English Language Proficiency
English Language proficiency exams are required of all international students whose first language is not English. A list of acceptable tests and required minimum scores follows.
University minimum required scores:
- Internet based TOEFL (IBTOEFL): 80
- Paper based TOEFL (TOEFL): 550
- International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): 6.5
After Fall 2022, the following testing options will also be accepted:
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 55
- Michigan Language Assessment (MLA): 55
- Duolingo: 120
- Cambridge C1 Advanced Level or C2 Proficiency: 180
- FSU CIES: Successful completion of Level 8
Above are the minimum required scores by the university for admissions. Individual programs might have higher preferences.
These scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to the Office of Admissions from the testing agency and are not valid after two years.
International graduate applicants seeking teaching assistantships are required to pass the SPEAK test which evaluates the English-speaking ability of non-native speakers of English and is administered at Florida State. Students who receive a score of 26 or higher on the speaking section of the Internet-based TOEFL examination meet the University requirements to serve as a teaching assistant; however, some departments may still require that the student take the SPEAK test.
Required Academic Records
All transcripts/academic records that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations. To be considered “certified,” documents should be true copies that are signed and dated by an educational official familiar with academic records. Any translated record should be literal and not an interpretive translation. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted. If the transcript/academic record does not indicate the degree earned and date the degree was awarded, separate proof of degree is required.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: FSU now requires a course-by-course credential evaluation for Fall 2024 applicants and beyond that have degrees from a non-U.S. institution. International and domestic applicants with degrees earned from international institutions must submit their official transcripts through a NACES approved evaluator for transcripts from a non-U.S. institution. SpanTran has created a custom application for FSU that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. https://gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/international-admissions
- All transcripts/academic records that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
- To be considered “certified,” documents should be true copies that are signed and dated by an educational official familiar with academic records. Any translated record should be literal and not an interpretive translation. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted.
- If the transcript/academic record does not indicate the degree earned and date the degree was awarded, separate proof of degree is required.
The Office of Admissions is responsible for making the final certification of degree equivalency before processing the admission decision.
For information on International Admissions from the Office of Admissions website, click here.
International Transfer Credit
International transfer credit is awarded for coursework completed at an accredited (recognized) institution of higher learning. No credit is awarded for technical, vocational, or below-college-level coursework, or courses completed with grades below “D-.” An official course-by-course evaluation is required for all academic records from non-U.S. institutions. We recommend the evaluation be done by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.