Teaching Assistants

If you will be responsible for classroom or laboratory instruction and your native language is not English, you must take the SPEAK test when you arrive on campus and receive a minimum score of 230 before you can begin you teaching or instructional duties.  For more information and SPEAKtest requirements, please visit the Ohio University Department of Linguistics Graduate Communication page.

Further English Language Study

Persons with a TOEFL below 61 or an IELTS below 5.5 may apply separately to the Ohio Program of Intensive English for additional English language study. Application for graduate admission can be made once language proficiency is demonstrated.

Once admitted, you can also take advantage of the English Language  Improvement (ELIP) program. Information on the courses is found here.

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Ohio University
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