International students whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency for the Graduate College as outlined in the ASU academic catalog. Your application will not be processed without valid proof of English proficiency. ASU does not accept TOEFL iBT® Home Edition, TOEFL iBT® Paper Edition, or TOEFL Essentials Exams.
International students applying to graduate programs in the Department of English at ASU must submit evidence of English proficiency. This can be done in one of the following ways:
1. One of the following results on a standardized English proficiency test: (a) 100 or higher on the IBT; (b) 7.0 or higher on the IELTS. The MTESOL program will also accept a 68 or higher on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA).
2. A grade of "A" in all Advanced 2 classes in the ASU Global Launch Program.
3. A grade of A (94% or higher) in the English for Graduate Admission online course.
4. A grade of A (94% or higher) in the English Proficiency for Graduate Studies + CEFR Certificate online course.
5. A score of 120 or higher on the Duolingo English test.
6. One of the following from a regionally accredited college/university in the US: (a) a bachelor's degree or higher; (b) at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale; (c) at least 9 semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
7. Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the country is on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List. ASU must have official transcripts with the degree posted.
8. Applicants who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the sole medium of instruction for the program was in English. Student should email gograd@asu.edu to request exemption and include a letter from the institution on letterhead indicating language of instruction or provide information on the institution website to verify language of instruction.
9. Four years of high school in the U.S. with four years of English.
A minimum score of 55 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) or Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) is also required for teaching assistants.
The TOEFL exam is the only exam offered through ASU University Testing. For TOEFL information and test dates at ASU contact University Testing Service.
The SPEAK exam is only offered through Global Launch.
For general information about the TOEFL, Test of Written English and TSE, contact the Educational Testing Service.
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 time of ASU’s start date) may be required to submit updated test scores or demonstrate English proficiency through one of the other listed options.
Important Notice to Current Students: In order for international students to maintain good standing for their VISAs, they must take a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester (i.e., 3 classes), 6 of which should be face-to-face classes.
Resources Available to International Students
The International Students and Scholars Center is located on the first floor of the Student Services Building (Room 170). ISSC offers information on maintaining visa status, employment and other important information to help international students. By providing a variety of services, including orientation, immigration advising, referrals and programming, ISSC assists international students in meeting people and adjusting to their new lives at ASU. 480-727-4776 issc@asu.edu
Global Launch 480-965-2376. Global Launch is an intensive English as a second language program which prepares students for academic work at the university level. Students may enter the appropriate level classes several times during the year. Fees are separate from ASU tuition.
Curriculum Development and Support is designed to assist in enhancing the quality of writing and critical thinking skills of university students. The Writing Center provides students with one on one and group tutoring in writing skills. The Writing Center is located in Hayden Library, C-52 or contact 480-965-4272.
The Polytechnic Writing Center and the West Writing Center offer international students a safe space to practice their English speaking skills in a small, interactive group. Sign up online or call 480-965-9072.