More Information about Graduate Studies

International students whose first language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency for the Graduate College as outlined in the ASU academic catalog. Your application will not be processed without valid proof of English proficiency. 

International students applying to graduate programs in the Department of English at ASU must submit evidence of English proficiency. This can be done in one of the following ways:

1. One of the following results on a standardized English proficiency test:  

   • 100 or higher on the TOEFL IBT taken before January 21, 2026
   • 5 or higher on the TOEFL iBT taken on or after January 21, 2026
     1. ASU accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition in addition to the exam taken in the testing center for exams taken after January 21, 2026.
   • 7.0 or higher on the IELTS 

   The MTESOL program will accept a 68 or higher on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA)

2. A grade of "A" in all Advanced 2 classes in the ASU Global Launch Program.
3. A grade of A (94% or higher) in the English for Graduate Admission online course.
4. A score of 120 or higher on the Duolingo English test.
5. Automatic exemptions (no action required):
   • A U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
   • A citizen of a country or territory on the ASU English Speaking Country and Territory List
6. Exemptions that require a form:
   • Earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country, and the sole medium of instruction for the program was in English: Fill out the Medium of Instruction Form to request exemption and include a letter on official letterhead from the institution confirming English as the sole language of instruction OR a link to the institution’s official website verifying the language of instruction.
   • Earned a degree from a U.S. institution: Fill out the Other Exemption Form
   • Future ASU degree completion: Fill out the Other Exemption Form
   • Degree from an international institution on ASU’s Approved Country List: Fill out the Other Exemption Form
   • Completed at least 9 semester hours of graduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better in the U.S. or at an Approved International Institution: Fill out the Other Exemption Form
   • Completed at least 90 semesters of undergraduate coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the U.S.: Fill out the Other Exemption Form
   • Four years of U.S. high school education: Fill out the Other Exemption Form

For teaching assistants, a minimum score of 55 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) or Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit (SPEAK) is also required.

In order to maintain good standing for their visas, international students must take a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester (i.e., 3 classes), 6 of which should be in-person classes.

The International Students and Scholars Center offers information on maintaining visa status, employment and other important information to help international students. By providing a variety of services, including orientation, immigration advising, referrals and programming, ISSC assists international students in meeting people and adjusting to their new lives at ASU. 480-727-4776 [email protected].

Global Launch is an intensive English as a second language (ESL) program that prepares students for academic work at the university level. Students may enter the appropriate level classes several times during the year. Fees are separate from ASU tuition. 480-965-2376 [email protected].