English Proficiency

Undergraduate international students who are not native speakers of English must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Graduate applicants must meet the requirements set by their respective departments. A list of graduate programs and their requirements can be found on the Graduate Majors page.

For full admission, non-native speakers need to submit one proof of English proficiency.  Based on your English proficiency score, some students will be required to enroll in specialized academic coursework their first semester as part of the English Pathway Program. This is still credit-bearing coursework and should not delay graduation.  Conditional admission may be considered for students who do not meet the listed requirements or do not submit an English proficiency score and will start in the Culture and Intensive English Program (CIEP). View our conditional admission policy. 

Please contact us with any other questions or concerns regarding testing options at international.admissions@uni.edu.  

International Admissions

The following are accepted by the University of Northern Iowa as measures of English proficiency for undergraduate applicants:

  1. Obtain a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score of 61.
  2. Obtain an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum overall band score (academic track) of 5.5. IELTS Indicator also accepted. 
  3. Obtain a Duolingo minimum score of 95.
  4. Obtain a Certificate in C1 Advanced English score of 169 or higher for unrestricted admission.
  5. Obtain a 52 or above on the Pearson Test of English (PTE) for unrestricted admission.  
  6. Obtain a 57 or above on the Michigan English Test (MET) for unrestricted admission. 
  7. Obtain a score of 4 or 5 for unrestricted admission of 3 for restricted admission on the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition exam.
  8. Obtain an International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE O-Level) pass in English with a grade of A, B, or C.
  9. Obtain a General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-level) pass in English with a grade of A, B, or C from one of the five British-based examining boards.
  10. Obtain an ACT Assessment English Test minimum score of 20.
  11. Obtain an SAT I Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 480.
  12. Obtain an SAT Literature Subject Test minimum score of 460.
  13. Obtain an International Baccalaureate (IB) grade of 4, 5, 6, or 7 in English A1 or A2 at the Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL).
  14. Submit the Manchester Exam with a score of 400 or higher.  
  15. Obtain UNI Culture and Intensive English Program (CIEP) Completion Certificate.
  16. Complete 24 or more semester hours of transferable credit with required grade point average from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.