International applicants to the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency as a condition of admission. This policy applies solely to international applicants who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders). U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents cannot be required to submit proof of English proficiency, regardless of their country of education or first language.
1. Exemptions
Applicants will qualify for a waiver of the English proficiency requirement if they meet any one of the following criteria:
1.1. Visa-Based Exemptions
The applicant is currently present in the United States on a valid work visa, such as an H-1B or L-1. For additional guidance, please contact UMSL International Admissions at intadmission@umsl.edu.
1.2. Academic Experience in English-Speaking Countries
The applicant has successfully completed at least 24 semester credit hours of academic coursework (excluding ESL courses) at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or in a UMSL-recognized English-speaking country (listed in Section 1.5).
Note: This exemption generally applies to undergraduate applicants. Graduate applicants should refer to Section 2 for additional requirements and limitations.
1.3. Completion of Intensive English Language Training
The applicant has completed Level 112 of intensive English instruction at an ELS Language Center.
1.4. Standardized Test Performance (First-Time College Students Only)
The applicant is applying to an undergraduate program and has earned one of the following scores:
- ACT composite score of 24 or higher
- SAT (redesigned) total score of 1160 or higher
- IB (International Baccalaureate) English HL score of 4 or higher
- GCSE or A-Level English (excluding ESL) grade of C or higher
1.5. Citizenship of a UMSL-Recognized English-Speaking Country
The applicant is a citizen of one of the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia (and Overseas Territories)
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Cook Islands
- Dominica
- Fiji
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia, Federated States
- Namibia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Palau
- Philippines
- Saint Kitts & Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uganda
- United Kingdom (and Overseas Territories)
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
2. Graduate Applicants
Graduate applicants seeking a waiver of the English language proficiency requirement based on prior academic experience must have graduated from a U.S. institution or a UMSL-recognized English-speaking country within the past two years to qualify for an automatic exemption. Applicants whose qualifying degree was awarded more than two years prior to the date of application must demonstrate that they have resided in an English-speaking country for at least two of the past three years. Applicants who do not meet either of these criteria are required to submit valid scores from an internationally recognized standardized English proficiency examination (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test) before an admission decision can be made.
2.1. Teaching Assistantships
Graduate teaching assistantships will be awarded only to applicants who demonstrate sufficient oral English proficiency. In general, international graduate students may not assume teaching responsibilities during their first semester of enrollment. All instructional personnel must meet the oral English proficiency standards set by the state of Missouri and university policy.
2.2. Exceptions in Extraordinary Circumstances
If an applicant is unable to take a required English proficiency examination due to extraordinary circumstances beyond personal convenience (e.g., conflict, natural disaster, or test center closure), the admitting academic program may propose an alternative method to assess the applicant’s English language ability.
All such alternatives must be clearly documented and approved by both the admitting department and the Graduate School prior to any offer of admission. Alternate methods will not be approved on the basis of cost, convenience, or personal preference. For more information, please contact UMSL International Admissions at intadmission@umsl.edu.
