English Requirements and Exemptions

English Language Requirements for International Graduate Applicants

To ensure success in your graduate studies, all international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. This applies to both on-campus and online graduate programs.

Accepted Exams & Minimum Scores

We accept the following English proficiency exams:

TOEFL (Internet-Based Test)

  • 100+: Full admission for enrollment to any graduate program
  • 79–99 (no subscore below 17): Provisional admission + required completion of EAP 511 & EAP 512
  • 61–78: Eligible for Conditional Language Admission and to complete Intensive English Center (IEC) Level 5 before starting graduate coursework

IELTS (Academic Test Only)

  • 7.5+: Full admission for enrollment to any graduate program
  • 6.5–7.0: Provisional admission + EAP 511 & EAP 512
  • 5.5–6.0: Eligible for Conditional Language Admission and to complete Intensive English Center (IEC) Level 5 before starting graduate coursework

Duolingo English Test

Note: Duolingo will no longer be accepted starting Summer 2026

  • 120+: Full admission for enrollment to any graduate program
  • 105–119: Provisional admission + EAP 511 & EAP 512
  • 95–104: Eligible for Conditional Language Admission and to complete Intensive English Center (IEC) Level 5 before starting graduate coursework

LanguageCERT Academic (Pilot Program)

Accepted for Summer & Fall 2026 applicants

  • 75+: Full admission for enrollment to any graduate program
  • 70–74: Provisional admission + EAP 511 & EAP 512 (pending placement test results)
  • 65–69: Eligible for Conditional Language Admission and to complete Intensive English Center (IEC) Level 5 before starting graduate coursework
  • Below 65: Not eligible for graduate admission

Not Accepted

  • IELTS General Training
  • Medium or Language of Instruction letters (not a valid alternative)

English Proficiency Exemptions

You may be exempt from submitting an English proficiency exam if:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • You hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited institution in:
  • You have completed IEC Level 5 at St. Cloud State University

Note: Some graduate programs may still require additional testing.

H4 Visa Holders

  • Staying on H4 Visa?
    → No English exam or financial documents required
  • Switching to F1 Visa?
    → English proficiency exam and financial documents must be submitted with your application
TOEFL
IELTS