English Proficiency 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. Please see the Graduate Catalog* for full details.

Official scores must be reported directly from the testing agency to Ohio University.

  • The Ohio University institution code for reporting the TOEFL is 1593.
  • The E-Delivery Account for the IELTS is "Ohio University."

English language proficiency scores older than two years are not accepted.

Minimum TOEFL/IELTS Scores

Unconditional Admission with Eligibility for Funding

  • iBT – 80 Composite, all Section Scores of 17
  • TOEFL paper-delivered – 550 Composite, Writing 5, all other Section Scores of 52
  • IELTS – 6.5 Composite, all Bands 6.5

Unconditional Admission without Funding Eligibility*

  • iBT – 70 Composite, Writing 17, all other Section Scores of 15
  • TOEFL paper-delivered – 525 Composite, Writing 4, all other Section Scores of 50
  • IELTS – 6.0 Composite, all Bands 6.0

NOTE: The Graduate College does not currently take into consideration the TOEFL “MyBest” scores (superscores).

For more details on scores and admission, funding and teaching eligibility, please view these English Proficiency Guidelines [PDF]. 

* Admitted students may gain funding eligibility by enrolling in and successfully completing one or two recommended Ohio Program of Intensive English courses.

International students who are admitted with English language conditions will be issued an I-20 for English language study.

Some programs may have English Proficiency Requirements above the university minimum for unconditional admission and/or to receive departmental funding. Please see the admission requirements on the Degree Programs page for more details.

Admission is on a case-by-case basis. English Proficiency test scores are one component of the application and do not guarantee admission.

English Requirements for Teaching Assistants

To be offered a teaching assistantship and serve as a teaching assistant, you must meet additional English language proficiency requirements, which are as follows:

  • iBT – 80 Composite, Speaking score of 24
  • IELTS – 6.5 Composite, Speaking score of 7.0

Please note, if your English language proficiency scores do not meet the minimum requirements, or if your academic department requested an English waiver on your behalf, then you will be required to take the Versant English Test (VET) prior to assuming teaching assistantship duties. This test can be arranged by contacting the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) by emailing Dr. Gerry Krzic at krzic@ohio.edu.

English Language Study before Graduate Study

Non-native speakers of English who do not have sufficient test scores and are not exempted from having to submit a score with their application may apply for English Provisional admission. English Provisional admission is a combination of admission to the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) and future admission to a graduate degree-seeking program.

If you are admitted as English Provisional, you will enroll in English language courses through the Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) upon your arrival at Ohio University. You will have up to two years to achieve an English proficiency score of at least 525 TOEFL (or as specified by the graduate degree program). Students admitted under English Provisional status are not eligible to register for graduate courses or apply for any type of graduate appointment (such as a tuition waiver and/or stipend) until full admission status has been achieved.

To apply for English Provisional admission, indicate English Provisional Admission on your application in the Testing section, and submit all application materials except the TOEFL as outlined in the application instructions.