Nearly 1 in 5 graduate students at the University of Oregon are international students, representing more than 150 countries.
All applicants follow the same core process to apply for graduate school at the UO. We want to make our application steps as clear as possible. This page explains additional requirements and next steps for international applicants.
Who is Considered an International Applicant?
You are generally considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you may require visa sponsorship to study in the United States.
This may include applicants who:
- Are currently living outside the United States
- Are studying or working in the U.S. on a temporary visa
- Have applied for permanent residency but have not yet received approval
You are generally NOT considered an international applicant if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen
- Are a permanent resident (green card holder)
- Have refugee or asylee status
- Are undocumented or are a DACA student residing in the United States
If you are unsure how to apply, contact us before submitting your application.
Before Admission: Meet the English Language Requirement
If English is not your native or primary language, you must provide proof of English proficiency for admission.
- Self-reported scores may be used for initial review.
- Scores must be less than two years old when you apply.
- Official scores are required before final admission.
- Some programs require higher scores.
Accepted Tests and Minimum Scores
Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
TOEFL (iBT or iBT Home Edition) | 88 or 4.5 |
IELTS (or IELTS Online) | 7.0 Overall Band Score |
Duolingo English Test (DET) | 120 |
Submitting Test Scores
After completing the TOEFL, IELTS, or DET, request for your official score to be sent to the University of Oregon.
- For TOEFL, use institution code 4846
The University of Oregon does not accept English-medium-of-instruction certificates in place of approved English proficiency documentation.
Degrees That May Satisfy the English Language Requirement
A bachelor's degree or higher from the following approved English-speaking countries may satisfy the requirement:
- Australia
- Canada (except Quebec)
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
On your application, select this option when answering the English proficiency question. We will review your transcripts to determine eligibility.
Testing Resources
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL/ETS)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
- University of Oregon Testing Center
Waivers
Graduate programs may request a waiver in exceptional circumstances. Applicants cannot request waivers directly.
English Language Requirements for International Teaching Graduate Employees
If you plan to accept a teaching graduate employee (GE) position, there are additional English language requirements beyond those required at admission.
See the English Language Requirements for International Teaching GEs
After Admission: Financial Documents and Visa Process
If you are admitted and planning to study on an F-1 or J-1 visa, you must complete additional steps before immigration documents can be issued.
Required Documents
- Proof of financial support for one academic year, including tuition, fees, and living expenses
- Copy of passport photo page
If transferring an active SEVIS record, documentation is still required.
Learn more about Financial Verification for International Graduate Students
Immigration Documents
After all materials are approved, the university will issue:
- Form I-20 (for F-1 students)
- DS-2019 (for J-1 students)
Need Visa Support?
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides:
- Visa guidance
- Arrival checklists
- Immigration support