English proficiency for international graduate students
You must meet one of the following English language proficiency requirements.
The general university English proficiency requirements are listed below. Please note that some programs may have higher requirements, or may not accept certain types of tests. Be sure to check the specific requirements on the webpage of the program to which you are applying.
Pass the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE, or Duolingo English test
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Score of at least 80 on the TOEFL iBT® taken in a testing center. ASU does not accept TOEFL iBT® Home Edition, TOEFL iBT® Paper Edition or TOEFL Essentials Exams. ASU’s institutional code is 4007. ASU accepts only electronic copies of the TOEFL score report.
Learn more about TOEFL.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
ASU accepts IELTS Academic, IELTS Online, IELTS UKVI and IELTS Indicator exams.
Overall band score on the academic test of at least 6.5. The general training exam is not accepted. No institutional code is needed.
Learn more about IELTS.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Score of at least 60.
ASU does not accept the PTE Academic Online exam.
Learn more about PTE.
Duolingo English test
Graduate minimum score of 105.
Learn more about the Duolingo test.
The exam may be taken from any computer that has a camera, audio and reliable internet connection. The exam portion of the Duolingo English test contains a series of speaking, reading, writing and listening exercises. Following the exam there will be an interview portion that will ask you to respond to various prompts in 30 to 90 seconds. The exam will take about 45 minutes to complete, and you will need either a passport, driver license, or national or state ID to show the camera. The score results are generally received within a few days of exam completion.
Should you choose to take the Duolingo English test, the access information is below.
Information on preparing for the exam | Take the exam or practice exam
A verification email will be sent to you a few days after completing the exam containing a link to send your score to ASU.
For additional information, please review the frequently asked questions.
The IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo exam must be taken no more than two years prior to the student’s start date at ASU. Applicants with scores more than two years old (or that will be more than two years old by the student's ASU start date) may be required to submit updated test scores or demonstrate English proficiency through one of the other listed options.
Global Launch
Select graduate schools accept completion of the Global Launch Online or Campus Immersion English Language program or the English for Graduate Admission and Achievement online self-paced course to demonstrate English proficiency. Visit the Global Launch website for a full list of participating colleges and programs.
English Proficiency Exemptions
Important: Admission Services cannot review your request for an English proficiency exemption until after you have applied to ASU.
- If you qualify for an automatic exemption, no action is required.
- If your exemption requires a form, follow the instructions below.
- Please allow up to 72 hours after submitting your application before submitting a request.
Automatic Exemptions (No Action Required)
You do not need to submit a request if you are:
- A U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
- A citizen of a country or territory on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List
If you qualify for an automatic exemption, no further action is needed.
Exemptions That Require a Form
If you meet one of the following criteria, you must submit the form to request an exemption:
Medium of Instruction Form
| Scenario | Details | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Degree from an International Institution Where English is the Sole Medium of Instruction | Earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution where English was the only language of instruction. |
AND include: A letter on official letterhead from the institution confirming English as the sole language of instruction OR a link to the institution’s official website verifying the language of instruction |
Other Exemption Form
| Scenario | Details | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Degree from a U.S. Institution | Earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. | Submit |
| Future ASU Degree Completion | Listed a future conferral date for an ASU bachelor’s degree and will complete it before starting your graduate program. | Submit |
| Degree from an International Institution on ASU’s Approved Country List | Earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution recognized by its country, and the country is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List. | Submit |
| Graduate Coursework in the U.S. or Approved International Institution | Completed at least nine semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher at: A regionally accredited U.S. college or university OR an international institution recognized by its country and listed on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List | Submit |
| Undergraduate Coursework in the U.S. | Completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. | Submit |
| Four Years of U.S. High School Education | Completed four years of high school in the U.S. with four years of English courses. | Submit |