English Proficiency for International Students

 

Students whose native language is not English must provide verification of English proficiency, by either submitting the results of a standardized test or by submitting a Statement of Understanding. APUS accepts the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Version for the purpose of meeting the English language requirement.

Who is exempt from the English Proficiency Requirement?

The following students do not need to provide additional documentation for the English Proficiency Requirement (EPR).

  • U. S. Citizens
  • Citizens of the following countries:
    • Anguilla
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Australia
    • Bahamas
    • Bermuda
    • British Virgin Islands
    • Canada
    • Falkland Islands
    • Grenada
    • Ireland
    • Jamaica
    • New Zealand
    • Puerto Rico
    • St. Kitts and Nevis
    • St. Lucia
    • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
    • Trinidad and Tobago
    • Turks & Caicos Islands
    • United Kingdom
  • Students who attended the PHD Institute in Israel - EPR will be waived once the official transcript from the PHD Institute is received.
  • Students who are pursuing a non-degree seeking program and are enrolled as an Undergraduate or Graduate Courses for Transfer student.

NOTE: All university students, including the following, are expected to adhere by current admissions requirements. We reserve the right to request additional documentation if deemed necessary for admission purposes.

What documentation do I need to provide if I am not exempt from the English Proficiency Requirement?

You must submit one of the following to verify English proficiency:

  • Submit a copy of your results from TOEFL or IELTS testing with scores that meet the admission requirements.
  • Sign and submit the Statement of Understanding form that self certifies your English proficiency, agreeing to the conditions of the form and requesting to have the requirement waived.

Where can I get a copy of the Statement of Understanding (SOU)?

You may contact us at international@apus.edu. 

Where do I need to send my signed SOU or my TOEFL/IELTS test scores to fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement?

Please include your full name and student ID in all faxes and e-mails.

What test scores do I need on my TOEFL or IELTS to fulfill the English Proficiency Requirement?

TOEFL Minimum Score Requirements:

English Proficiency Test

Minimum Score Accepted for Undergraduate

Minimum Score Accepted for Graduate

TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test)

520 with TWE of 4.0

550 with TWE of 4.5

TOEFL CBT (Computer-Based Test)
No longer offered after September, 30, 2006

190

213

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test)
Started 2005

Reading = 21

Writing = 23

Speaking = 10

Listening = 14

Reading = 24

Writing = 27

Speaking = 14

Listening = 14

IELTS Minimum Score Requirements:

English Proficiency Test

Minimum Score Accepted for Undergraduate

Minimum Score Accepted for Graduate

IELTS Academic

6.0

6.5

IELTS General Training

not accepted

not accepted

If I sign the SOU or submit my TOEFL/IELTS test scores, do I still need to send any transcripts?

Undergraduate:

If you are an undergraduate student with no previous college credit, or if you are a non-degree seeking student, we will not need any transcripts.

If you are an undergraduate student with previous college credit and you have not earned a bachelor’s degree or above yet, we do need official transcripts sent from all previous institutions and a TCE Application for transfer credit review. If the course work was completed at an institution not accredited by a U.S.-recognized body, you will need to have a course by course evaluation completed by an international education agency. Please e-mail international@apus.edu for more information.

Graduate:

If you are a graduate student, we still need an official transcript of your conferred bachelor’s degree or higher. If the degree was conferred by an institution not accredited by a U.S.-recognized body, you will need to have a degree-only verification evaluation completed by an international education agency. Please e-mail international@apus.edu for more information.

Accepted Organizations for Evaluation of International Credentials

We will accept international transcript evaluation reports from agencies belonging to any of these organizations:

  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, Office of International Education Services (AACRAO-OIES) is the national professional association for university registrars and admissions staffs. It provides credential evaluation services to institutions and individuals.
  • Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE) is a California-based organization of credential evaluating services and consultants.
  • National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is an association representing private credential evaluation services. Its web site maintains direct links and contact information for all member services.

NOTE: Because membership may change throughout the year, applicants with a non-U.S. transcript(s) requiring evaluation should visit the organizations’ websites to see the most current information. The student is responsible for contacting the agency directly for procedure and fee information.

For additional information please e-mail us at international@apus.edu. Please remember to include your full name and student ID.

 

American Public University System, American Public University and American Military University are not affiliated with American University.

American Public University System (APUS) is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council.

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