English Language Proficiency

If your native language or language of instruction is not English, or if you are not from one of the exempted countries, you must show demonstrated English proficiency by achieving one of the following scores:

• Duolingo: 105
• IELTS Academic: 5.5
• TOEFL iBT: 79 / 4.0 (for tests taken after January 21, 2026)
• Pearson Test of Academic English: 53 PTE Academic, PTE Academic Online, or Pearson English Express Test
• SAT: 540 sub-score in Evidence Based Reading & Writing
• ACT: 21 sub-scores in both English and reading
• MELP (Minnesota English Language Program): Completion of all Level 3: Advanced ESL classes in the Intensive English Program with an S grade

Test scores are considered official if sent to the University of Minnesota Morris directly from the testing service. Students should contact the testing service and ask that their scores be sent directly to the University of Minnesota Morris. Scores provided by an applicant are not considered official and will not be accepted.

Students who have enrolled in and completed accelerated English coursework such as AP English, A-level English or IB English Language and Literature within or outside of the United States may be exempted from providing an English proficiency test.

• You are considered an international student if you are not a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or refugee, and you will require any type of visa to study in the United States or you are currently on a temporary visa.
• The University of Minnesota Morris requires all non-native English speakers to demonstrate a command of the English language that is necessary for success in college-level classes taught in English. If English is not your native language, please take one of the following exams and have your scores sent to us: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, Duolingo, ACT, or SAT. For UMN Morris, the ACT code is 2155, the SAT code is 6890, and the TOEFL code is 6890.
• The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample, which are shared with the University of Minnesota Morris when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session.
• Pearson English Express is an online English proficiency test that can be taken securely from home. The test lasts about one hour. Results are available within minutes, and certified scores are provided within 48 hours. The test uses both computer and mobile device checks to ensure identity and test integrity.
• Students enrolled in the Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) Intensive English Program (IEP) may use their grades or End of Term Assessment (ETA) scores in lieu of other English proficiency test results. This is for students who are applying for degree admission while enrolled in MELP. Students who leave the program and apply for admission for a later term may need to submit other evidence of English proficiency.

If you are near or below this requirement or have semesters below this benchmark, you will be considered individually.