TOEFL/IELTS Score (Applies to international students only)
***Please read this section very carefully in its entirety, as the policies are very specific and non-negotiable.***
English Proficiency and TOEFL/IELTS score
All graduate applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency for admissions consideration. Applicants are waived from the English Language Proficiency requirement if they have earned an undergraduate or master's degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to the World Higher Education Database (WHED). Please see WHED's instructions on how to search for your institution. If English is not the sole language of instruction listed or if no language is listed at all, the waiver does not apply and the applicant is required to take and pass an approved English proficiency test. Approved tests and minimum scores are outlined in the next section.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If a student will be supported as a Teaching Assistant (TA) by their program, please read the English proficiency requirement policy for Teaching Assistantships. Some programs require students who have not earned an undergraduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction according to WHED to demonstrate English language proficiency to serve as a TA when they apply to the program.
- We will accept the TOEFL iBT® Home Edition. The same minimum score applies. However, we will NOT accept the TOEFL ITP Plus test for China or the TOEFL Essentials test.
- We will accept the IELTS Indicator test. The same minimum score applies.
Please see this link for further information about TOEFL/IELTS: English Proficiency
How do I know whether or not I am required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS?
If ANY of these apply to you, you ARE required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score:
- If you received a degree at a foreign institution at a university where the sole language is NOT English, your TOEFL can not be waived, and will still be required.
What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS score requirements for admission?
- TOEFL iBT -80
- TOEFL pBT -550
- IELTS -overall minimum score of 7 and no scores less than 6 on any individual module
What's the institution code for submitting GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores?
The institution code for GRE and TOEFL/IELTS is 4859. NO department code is needed.
What's the department code for submitting GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores?
NO department code is needed when submitting scores electronically, the institution code is the only coded needed/required.
Am I able to apply before taking the GRE or TOEFL/IELTS test?
Yes. On the application, enter the date you have registered to take the test. Applicants should register for either the October or December test dates to ensure the timely receipt of their score results for admission consideration. At the time of test registration, students must notify the Educational Testing Service to report scores directly to UCI. Scores reported by a student cannot be accepted.
My TOEFL/IELTS score has expired. Will I still be considered for admission?
- TOEFL test results that are two years old or older are not acceptable.
- IELTS test scores that are two years old or older are not acceptable.
Applicants should register for either the October or December test dates to ensure the timely receipt of their score results for admission consideration. At the time of test registration, students must notify the Educational Testing Service to report scores directly to UCI. Scores reported by a student cannot be accepted.
What if my TOEFL/IELTS test date cannot be scheduled until near or after the January 15 deadline?
Applicants should register for either the October or December test dates (AT THE LATEST) to ensure the timely receipt of their score results to be RECEIVED in the department by the given January 15 deadline. All application materials (for example: GRE scores, reference letters, transcripts) must be submitted/received by the application deadline. *THE PRIORITY DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR FALL 2024 ADMISSION IS JANUARY 15, 5:00 p.m. PST. Subsequent to the priority deadline, applications, fees and materials may be submitted until January 31.*
What if I have a newer/better score or I want to retest and submit my second score, what should I do?
Submit your existing score electronically through ETS just to be sure we receive a score from you to meet the TOEFL score submission requirement by the deadline. Then you are able to re-submit your second score electronically through ETS, the same way you submitted your original score. BOTH scores will be visible to the admissions staff search committee.
Am I allowed to submit my TOEFL/IELTS scores via email or mail in a paper copy?
TOEFL scores must be submitted electronically through ETS
IELTS scores, must submitted electronically by the IELTS test center. No paper Test Report Forms will be accepted. An institutional code is NOT required.
I was not notified that I was missing required documents (ex: transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation). What should I do?
As a reminder, the department does not notify applicants of missing documents. It is the responsibility of the applicant to review the checklist on their application status page to confirm all documents are received.
If you have any further questions that may not have been answered from this page, please visit UCI's Graduate Division English Proficiency page