English proficiency
If your native language is not English, you will be required to demonstrate that your English language skills are sufficient for you to undertake advanced academic work in an English-speaking institution.
Tests of English proficiency
Demonstrate English proficiency by providing either TOEFL or IELTS scores. Scores must meet minimum requirements for both the Graduate College and the academic department.
| Test | Minimum Scores Required for Admission | |
| 1. Graduate College | 2. Academic Department | |
| Paper-based TOEFL | 500 | Minimum score requirements vary by department. Most departments require scores higher than the Graduate College minimums. Refer to your department's program summary or website. |
| Computer-based TOEFL | 173 | |
| Internet-based TOEFL | 61 | |
| IELTS | 6.0 | |
To send your official TOEFL scores to us, go to the TOEFL website and follow the instructions for score reporting. The institution code for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is 6877. You can find a list of department codes in your TOEFL registration booklet or the department code list (PDF) on the TOEFL website.
TOEFL scores are valid for two years. If your scores are more than two years old, you may be required to retake the TOEFL.
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses
New non-native English speakers are scheduled for UNL's English Placement Examination (EPE) prior to first enrollment. If this pertains to you, you will receive information on the EPE at the time of admission and later when you arrive in Lincoln.
Exemptions
Exemptions from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement and the EPE requirement are granted for non-native speakers who have received a bachelor's or more advanced degree from a U.S. university or a university outside the U.S. at which English is the official language of instruction.
Intensive English Program
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The UNL Intensive English Program (IEP) welcomes students from all over the world who want to devote themselves full-time to learning English. Applications are encouraged from those who are seeking regular academic admission to UNL and feel that they are not yet ready to enroll in coursework with English as the medium of instruction. |
The IEP offers five 8-week sessions per year (25 hours per week) to students and their family members over 18 who hold high school or college diplomas. The program offers instruction at several levels of language proficiency. |
Students who place below the IEP's Advanced level (below TOEFL 500 or IELTS 6.0) may need more than one 8-week session to be prepared for academic work. Students who need TOEFL scores above 500 may need more than one 8-week session to meet their TOEFL requirements. |
Intensive English Program:
http://www.unl.edu/piesl
