Demonstrate English proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must meet one of the following language proficiency requirements for admission: (1) submit an English language qualifying score, (2) receive provisional admission through the Wayne State University English Language Institute (ELI), (3) qualify for English proficiency exemption.

To establish English proficiency, you are required to submit an official qualifying score meeting minimum Graduate School requirements. The Graduate School's English Language Proficiency requirements are the absolute minimum; programs can set higher minimum standards. You are expected to meet the requirements set by your program of interest.

Report your score to Wayne State University using institution code 1898.

  • Scores cannot be provided by another university.
  • Scores must be no more than two years old. 
  • Scores cannot be institutional.

All scores must be officially reported by the testing agency.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)*

79 internet-based (iBT and iBT Home Edition) 550 paper-based (PBT)

*Currently, only the TOEFL Total Score is accepted. Wayne State University does not accept the TOEFL Super Score at this time.

Duolingo English Test

110

Michigan English Test (MET)

64

PTE

58

Under most circumstances, we will also consider the following scores. (Please submit official copies of the scores along with your application. There is no further action required on your part.)

IELTS

6.5 (overall band) *We do not accept IELTS Indicator

English Language Institute (ELI) at Wayne State University

Successful completion of all courses at the highest level. 

Provisional admission through the English Language Institute (ELI)

International students who meet the admissions requirements for an academic program (such as standardized test scores and minimum grade-point average) but do not meet English language proficiency requirements may be eligible to receive provisional admission to Wayne State through ELI. Students will study full time in the ELI program until they meet the university's English proficiency requirements. Visit eli.wayne.edu for more information, or email Fareed Shalhout, at ef3796@wayne.edu.

Exemption of English proficiency requirement

Non-U.S. applicants who complete a bachelor's degree or higher from an institution in one of the following countries are exempt from the TOEFL requirement.

Anguilla
Antigua
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands

Canada (except Quebec)
Cayman Islands
Dominica 
Ghana
Grenada
Greenland
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Liberia

New Zealand
Nigeria
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
South Africa
Tobago
Trinidad
Turks and Caicos Islands
United Kingdom
U.S. Virgin Islands