English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English or whose academic study was done exclusively at non-English speaking institutions, must prove English proficiency by providing either official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores.

Official report of the scores should be sent directly to SOPHAS using designation code 5688 for the TOEFL or designation code SOPHAS for the IELTS . Scores must be under two years old. The preferred minimum english language test scores for admission to the School of Public Health are:

          - 100 on the Internet-based (iBT) TOEFL test, or
          - 600 on the paper TOEFL test, or
          - 7.0 (total band score) on the IELTS test

The English Language test requirement may be waived if an applicant can provide proof of one of the following:

• Completion of 16-semester credits/ 24-quarter credits (within the past 24 months) in an academic program at a recognized institution of higher learning in the U.S. or Canada
  
• An Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate

Note: If an international applicant has graduated from a college/university in which English was the language of instruction, the applicant may request a waiver of the English language test requirement. To request a waiver the applicant should submit a written request, along with supporting documentation stating that the language of instruction at the applicant's university was English. This request should be sent directly to the University of Minnesota School of Public Health Student Services Center. However, we strongly encourage submission of official TOEFL or IELTS scores regardless of whether an international student has received their higher education instruction in English.