International Applicants

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

In addition to the standard application requirements, international applicants must meet Department of Psychology and UMN Graduate School requirements for English Language Proficiency (ELP). Most international applicants meet this requirement by providing TOEFL iBT or IELTS exam scores that meet or exceed our minimums or by demonstrating proficiency with English-language coursework that meets the requirements for number of years and recency outlined below. 

Important: The Department of Psychology only accepts TOEFL iBT or IELTS exam scores. Other English-language proficiency exam scores (e.g., Duolingo, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced) are not accepted. 

TOEFL iBT Operational Standard

The Department of Psychology's operational standard for admission on the TOEFL iBT is, at a minimum:

Minimum Total Score: 79

*Acceptance of an international student whose speaking score falls below this minimum is rare.

IELTS Operational Standard

The Department of Psychology's operational standard for admission on the IELTS is, at a minimum:

Minimum Total Score: 6.5

*Acceptance of an international student whose speaking score falls below this minimum is rare.

Coursework

Applicants whose first language is not English but who will earn the entirety of their undergraduate degree (or four years combined undergraduate and graduate education) at US institutions, institutions in specific English-speaking countries, or specific institutions and regions in other countries do not need to submit ELP exam scores. Please note the Department of Psychology’s requirement for four years of study is more stringent than, and supersedes, the Graduate School’s requirement of two years.   

• If an applicant is admitted, this requirement must be met before the term of admission starts.
• At least 16-semester credits (or 24 quarter credits) must have been completed within the past 2 years (with a potential exception for applicants who completed four years of coursework more than two years ago but have been working and residing in the US in the interim).

Exemptions from ELP Requirements

Applicants who meet one or both of the following criteria are exempted from demonstrating proof of English proficiency via testing or coursework: 

• Applicants whose first language is English from specific countries . A University-wide committee determines which countries are exempted from the requirement to provide test scores.    
• Applicants who are current UMN graduate students in another department and have already achieved an ELP rating of 1 (fully proficient) by taking the SETTA or GRAD 5105. Email [email protected] to request confirmation. 

Transcripts

All transcripts  and other international credentials must include both the original language document and an English translation. Include original language diplomas if a degree was conferred. 

Learn more about unofficial transcripts and credentials. 

Resources for International Students

Applicants admitted to UMN graduate programs receive assistance with I-20s and arrival dates from the Graduate School Admissions Office. Their staff work with new students and can answer a range of questions about obtaining a student visa and related topics.

As new students prepare for arrival, they begin working with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), which provides robust support for international students throughout their time at the University of Minnesota. ISSS offers counseling and advising services for visa requirements and other immigration issues; social, personal, and financial matters; international and intercultural education opportunities; academic support; and much more.  

Learn about additional resources to support international applicants and graduate students.