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English Language Ability for Admission to the Graduate School

A satisfactory command of the English language is required for admission to the University of Washington Graduate School.   Applicants who are not citizens of the United States on the date of admission, must meet one of the English language ability tests and conditions:

§         Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. The TOEFL is currently offered in the following formats: written paper-based, computerized (TOEFLC), and internet-based (TOEFLiBT). Official test scores must be sent by ETS and received by the University of Washington within 2 years of the test date. Please note that not all test formats are available in all countries.

§         Michigan Language Test (MLT) examination. The institutional version of the MLT may be taken at the University of Washington. Official MLT test scores are valid for 2 years from the test date.

§         International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. The IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The official IELTS Test Report Form-(TRF) must be received by the University of Washington within 2 years of the test date.

The most recent English Language ability test score is used for admission. Test scores most be valid on the date the application is submitted. If an application is deferred to a later quarter, the applicant must provide updated proof of English language ability if the current score will expire before the new admission quarter begins. 

No waivers of the English language ability requirement will be given.

The following are exempt from proof of English language proficiency:

§         Applicants who are citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand or the United Kingdom.

§         Non United States citizens who have received a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited U.S. institution within the U.S. or from an accredited institution in countries listed above.

§         For exemption from the English as a Second Language (ESL) requirement, a minimum score of the following is required:

      580 (TOEFL)        237 (TOEFLC)              70 (TOEFLiBT)*               90 (MLT)              7.0 (IELTS)

     *PLEASE NOTE:  The score 70 on the TOEFLiBT includes only the total of the listening, writing and reading section of the test.  The speaking section is not included.

§         Students admitted with scores as indicated below must take the University of Washington Academic English Program Diagnostic Examination (AEP) to determine ESL course placement upon matriculation.

      500-579 (TOEFL)        173-236 (TOEFLC)            45-69 (TOEFLiBT)** 80-90 (MLT)                6.0-6.9 (IELTS)

      Students who become U.S. citizens after matriculation are not excused from their original ESL requirement. Matriculated students may exempt themselves from some or all of these course requirements by retaking the TOEFL, TOEFLC, TOEFLiBT, MLT, IELTS, or the diagnostic test administered at the University of Washington and achieving a passing score.  This requirement must be met before a degree will be conferred.

     **PLEASE NOTE:  The total range of 45-69 on the TOEFLiBT includes only the total of the listening, writing and reading section of the test.  The speaking section is not included.

§         In rare cases, an applicant who scores below the minimum may be admitted upon the recommendation of the department.  Such a petition must state that the applicant has demonstrated extraordinary academic merit by prior performance and that language deficiencies would not prevent full participation in a graduate program.  Such students must fulfill ESL requirements as determined by the University of Washington administered diagnostic test (AEP).

           International graduate students who wish to be appointed as teaching
           assistants (TAs) must meet the conditions for appointment specified in
           Graduate School Memorandum #15, “Conditions of Appointment for
           TAs who are not U.S. Citizens.”