English Proficiency Requirements

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Academic success at the University of Miami depends on one’s ability to communicate effectively in English. Students can prove their language proficiency as outlined below.

Submit official test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET). Official results from the TOEFL ibT Home Edition are acceptable. We do not accept TOEFL Essentials results.

  • TOEFL Code: C730
  • IELTS Code: 4861
  • DET: select “University of Miami Undergraduate Admissions” from the options

For non-native English speakers submitting the TOEFL or IELTS, competitive applicants generally score above the following:

  • 80 on the internet-based TOEFL, including Paper Edition and Home Edition
  • 6.5 on the IELTS
  • 125 on the DET

TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo exams are valid for two years from the date of the original exam. If your scores are more than two years old, you will need to take a new exam to be considered for admission.

Results from the November test (for Early Decision I and Early Action) or the January test (for Early Decision II and Regular Decision) may not arrive in time for the Admission Committee’s consideration. Be sure to include UM's CEEB code on all test registrations.

Academically qualified applicants for undergraduate admission who do not meet the English proficiency requirement may be offered admission for the following year provided that they complete level five of the University of Miami Intensive English Program within one year. To be considered, applicants must submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo results during the application process.

Waiving English Language Proficiency Requirements               

If English is not your native language, the English proficiency requirement may be waived if you meet one of the following conditions:

  • Obtained a final grade of A or B in an Advanced Placement (AP) or Higher level (HL) International Baccalaureate (IB) English
  • Attended at least three years (including the graduation year) at a high school in the United States
  • Successfully completed Level 5 of the University of Miami's Intensive English Program (IEP)
  • IB English A1 Standard level (SL) or HL examination with a predicted score of 4 or higher
  • IB English B HL examination with a predicted score of 5 or higher.
  • Grade of C or better on the IGCSE/GCE “O” or “A” Level in English as a first language
  • Attended a high school outside the United States for at least three years in which the medium of instruction is English
  • Obtained a score of 650 or higher on the redesigned SAT evidence-based reading and writing section (administered beginning in 2016)*
  • Obtained a score of 27 or higher on the ACT English section*
  • Earned 30 or more post-secondary credits (including 6 credits in English Composition with a grade of B or higher) at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States

*Must submit official scores directly from the testing center (no self-reported)

Applicants can find and submit the English Proficiency Waiver Request Form in their Applicant Portal under "Admission Request Forms." Students who do not meet any of the waiver criteria must submit official TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo test scores.