WashU is responsible for confirming that visitors and students possess the necessary level of English language proficiency to succeed in their respective course of study and/or program. WashU requirements apply to non-immigrants who seek to study, work, or engage in research in the U.S., which includes, but is not limited to, individuals holding F or J immigration status.
In addition, federal regulations require that F-1 and J-1 international student applicants and prospective J-1 scholars demonstrate proficiency in the English language before an immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019) can be issued. The academic department admitting or hosting the student or scholar must inform the Office for International Students and Scholars that the applicant has met the minimum English language proficiency standards.
Important Note: minimum scores
Some schools and programs may have higher minimum scores than the WashU minimum requirements based on the level of English proficiency needed for their respective program. All international student applicants and J-1 EVs should consult with the school or program to which they are applying to confirm the required minimum test scores.
Admitted international students may be required by their academic program or school to complete English placement assessments and/or courses or programming for English communication support as recommended by the English language support contact for their school.
Degree-seeking applicants
Official test scores must be received by WashU directly from the test administration agency. Scores must be less than two years old at the time of application deadline or submission of application. Admitted students who defer enrollment must submit new scores if their previously submitted scores have expired. WashU accepted tests and minimum score requirements:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT – 90 minimum composite score
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – 6.5 minimum composite score
- GATEWAY English Test – 495 minimum overall score
Exchange program visitors
Prospective participants in a J-1 program (Research Scholar, Professor, Short-term Scholar, Student Intern, Non-degree Student) also referred to as Exchange Visitors (EVs) may satisfy WashU English language proficiency requirements through one of the following methods:
| J-1 scholars only (Research Scholar, Professor, Short-term Scholars, Student Intern) | J-1 exchange students only (enrolled Non-degree Student) |
| Test scores meeting minimum set forth in Degree-seeking applicants section above | Test scores meeting minimum set forth in Degree-seeking applicants section above |
| Specific Cambridge tests – 180 minimum score: Proficiency (CPE) Advanced (CAE) First (FCE) | Specific Cambridge tests – 180 minimum score: Proficiency (CPE) Advanced (CAE) First (FCE) |
| English3 Interview – 3 minimum score | Partner university confirmation that student passed an English proficiency test in alignment with WashU’s English proficiency requirements |
| Passing J-1 English Proficiency Assessment (PDF) form, completed by the WashU host department (option only available if unable to provide a test score as listed) |
Exemptions
The English language proficiency test requirement is waived for applicants who have:
- Citizenship from or completed two plus years of study (before the applicant’s matriculation term) within the last five years at an English-medium institution in one of the following countries: Australia, Cameroon, Canada, Commonwealth Caribbean nations, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia, or Zimbabwe
- Earned a bachelor’s degree* or equivalent from a non-United States institution in a country where the official language is English based on the CIA World Factbook
- Two years or more of continuous full-time work experience in the U.S. within the last four years (current resume and an employment letter on company letterhead required stating the dates of employment for verification)
- Undergraduate/bachelor’s applicants only: SAT – 670 minimum score on Evidence-Based Reading & Writing (ERW) section
- Undergraduate/bachelor’s applicants only: ACT – 30 minimum score English section
*For joint degree program between English-medium institutions and non-English-medium institutions, applicants must have attended the English-medium institution for a minimum of two years before the applicant’s matriculation term.
Specific academic program exemptions:
| Two Year LLM program – with requirement of Intensive Legal English Program (ILEP) to be taken before the 2nd year | TOEFL iBT – 60 minimum score IELTS – 5.5 minimum score GATEWAY English – 400 minimum score |
| JD program | LSAT – 166 minimum score |
Additional requests for exemptions
- If a student has completed three or more years of study in an English-medium university-level academic program in a country other than the ones listed above, the admitting department may request a waiver.
- Additional exemption requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- All exemption or waiver requests must be approved by the Vice Provost for Graduate Education and International Affairs.
WashU has the discretion to require an English language proficiency exam from any international student or J-1 EV at any time before or after admission or program acceptance if facts reasonably lead the university to believe additional testing is necessary to determine the student or EV’s actual level of English proficiency.