English Language Proficiency Requirement

English Language Proficiency Requirement

A satisfactory proficiency in the English language is required for admission to the University of Oregon. All applicants for whom English is not a native/primary language must show proof of language proficiency through one of the following options:

  1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition) Score: Minimum Score: 88 TOEFL MyBest superscores do not fulfil this requirement. 
  2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS or IELTS Online) Academic Test Score: Minimum Score: 7.0 overall band score
  3. Degree from certain English-speaking countries: A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from an institution in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. We are unable to accept certificates of English as a mode of instruction to satisfy this requirement. 

NOTE:

  • Test scores must be less than 2 years old at the time of application.
  • Scores must be official scores sent to the UO by the testing agency. Testing agencies will not be able to send scores past the expiration deadline of the score, so send your score in before it expires. While programs may review your application using unofficial self-reported scores, in order to accept an offer you must have official scores on file. 
  • Some graduate programs may require a higher TOEFL/IELTS score than the minimum for University of Oregon admission and some graduate programs may require a TOEFL/IELTS score regardless of educational background. 
  • We do not accept the Duolingo English Test. 

Native/primary language is defined as: A language you used as a primary language in your childhood, rather than learning it as a foreign language.

Please check with your prospective program for information about their requirements. 

Submitting Proof of English Language Proficiency

Option 1 or 2 (TOEFL/IELTS Score)

  • Take either the TOEFL or IELTS and request that the testing agency send your scores electronically to the University of Oregon.
  • Testing agencies will not be able to send scores past the expiration deadline of the score, so send your score in before it expires. 
  • UO Institution Code is 4846

Option 3 (Degree from certain English-speaking countries)

  • On your application there is a section to fill out your complete post secondary educational history. Listing a degree that meets the above criteria will prompt a review of your transcripts.

Testing Site Links

Graduate Employees: English Language Policy for Non-Native English Speakers

Non-native English speakers in Graduate Employee teaching positions are required to prove their spoken English proficiency by way of the SPEAK Test or the speaking component of the internet-based TOEFL or IELTS.