English Proficiency

Op5.09-4 English Proficiency

Reason or Purpose for Policy:

To assure that all applicants in a non-immigrant visa status have sufficient English proficiency to successfully complete their program of study.

Proof of proficiency in English is required for all applicants in a non-immigrant status, if their primary language is not English. Access a list of approved exempt countries. Applicants who have completed one or more years of full-time secondary or postsecondary study in the U.S. or a country where English is the primary language, or at any other accredited secondary or postsecondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction, may be exempt, at the discretion of the Office of International Services.

Proof can be provided in one of four ways:

  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    The TOEFL score minimum requirements are 61 internet-based test for undergraduate applicants and 79 internet-based test for graduate applicants. The applicant must request that original copies of these scores be sent to Missouri State directly from the Educational Testing Service.
  • The IELTS
    The IELTS score minimum requirements are 5.5 for undergraduate applicants and 6.0 for graduate applicants. The applicant must request that original copies of these scores be sent to Missouri State from an IELTS Test Center.
  • The Pearson Test of English (PTE)
    The PTE score minimum requirements for undergraduate applicants is 44 and 53 for graduate applicants. The applicant must request that original copies of these scores be sent to Missouri State from a PTE Academic Test Center.
  • Missouri State English Language Institute
    Applicants may also meet the English language proficiency requirement through successful completion of ELI Level 5 for undergraduate and ELI Graduate Capstone for graduate admission.
Undergraduate Students
Test Minimum Requirements
TOEFL-iBT
(Internet-based test)
Score of 61 or more
*(Scores of less than 15 in any individual band will require enrollment in a corresponding ELI course during student’s first semester at MSU)
IELTS Score of 5.5 or more
**(Scores of less than 5.0 in any individual band will require enrollment in a corresponding ELI course during student’s first semester at MSU)
PTE Score of 44 or more
Missouri State English Language Institute (ELI) program Completion of EAP Level 5
Graduate Students
Test Minimum Requirements
TOEFL-IBT
(Internet-based test)
Score of 79 or more
*(Scores of less than 15 in any individual band will require enrollment in a corresponding ELI course during student’s first semester at MSU)
IELTS Score of 6.0 or more
**(Scores of less than 5.0 in any individual band will require enrollment in a corresponding ELI course during student’s first semester at MSU)
PTE Score of 53 or more
Missouri State English Language Institute (ELI) program Completion of EAP Graduate Capstone

Interpreting TOEFL scores

Advisors can visit the TOEFL website for more information about how to interpret TOEFL scores.