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English Proficiency International Students

Required for Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

U.S. citizens and permanent residents are not required to provide proof of English language proficiency, regardless of native language. Prior to acceptance, International Students must be able to demonstrate language proficiency. 

International students whose native language is English can demonstrate English proficiency by submitting proof of instruction in English at the secondary level or college/university where a degree has been awarded, or evidence of citizenship/residency from a country where the majority of the population are English speakers or English is the official recognized language.

International students whose native language is not English may provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting appropriate scores on designated tests as outlined below that are less than two years old.  Additionally, applicants who have taken the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O) or equivalent examinations and have received a passing grade with credit in English may not be required to present additional English competency examination results.

TOEFL ScoresMichigan EPTIELTSiTEPDuolingo
Paper based
550 or higher 62 or higher Score of 6.5 or higher Score of 3.6 or higher Score of 120 or higher
iBT 79 or higher

Note

Students with scores below those stated above will only be eligible for the English Language and American Culture (ESL) program.

Students with TOEFL scores lower than 550, MTELP lower than 86, or IELTS scores lower than 6.5 must take classes through the ESL program.

The University retains the right to re-test any students (even those indicated above) who experience academic difficulty related to language proficiency. If the scores indicate a need, such students will be placed in the appropriate English skills or ESL classes. For further information see “English Language and American Culture” in the academic section of this Bulletin.

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