Language Requirements & Admission Eligibility - The University of Tulsa
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Language Requirements & Admission Eligibility

English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students

Citizens of these countries do not need to provide proof of English proficiency.

  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Falkland Islands
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guernsey
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Jersey
  • Montserrat
  • New Zealand
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • South Africa
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos
  • United Kingdom

Applicants that have graduated from a US high school, college, or university do not need to provide proof of English proficiency.

The following minimum test scores meet The University of Tulsa Graduate School proficiency requirement. Exam scores are only valid for two years after the test date, and official scores must be sent directly to the university by the respective testing agency.

  • TOEFL – 80
  • IELTS – 6.0
  • Duolingo –  105
  • Pearson English International Test – 56

Specific programs may require higher scores on the tests listed above. The following graduate programs currently have the requirements listed below:

College of Arts & Sciences

Clinical Psychology – TOEFL (90), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo (110)
I/O Psychology – TOEFL (90), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo (110)

College of Business

All Business Programs – TOEFL (90), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo (110)

College of Engineering & Natural Sciences

Chemical Engineering – TOEFL (85), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo (110)
Geosciences – TOEFL (85), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo (110)

College of Health Sciences

All DNP Programs – TOEFL (90), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo (110)
Master of Athletic Training – TOEFL (90), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo (110)
Speech-Language Pathology Master’s Program – TOEFL (90), IELTS (6.5), Duolingo (110)

If an applicant has received a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English, the testing requirement in item 3 may be waived, upon petition, at the discretion of the Graduate Dean. To request consideration for a waiver, please email grad@utulsa.edu.

Admission Eligibility

  • Applicants must hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Applicants must meet any admission requirements set by the degree program in addition to those set by the Graduate School.
  • Applicants whose academic work has been superior are admitted upon the approval of the degree program and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Evaluation Criteria

  • GPA: A grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the undergraduate major is required, but requirements may vary among programs and may be higher than 3.0.
  • GRE or GMAT: Applicant must obtain a satisfactory score on the GRE General Test. Programs in the Collins College of Business do not require the GMAT or GRE exam, but submitting your scores may improve scholarship opportunities. Additionally, some programs may waive the GRE requirement. Speak to an advisor for more information or email grad@utulsa.edu.
  • Fitness of character may also be considered as part of the admission process.

International Applicants

  • International applicants must hold a degree comparable to a regionally accredited U.S. bachelor’s degree and must have a record of strong academic performance comparable to a “B” or above average grades.
  • Applicants for whom English is not their first language must take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exam and have an official copy of their results sent to The University of Tulsa Graduate School. For more information on English language requirements, please review TU’s language proficiency policy above.
  • Applicants must submit a certified letter of financial support or a certified Confirmation of Financial Resources form.
  • Applicants must submit to the Graduate School a copy of the personal data page from their passport before an I-20 can be issued.

After all application materials have been received, two to three weeks are normally required to process an application. International students who require visas should allow at least four months for completed processing of all paperwork.

Applications and transcripts will be held on file, and admission decisions will be valid for one calendar year.