English Proficiency
If your native language is not English, you will be required to demonstrate your ability to undertake advanced academic work in an English-speaking institution through English language proficiency tests such as the TOEFL, the IELTS, and UNL's English Placement Exam (EPE).
Exemptions
Exemptions for the English proficiency requirement are granted for non-native speakers who have received a bachelor's or more advanced degree either from a U.S. institution or from a university outside the U.S. at which English is the official language of instruction.TOEFL and IELTS
When applying to graduate programs, English proficiency is demonstrated by providing either TOEFL or IELTS scores. Scores must meet minimum requirements for both Graduate Studies and the student's intended academic department.| Test | Minimum Scores Required for Admission | |
| 1. Graduate Studies | 2. Academic Department | |
| Paper TOEFL | 500 | Minimum score requirements vary by department. Most departments require scores higher than Graduate Studies minimums. Refer to your department's program summary or website. |
| Internet TOEFL | 61 | |
| IELTS | 6.0 | |
Send your official TOEFL scores to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln by going to the TOEFL website and following the instructions for score reporting. The institution code for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is 6877.
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 Placement Exam (EPE)
New non-native English speakers are required to take UNL's English Placement Exam (EPE) at the beginning of the academic term before starting a graduate program. Students will receive EPE information with their admission documents and are encouraged to register online for a scheduled time to take the EPE upon arrival in Lincoln. Based on the English Placement Exam score, students may need to register for one of three English courses to further develop skills of speaking, pronunciation, and writing.Intensive English Program (IEP)
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 Nebraska 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. In addition, students who need TOEFL scores above 500 may need more than one 8-week session to meet their TOEFL requirements.
