English Language Proficiency Requirements

The language of instruction at Ohio University is English. Therefore, proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English at an advanced academic level is essential to academic success. Applicants for whom English is not a native language are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency in one of the following ways:

1. Submitting official results of one of two standardized tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). 

Minimum test scores for unconditional admission as a graduate student (some departments require higher scores):

Unconditional admission (without funding eligibility):

iBT: ≥70 Composite, Writing ≥17, all other section scores ≥15 
IELTS: 6.0 Composite, 6.0 all Bands 
Paper TOEFL: 525-549 Total, Composition ≥4, all other section scores ≥50

Unconditional admission (with funding eligibility):

iBT: ≥80 Composite, all section scores ≥17 
IELTS: ≥6.5 Composite, ≥6.5 all Bands 
Paper TOEFL: ≥550 Total, Composition ≥5, all other section scores ≥52

Students admitted without funding eligibility may gain eligibility by enrolling in and successfully completing recommended English language courses and/or completing additional testing.

Official scores must be reported from the testing agency directly to Ohio University. TOEFL iBT scores are sent electronically to Ohio University (institution code: 1593). IELTS test scores are sent as an official document from the IELTS testing center to the Graduate College. Students should register for the test using their legal name as stated on their passport and use the month/day/year format for birthdate (e.g., 02/26/1995). Test scores are valid for two years.

Applicants who wish to be considered for University funding (e.g. graduate assistantships/scholarships) must submit official test scores and qualify for unconditional admission before a funding offer can be made. Applicants who wish to be considered for teaching appointments are advised to submit TOEFL iBT scores with the speaking test component.

2. Are from a country where English is the official and the majority-used language* and

a) Upon enrollment at Ohio University, will 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 five years;

or

b) Upon enrollment at Ohio University, will have earned the international equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s and/or master’s degree from an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction and that is located in a country where English is an official language, within the past five years. 

3. Are NOT from a country where English is the official and the majority-used language; and 

a) Upon enrollment at Ohio University, will 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.

b) Are participating in an Ohio University exchange program and have met university requirements through alternate means as approved by Graduate Council.

4. Are a US Citizens or Permanent Resident and do not fall into one of the above categories but meet one or both of the following criteria:

a) 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), and/or

b) Who have significant and recent work experience in an English-language environment.

Note: Academic departments may establish higher English proficiency criteria. Individual programs retain the option to require an official English Proficiency test score as part of an application.

*Countries meeting the Ohio University criteria for English as the official and majority-used language: 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, and United Kingdom (to include Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales).