English Language Proficiency

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:

1. the coursework consisted of  least 16 semester credits, or 24 quarter credits, and
2. ESL coursework was not part of the qualifying number of credits, and
3. the coursework was completed within the past 2 years, and
4. the coursework was completed while living in the U.S. or in a country on this list*

* Not all countries where English is an official language or is widely spoken are included on the English proficiency exemption list. The English Language Requirement is set by a University-wide ESL Policy committee which includes representatives from: Undergraduate Admissions Office, Graduate Admissions Office, Minnesota English Language Program (MELP), International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), and the UMD Graduate School.

To support applicants unable to take in-person tests during the COVID-19 pandemic, the testing options described below are available (depending on your region) for spring, summer, and fall 2023. However, it is at the discretion of your individual graduate program of interest to decide which of these tests are allowed.

For the TOEFL and IELTS options, please note that the score and test date requirements are the same as those listed for the in-person tests on this page, unless your graduate program of interest has additional English proficiency requirements. 

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition 

• The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is available in most countries except Iran. 
• Admitted applicants will not need additional assessment testing during orientation. 

IELTS  Indicator

• The IELTS Indicator is available in approximately 50 countries. 
• Admitted applicants will need additional assessment testing during orientation. 

Duolingo English Test (DET)

• The Duolingo English Test will be accepted with the score and test date requirements listed below, unless a higher score is required by your graduate program of interest. Please visit the Duolingo preparing for the exam, scheduling the exam, and FAQs sites for more information. 

 Minimum Scores for Admission

• Overall Score: 120 or above
• Literacy Subscore: 120 or above

Test date requirement: 

Your exam date should be within two years of your graduate program start date.

Please note that the exam date should be within two years of graduate program start date. 

Minimum Scores for Admission

• Total Score: 79
• Writing Subscore: 21
• Reading Subscore: 19

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements. It is your responsibility to know your program's English proficiency requirements before you apply, as some programs may require higher scores.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities does not consider MyBest Scores: Sum of Highest Section Scores of the TOEFL iBT Score Report to meet the minimum total score requirement for admission. Applicants should self-report their highest Total Score from the one test date in the Application for Admission. Applicants should also submit the official TOEFL iBT scores via ETS.

How Do I Submit My TOEFL Score? 

Official TOEFL scores must be sent electronically from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the University of Minnesota.

• The ETS institution code for the Twin Cities and Rochester campuses is 6874.
• The ETS institution code for the Duluth campus is 6873.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for scores to be sent and matched to your application. If you have already submitted an application, check your application status to find out if we have received your official TOEFL scores. 

VISIT THE TOEFL SITE

Please note that the exam date should be within two years of graduate program start date. 

Minimum Scores for Admission

• Total Score: 6.5
• Writing Subscore: 6.5
• Reading Subscore: 6.5

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements. It is your responsibility to know your program's English proficiency requirements before you apply, as some programs may require higher scores.

How Do I Submit My IELTS Score? 

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 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
309 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

VISIT THE IELTS SITE

Please note that the exam date should be within two years of graduate program start date. 

Minimum Scores for Admission

• Total Score: 59
• Writing Subscrore: 59
• Reading Subscore: 59

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements. It is your responsibility to know your program's English proficiency requirements before you apply, as some programs may require higher scores.

How Do I Submit My PTE Score?

Request official score reports from the appropriate testing center using the following mailing address:

Graduate School Admissions Office
University of Minnesota
309 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant Street SE
Minneapolis, MN  55455

VISIT THE PTE ACADEMIC SITE

Please note that the exam date should be within two years of graduate program start date. 

Minimum Scores for Admission

• Total Score: 180
• Writing Subscore: 180
• Reading Subscore: 180

Please note that these scores are the minimum University requirements. It is your responsibility to know your program's English proficiency requirements before you apply, as some programs may require higher scores.

How Do I Submit My Cambridge C1 Advanced Score?

Request official score reports from the appropriate testing center using the following mailing address:

Graduate School Admissions Office
University of Minnesota
309 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant Street SE
Minneapolis, MN  55455

VISIT THE CAMBRIDGE C1 ADVANCED SITE