English Language Proficiency
To provide evidence of English Language Proficiency in the classroom, international students must submit test scores from either:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic)
- Duolingo English Test
The following table shows the minimum requirements for each school or program.
| Programs | Duolingo English Test | TOEFL Internet (iBT) | Minimum iBT subscore | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Arts and Sciences | |||||
| Applied Economics, Computer Science, Computer Science Bridge, International and Development Economics, Sport Management | 115 | 79 | 17 | 6.5 | 53 |
| Asia Pacific Studies, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Data Science, Energy Systems Management, Environmental Management, Intl Studies, Migration Studies, Museum Studies, Professional Communication | 115 | 90 | 17 | 6.5 | 61 |
| Biology, Public Leadership, Urban and Public Affairs, Writing | 115 | 100 | 17 | 7.0 | 65 |
| School of Education | |||||
| Master's Programs | 115 | 92 | 20 | 7.0 | 62 |
| Doctoral Programs | 120 | 100 | 20 | 7.0 | 68 |
| School of Management | |||||
| All Programs | 120 | 92 | 6.5 | 62 | |
| School of Nursing and Health Professions | |||||
| Entry-level MSN, PsyD, and DNP | 125 | 100 | 7.0 | 68 | |
| All Other Programs | 115 | 90 | 6.5 | 68 | |
Exemptions may be made for applicants who have studied in English speaking countries, countries where English is an official language, or where the government requires 11 years of mandatory English instruction (Norway, for example, and other countries in Scandinavia), at the discretion of the specific graduate program.
Countries Where English is an Official Language
If you are a citizen and have completed secondary school in one of these countries you may be admitted for graduate study at USF without presenting additional evidence of English proficiency.
- Botswana
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Philippines
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
English-Speaking Countries, Commonwealths, and Territories
We recognize the following countries as predominantly native-English speaking. For applicants who are citizens of these countries and/or have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s degree, or one or two years or more of study (please see the school or college to which you are applying), no further evidence of English proficiency is required.
- American Samoa
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grand Cayman Islands
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Mariana Islands
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Montserrat
- New Zealand
- Palau
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent & the Grenadines
- South Africa
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales
- United States of America (except Puerto Rico)
Note: The University reserves the right to request additional English proficiency exams from any applicant based on the entirety of the application review; or, if the applicant’s proficiency in English should prove inadequate after admission to a program.