The University sets the minimum English proficiency scores for admission. Schools and programs may set higher scores. The minimum scores are as follows:
- Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0
- TOEFL: 550 on paper-based or 80 on the Internet-based test
- PTE Academic: 53
Beginning Fall 2020 we will start accepting Duolingo scores for students unable to access TOEFL or IELTS testing due to COVID-19. Minimum score if 110 on the DET.
To be considered for a Graduate Assistantship, the minimum required scores are:
- Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0
- TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based
- PTE Academic: 68
- Duolingo: 120
English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
On-campus Summer EAP (EAP 6110) is being offered in Summer 2021. Online EAP is also still available.
All international applicants who are required to submit English proficiency scores are required to take an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course in their first semester. The only exception to this rule is that EAP is waived for students with a TOEFL score of 100 or higher, or an IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0, or Duolingo scores of 120 or higher. The course that students must take (EAP 6110 or EAP 6111) is noted in their admission letter.
Students entering in the Fall semester have the option to arrive on campus early and take EAP in the Summer. This is a great opportunity for students to adapt to their new environment without the pressure of a full-time workload in the Fall. The Office of Summer Sessions provides an orientation and various events throughout the city during the summer. Students also have the option of living on campus during this time.
The EAP Program is also offering EAP 6110 and EAP 6111 online in summer.
Advanced English Studies Program (AES)
AES will not be offered in Summer 2021.
If the program permits, applicants for Fall admission with English-language test scores that are lower than the stated minimums may qualify for the full-time Advanced English Studies Program (AES). AES is designed for academically qualified international graduate students with TOEFL scores ranging from 74-79, with no individual score below 16, or an overall IELTS of 5.5, with no individual band score below 5.0. The AES program is offered only in the Summer (second session).
The program includes:
- 8 credits: two integrated skills courses (3 credits each) and two academic skills workshops (1 credit each)
- Weekly “Casual Conversation @ GW” session and Friday workshop series to support socialization into a U.S. academic community
- The cost is approximately $9,130 for 8 credits.
- Students who successfully complete the program matriculate into a graduate program in Fall semester, including either EAP 6110 or EAP 6111.
