Skip to main content
Vanderbilt Background Photo

Language Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS)

Applicants whose native language is not English must present the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with the application. This requirement may be waived if you have earned a degree from an English-speaking institution. Please contact your program of interest to confirm. In response to the temporary closings of testing centers in countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, some programs in the Graduate School will also accept Duolingo English Test examination results in addition to TOEFL and IELTS examinations.  Only Duolingo English Test scores with subscores will be accepted. If you took the test prior to July 15, 2019, you will need to retake the test to comply with the subscores requirement.   Applicants should  contact programs of interest  directly to confirm that they are accepting the Duolingo English Test. 

  • International students transferring from unfinished degree programs of other universities in the United States should present English proficiency scores.
  • The TOEFL and IELTS are administered at test centers throughout the world at different times during the year.
  • You may self-report test scores on your application. If you are admitted, official scores must be submitted before registration.
  • Your score will not be accepted if it is more than two years old from the start of your admission term. 

TOEFL and IELTS

Applicants whose native language is not English must present the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) with the application. This requirement may be waived if you have earned a degree from an English-speaking institution. Please contact your program of interest to confirm. 

  •  You may access information regarding the TOEFL including registration and sample tests, at ets.org/toefl.
  • The Vanderbilt Institution Code for TOEFL is 1871. 
  • The minimum acceptable score on the paper-based TOEFL is 570, and for the Internet-based test, 88. Many programs, however, require a considerably higher level of proficiency.
  • The TOEFL IBT, TOEFL Home Edition, and TOEFL Essentials (8-9.5 band range) tests are also accepted.

English Language Instruction

Students wishing to focus on improving their English language use for the context of the U.S. academic setting may take classes and participate in programming at the Vanderbilt English Language Center to support their academic success. The ELC’s courses include Academic Writing, Academic Speaking, Pronunciation, and International Teaching Assistant Communication. Throughout the academic year, academic workshops and one-to- one consultations for speaking and writing are also available through the ELC. Entering students may be required to take language support courses concurrently with their academic courses at the ELC. The ELC is located at 1208 18th Avenue South. For information about the ELC’s programming, see the “English Language Center” section in the Life at Vanderbilt chapter of this catalog or visit vanderbilt.edu/elc.