Graduate Catalog 2023-2024

English Proficiency

Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to provide evidence of English language proficiency by one of the following:

  • Submitting results of an acceptable English proficiency test
  • TOEFL iBT: 80 - with cut scores no lower than: Listening (16), Reading (16), Speaking (20), and Writing (22)
  • IELTS: 6.5 - with sub scores no lower than 6 in each of the following proficiency areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
  • English3 Proficiency Test: 67 E3PT with a minimum of 16.5 in each of the following: Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing
  • Having completed previous education in a recognized English-speaking country within the last two years
  • Completing UNC’s Intensive English Program through Level 7

Applicants who do not provide sufficient English proficiency documentation may be considered for conditional admission to UNC with the requirement that they either successfully complete the UNC Intensive English Program or demonstrate English proficiency through submitting sufficient TOEFL or IELTS scores. (See www.unco.edu/center-international-education/ for further information.) They cannot begin an academic degree program until they achieve the required level of English proficiency. 

Academic programs on campus may have higher or additional English proficiency requirements including screening or testing for English proficiency. The applicant is responsible for determining whether the program has additional language requirements.