English Language Proficiency for Graduate Students

All graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship or residency, must demonstrate proficiency with the English language before they will be considered for admission to a graduate program.*

This requirement may be met by applicants who have:

  • Been raised in a recognized country where English is the only official language
  • Earned a bachelor's degree or higher from a recognized institution in a recognized country where English is the only official language (Some programs may require a language score even if an applicant meets this requirement)
  • Achieved a satisfactory TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), Duolingo score (see details below) or PTE (Academic) – Pearson Test of English (Academic)

*Applicants meeting either of the first two criteria listed above may need to contact the Graduate School (ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu) to ensure that the test of English proficiency requirement is waived.

Minimum score requirements:

  • TOEFL: 4 (internet based); 71 on tests taken prior to January 21, 2026
  • IELTS: 6.0 (academic version)
  • Duolingo: 105 (internet-based)
  • PTE Academic: 50 (academic version)

Some programs require higher minimum scores. Refer to the table in the University Catalog for more information.

The Graduate School must receive your official scores before your application will be considered.

  • Official TOEFL test scores must be sent electronically to NDSU (institution code 6474). A specific department code is not required.
    • We do not accept MyBest Scores or TOEFL Essentials.
  • Official IELTS test scores must be sent from the testing center by mail or electronically to North Dakota State University.
    • The academic version is required. The general training version and One Skill Retakes are not accepted for admission.
  • Official Duolingo test scores must be sent electronically to North Dakota State University - Graduate.
  • Official PTE test scores must be sent electronically to North Dakota State University – Graduate.

The language test date must be within two years of the date of application to the Graduate School.

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Graduate School

Email: ndsu.grad.school@ndsu.edu Phone: (701) 231-7033 Campus Location: Putnam Hall Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Page Manager