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 

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, Nigeria, Ghana, India, 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.  

Applicants to Vanderbilt University's Graduate School must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. Applicants who do not qualify for an exemption from the English language proficiency requirement must submit scores from one of the accepted examinations listed below.

Minimum acceptable scores are outlined by examination. Individual graduate programs may establish higher requirements, and applicants should consult their intended program for specific admissions criteria.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)

Effective January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT introduced a revised scoring system using a 1–6 scale in place of the previous 0–120 scale.

Vanderbilt University's Graduate School accepts TOEFL iBT scores under both scoring systems, based on the date the examination was taken:

• Tests taken before January 21, 2026: Minimum overall score of 89 on the 0–120 scale.
• Tests taken on or after January 21, 2026: Minimum overall score of 4.5 on the revised 1–6 scale.

The revised minimum of 4.5 reflects the updated TOEFL scoring framework and is intended to maintain a proficiency standard comparable to the previous minimum of 89.

TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the examination date.

Some graduate programs may require higher TOEFL scores. Applicants should review their intended program's requirements before applying.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic)

 Minimum acceptable IELTS Academic scores vary by graduate program.

An overall band score of 7.0 or higher is desirable for many programs. However, individual programs may establish different minimum requirements.

Applicants should consult their intended graduate program to confirm the applicable IELTS requirements.

Duolingo English Test

The minimum acceptable Duolingo English Test score is 130.

Individual graduate programs may establish additional English language proficiency requirements. Applicants should consult their intended program for specific admissions criteria.

Submitting Official English Language Proficiency Scores

Official examination scores must be submitted directly to Vanderbilt University by the testing organization.

Applicants should allow sufficient time for official scores to be received and processed before their program's application deadline.

Institutional Reporting Information

• TOEFL iBT: Vanderbilt University, Institution Code 1871
• IELTS Academic: Vanderbilt University, Institution Code 1871
• Duolingo English Test: Select Vanderbilt University when sharing certified test results. No institution code is required.

Applicants should refer to the official score submission instructions on the Graduate School application requirements page for additional information.

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 are enrolled in or 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. 

• Your native language is English. This applies to native English speakers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Nigeria, Ghana, India, 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: 
    • An official or attested letter issued by the institution’s Registrar, Controller of Examinations, or equivalent central academic records office confirming that English was the language of instruction for the entirety of the applicant’s degree program. Letters issued solely by an academic department, department chair, faculty member, or adviser will not be accepted.
    • 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 does not waive the English-proficiency requirement based on work experience, ESL enrollment, time spent in the United States, partial study in English, or other circumstances not included in the criteria above. Completion of a program taught in English does not qualify an applicant for a waiver unless the applicant meets the stated country and degree requirements and provides the required institutional documentation.

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

Admissions decisions can come down to small margins, so presenting the strongest, most complete application you can matter. The guidance below is designed to help you do that. 

Some applicants qualify for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement, for example if you attended an English-medium institution or are a citizen of an English-speaking country. A waiver means the exam is optional for you, and your application is complete without a score. Choosing to submit a score simply provides additional documentation. 

Although an English proficiency exam is not currently required for your profile, we encourage you to consider taking one as part of your application. 

We accept several English proficiency exams. Among them, the Duolingo English Test is one example of an affordable, convenient option: approximately $70 and about an hour, taken from anywhere. Whichever exam you choose, a documented score can provide useful additional context during the application process and may also have value for future academic, professional, licensing, or immigration-related needs. 

Why consider testing even if you qualify for a waiver? 

• Affordable and convenient.  Many accepted exams can be taken online, at a time that works for you, and at a fraction of the cost of traditional in-person testing, making testing more accessible even when it is not required. 

• Additional context for your application.  A waiver already satisfies our requirements, so a documented score is supplementary, not required. If submitted, it provides an objective measure of language ability that may offer additional context during holistic application review. 

• Long-term documentation for future opportunities.  Requirements for employment, licensing, immigration, and further study can vary and change over time. A documented score may be useful if a future process asks for evidence of English proficiency, particularly when that documentation is harder to obtain later. 

A waiver fully satisfies our admissions requirement. If taking an English proficiency exam is practical for you, however, a documented score may provide benefits beyond admission. We encourage applicants to consider whether having this documentation now could support future academic or professional opportunities. 

Learn more: What Can IELTS Do for You? Study, Work and Migration, IELTS 

If you earned your degree outside the United States, we encourage you to consider obtaining a credential evaluation to submit as part of your application, even when it is not required for admission. 

A credential evaluation is an independent review that translates your coursework, grades, and degree into their U.S. equivalent. It may not be required to complete your application today, but obtaining a credential evaluation may provide useful documentation beyond the admissions process. 

Cost should not be a barrier to completing this step. We partner with several credential evaluation services to help offset the cost for applicants who complete an evaluation during the application process. Contact us to learn which options are currently available to you. 

Why consider an evaluation even if one isn't required? 

• Additional context for your academic record.  An independent, verified translation of your coursework and degree can give the admissions committee a clearer, more comparable picture of your academic record without changing the requirements for a complete application. 

• Funding considerations.  Some fellowships, assistantships, and external funding sources may request a completed credential evaluation before processing an award. Having one may help reduce delays if an evaluation is needed later. 

• Professional and licensing uses.  Some U.S. employers, licensing boards, or professional organizations may request a credential evaluation when reviewing a non-U.S. degree. Completing an evaluation earlier may make that documentation easier to access during a future job search or licensing process. 

• Long-term documentation.  A credential evaluation may also be useful in future immigration, employment, or academic processes. A credential evaluation can be especially valuable if your institution later closes; records become difficult to obtain, or additional verification is requested years after graduation. 

Learn more: Top 5 Reasons to Get a WES Credential Evaluation, World Education Services (WES)