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How to Apply

English Language Proficiency Requirements


Accepted scores

WVU accepts the following exams and minimum scores. WVU does not section or sub-score requirements for regular admission* when the overall or total score is met. 

WVU does not accept expired scores, scores we can’t verify, General IELTS, or institutional TOEFLs (TOEFL ITP).

Graduate programs may set higher score requirements that can be found by checking with the program contact in the graduate program database.

*Admission is based on overall scores; however, Graduate Teaching Assistants will need to demonstrate English speaking skills.


Qualifying exempt countries

If you have citizenship or a bachelor’s degree from one of the following countries then you do not need to submit scores to meet the English language proficiency requirement.


Tips for submitting scores and documents

In the WVU application, you can provide information that will let us know how you plan to meet the English proficiency requirement. Although some updates to English proficiency are automatic, others require manual review which may take approximately a week.

  • Students educated in qualifying countries – Upload your unofficial transcripts in the application when you report your educational history.

  • Citizens of qualifying countries – Report your citizenship in the application.

  • TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo test takers – Report your score verification with your application or through your applicant portal. If WVU can verify your scores, then you will not have to send official results. If there are problems verifying your scores, you will need to send scores directly from the testing agency.


Intensive English Program conditional admission 

WVU offers Intensive English Program (IEP) conditional admission consideration for many applicants. Not all applicants are eligible.

Admission to the WVU IEP does not guarantee admission to an academic program.

IEP courses may not be available during all terms.


How to apply for IEP conditional admission

In the WVU application, begin an application for your academic program. When you get to a question “Regarding WVU’s English language proficiency requirement,” please answer “I want to start in English language classes only." 


How to move from IEP conditional admission to regular admission

You must enroll in the WVU IEP until you submit one of the approved scores. After submitting an approved score, you may join classes the next available term. Some graduate programs don’t start during all terms, so you may need to return to your home country for some time. 

If you schedule a test to submit new scores to WVU, please schedule early. WVU cannot guarantee regular admission to the next term if we don’t receive the scores well ahead of the start of classes.


English proficiency for Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) eligibility 

English proficiency for admission is based on overall ability. International students who seek a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) may need to meet additional requirements regarding their spoken English skills.  

For details, please review English proficiency for GTAs provided by WVU’s Office of Global Affairs. 


Alternative English proficiency documentation 

Occasionally, an applicant may demonstrate English proficiency by means not listed on this page.  Applicants may submit a request for review of alternative English proficiency documentation. 

Examples of who should submit this form:

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