English Language Tests for Graduate Students

In very general terms, US universities still prefer the TOEFL test to any other, while Australian and UK institutions opt for the IELTS examination. However, such distinctions are now blurring and it is always best to check the individual website of the university you are interested in applying to before you decide which English test to take. 

The scores universities expect vary between institutions, countries and faculties. Arts, humanities and social science programs usually require scores of between 6.0 and 7.5 in IELTS, 620 and above in the written TOEFL test and 260 and above in the TOEFL computer-based test. 

Science and engineering programs tend to require slightly lower scores, with 6.0 and 6.5 being common in the IELTS, 550 and higher in the written TOEFL test and 213 and above in the TOEFL computer-based test. 

PhD and research programs tend to require higher English scores than taught master's programs.

If your English ability is not quite at the standard that your prospective university expects, additional preparation ahead of your program is often available. 

Universities in most countries, but in particular Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK, routinely offer pre-sessional English language programs of between one and three months, depending on your individual ability, offering you intensive English preparatory courses to help you meet the required entry standards before your program admission is confirmed. 

Such programs tend to offer students the opportunity to come to campus much earlier than other students and learn in the environment they will ultimately be seeking their program in.

Of course, standardized tests can only give you an indication of your abilities with written and spoken English, and universities around the world recognize that often further support may be required even for students with high scores.

When you arrive for your program you will experience a period of adjustment, no matter how good your English ability is, from the kind of language use you are familiar with to how English is used in both a graduate academic and technical context. 

This is by no means an easy thing to master, but top universities support all international students through this process. Many have language centers to help students continue to improve their English language abilities – often in very specific areas such as lecture note taking, dissertation preparation or research language.

• Choosing which English language test to take >