Application Requirements

Proficiency in written and oral English is required for enrollment in an academic program. This proof can be obtained by submitted scores from one of the following exams:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language
• International English Language Testing System
• Duolingo English Test (not all programs accept this test, check with department of interest)

Applicants to the Graduate School, regardless of citizenship, must either meet our waiver criteria (below) or submit proof of English language proficiency. The online application will not require you to submit a language score if you meet the criteria for an exemption: you (will) have an equivalent degree from an English-language university in United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec).

This policy applies to all graduate programs; the score level required for admission varies by program. 

Please note:

• U.S. citizenship does not automatically exempt you from taking a language test if your first language is not English. 
• International students transferring from unfinished degree programs of other universities in the United States should present a language test score.  

Minimum Acceptable Score 

• The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL iBT (internet- based test) is 89. Some departments list minimum recommendations or requirements on their departmental websites and may require a higher level of proficiency. Please contact your program of interest to confirm. 
• For IELTS, the minimum acceptable score will vary by program. In many cases, a score of at least 7.0 is desirable.  
• Many departments will accept Duolingo English Test language test scores. Please contact your program of interest to confirm. 

Students wishing to focus on improving their English language use for the context of the U.S. academic setting may take courses and participate in programming at the . Some students may be required to take these courses concurrently during the year. The ELC’s courses include: 

• Academic Writing 
• Academic Speaking 
• Pronunciation
• International Teaching Assistant Communication

International applicants are exempt from submitting English-proficiency scores only under the following conditions. If none apply, you will be required to submit an appropriate score. Please do not contact programs or the Graduate School directly for waiver requests. 

• You hold a degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) from Vanderbilt University or are currently enrolled in a Vanderbilt degree program. 

• You hold a bachelor’s degree completed in its entirety in the United States or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in a qualifying country. The bachelor’s degree should be earned at a regionally accredited university located in the United States, or at an officially recognized university in another country where English is both the language of instruction and the only officially recognized language of the country. This applies to institutions from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec). The entire program needs to have been completed (or will be completed) in the qualifying country. Dual-degree holders who completed just part of their degree in the U.S. or other qualifying country, and students who have transferred credits from a non-Anglophone country, do not qualify for this waiver. 

• You have completed a master’s or doctoral degree from a country in which English is both the language of instruction and the only official language. The degree needs to have already been completed at the time you submit your Vanderbilt application. Applicants who have not yet completed a qualifying master’s or doctoral program at the time they apply will still need to submit English-proficiency scores. 

• Your native language is English. This applies to native English speakers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada (except Quebec).

• The language of instruction was English for the entirety of your bachelor’s degree program and the country has multiple official languages, including English.  You will be prompted to provide proof that English is the official language from your institution in the application. All documentation will be reviewed following complete submission of your application.
  • Acceptable documentation must be one of the following: 
    • Official or attested letter from the undergraduate college, university Registrar, or Controller of Examinations office. 
    • Unofficial transcripts, attested mark sheets or degree statements, are also accepted if English is stated as the medium of instruction. 
• Your academic program may not override these policies, but they may choose to require an exam if you are not required to by the Graduate School. 

The Graduate School at Vanderbilt does not waive the English-proficiency requirement based on any other consideration such as work experience, ESL enrollment, amount of time spent in the U.S., etc. It also cannot be waived based on programs taught in English in non-Anglophone countries. 

Any waivers will be reviewed only once the application is submitted and all supported documents are completed, including the application fee if required.