English Language Proficiency Requirements

The language of instruction at Ohio University is English. Your ability to read, write, understand, and converse in English at an advanced level is essential to your academic success.

You can demonstrate proficiency in one of the following ways:

Native English Speakers

Ohio University graduate admissions recognizes English as the primary language of these countries:

Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom (Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales)

Note: this list is fixed for the current academic year.

Citizens of these countries who have met either of the following conditions at the time of enrollment in an Ohio University graduate program are considered native English speakers:

  • Within the past five years have earned a bachelor’s, master’s (two-year minimum), and/or doctoral degree from a regionally-accredited institution located in the United States, or
  • Within the past five years have earned the international equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s and/or master’s degree from an accredited institution located in a country where English is an official language and the language of instruction at the institution.

Educational Background in English, Non-native English speakers

  • Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s (two-year minimum), and/or doctoral degree from a regionally-accredited institution located in the United States within the past two years.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident, Non-native English speakers

Non-native English speakers who are US Citizens or Permanent Residents can demonstrate proficiency if either condition is met at the time of enrollment in an Ohio University graduate program:

  • Within the past two years have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and/or doctoral degree from a regionally-accredited accredited institution in the United States or a foreign college or university accredited by a Regional U.S. accrediting organization where English was the language of instruction,

AND/OR

  • Have significant and recent work experience in an English-language environment. If this applies to you, submit a resume with your application that lists your employment record and includes the location and dates of employment.

Submission of Official TOEFL or IELTS test scores

  • If English is not your native language and you are submitting test scores, Ohio University accepts either the TOEFL (The TOEFL Tests (ets.org)) or the IELTS (IELTS Home of the IELTS English Language Test).
  • Please register for the test using your legal name as stated on your passport and use the month/day/year format for birthdate (e.g. 02/26/1995).
  • Ohio University must receive scores directly from the testing agency. The Ohio University institutional code for the TOEFL is 1593.
  • Official scores must be received by the application deadline for the program.
  • Scores are valid for two years from the test date.
  • Ohio University does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores or photocopies of any test score.
Minimum test scores for admission (all students)
  • iBT TOEFL: 70 composite, 17 writing, 15 all other sections
  • IELTS Academic: 6.0 composite and across all bands
  • Paper TOEFL: 525 composite, 4 composition, 50 all other sections 50
Minimum test scores for admission with funding eligibility (full-time, on campus students only)

  • iBT TOEFL: 80 composite, 17 all sections
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 composite and across all bands
  • Paper TOEFL: 550 composite, 5 composition, 52 all other sections
Specific test score requirements to qualify for a Teaching Assistant appointment without additional testing
  • iBT TOEFL: 80 composite, 24 Speaking, 17 all other sections
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5 composite, 7.0 speaking, 6.5 all other bands

Individual programs retain the option to require an official English Proficiency test score as part of an application. The full English proficiency policy is in the Application and Admission section of the Graduate Catalog.