English Language Proficiency

All students at the University of Maryland are expected to read, write and speak English fluently. International students must demonstrate a proficiency in the English language by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) at numerous locations throughout the world. If not available locally, the Bulletin of Information and Registration form for TOEFL can be obtained by writing to:

TOEFL
P.O. BOX 6154
PRINCETON, NJ 08541-6154, USA
http://www.toefl.org/

The Bulletin of Information and Registration Form for IELTS can be obtained by contacting:

IELTS, The British Council
3100 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20008-3600 USA
Phone: 800.261.9733

• A score of 233 or above on the computer based test (CBT) (with a writing score of 4.0 or above) or a score of 84 and above on the internet based test (IBT)(with a writing score of 25 or above) may qualify an applicant for full admission.
  
• A score of 6.5 or higher on the IELTS (with no sectional score below 6.0) may qualify an applicant for full admission.
• Applicants who score between 153-232 on the CBT, between 60-83 on the IBT may be considered for provisional admission, and will be required to take an English language proficiency examination upon arrival at the University of Maryland.
  
• Applicants who score 84 or better on the IBT but whose sectional score is below our requirement will be required to take an English language proficiency exam.
  
• The refined sectional scores are:
  
• Reading: 21 or higher;
  
• Listening: 17 or higher;
  
• Writing: 25 or higher;
  
• Speaking: 21 or higher.
  
• Sectional scores effective 2009 are:
• Reading: 26 or higher;
  
• Listening: 26 or higher;
  
• Writing: 26 or higher;
  
• Speaking: 22 or higher.
• Applicants scoring below 6.5 on the IELTS may be considered for provisional admission, and will be required to take an English language proficiency examination upon arrival at the University of Maryland.
  
• Based on the results of the examination, it may be determined that:

• The student has satisfactory English language proficiency.

• The student needs more English language training, requiring successful completion of the semi-intensive English Language course at the University's Maryland English Institute (MEI).

• The student needs to complete a full-time intensive English language program before being admitted to the academic program.

• Students who need further English must enroll in the required course during their first semester of study at the University.

Graduate applicants should register for a TOEFL which includes the Test of Written English (TWE). If you are unable to do so, or if your TWE score is lower than 4.0, you will be required to write two essays, which will be evaluated during International Student Orientation, if you are admitted.

Based on the results of the examination, it may be determined that:

• the student has satisfactory English language proficiency.

• the student needs more English language training, requiring successful completion of Advanced Writing for Graduate Students (UMEI 007) at MEI.

• Students who need further English must enroll in the required course during their first semester of study at the University.

Non-native speakers of English who have earned a degree from the United States, United Kingdom, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and common wealth Caribbean are exempt from presenting TOEFL scores. Music students with a performance degree from a U.S. institution are required to submit a TOEFL score to the University of Maryland. Native speakers of English are defined as those who have received all of their education in the countries listed above.