English Proficiency Policy

Applies to from the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and all international students.

Proof of English proficiency is required by ALL international students: undergraduate, transfer and graduate.  Submitted scores must be less than three years old.

Undergraduate Requirements

English proficiency as demonstrated by achieving:

• 500 on the TOEFL
• 61 on the internet-based TOEFL
• A score of 5 on the IELTS
• Satisfactory completion of level 112 in an English Language School
• Please see the EOU English Proficiency Policy for additional ways to meet requirement

Graduate Requirements

English proficiency as demonstrated by achieving:

• 550 on the TOEFL
• 79 overall on the Internet based TOEFL
• A score of 6 on the IELTS
• Satisfactory completion of level 112 in an English Language School; or receiving a grade of “C-” or better in WR 121 from a U.S. college or university.
• Please see the EOU English Proficiency Policy for additional ways to meet requirement

English Proficiency Exemptions

Applicants are exempt from the English proficiency requirement if either (a) they are a citizen of one of the following countries, or (b) they received, or will receive, a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an institution located in one of the following countries:

Australia, the British Caribbean and British West Indies (Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago and Trinidad), Canada (except Quebec), Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States.

The International Programs Office may invite students to participate in a verbal interview to assess their English comprehension and communications skills.

Revised 2/20/2020 – English Proficiency Policy