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If you’re unsure whether you meet these criteria, contact your admissions counselor for guidance.
To meet MSU’s English proficiency requirement, you must show that you're prepared to succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. You can do this by submitting either qualifying test scores or transcripts from a U.S. high school or university.
Graduate applicants: These requirements apply to undergraduate students only. Graduate applicants should consult MSU's Graduate School for their English language requirements.
You can meet MSU's English language requirement by submitting qualifying scores from one of MSU’s accepted proficiency tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, Duolingo English Test and others.
MSU allows most English proficiency test scores to be self-reported on your application. However, if you’re admitted with self-reported test scores, you will be required to submit official test scores prior to enrollment. After submitting your application, any updates to test scores must be sent through the testing agency.
Check the full list of accepted tests and minimum score requirements.
You may meet MSU’s English language requirement if you have completed three consecutive years of full-time high school in the United States, starting in ninth grade, with a 3.0 or higher GPA and no English language learning classes listed on your transcript.
Note: Official transcripts must be sent directly to MSU by your high school.
Note: Official transcripts must be sent directly to MSU by your university. Additionally, if you’ve recently been enrolled in any English language learning courses, you’ll still need to submit another form of English proficiency. If you have any questions, reach out to your MSU admissions counselor.
MSU accepts the following tests as proof of English language proficiency. See the test details below for the minimum scores required for regular and provisional admission.
You can self-report your test scores in your application unless otherwise noted. If you're admitted, official scores must be sent before you enroll. Any score updates must come directly from the testing agency.
TOEFL iBT is the world’s most trusted and accepted English proficiency test to demonstrate your academic readiness. Take it at home or in a test center in less than two hours. Register for the TOEFL to begin realizing your dreams to study, work and live abroad.
Note: We accept TOEFL iBT Home Edition scores, but we don’t accept TOEFL MyBest superscores. You can self-report your test scores when you apply. If you send official scores, ask the testing agency to send them directly to MSU using our TOEFL code: 1465
Regular admission: Score of 6.5 or higher
Provisional admission: Score of 6.0
Regular admission: Score of 6.5 or higher
Provisional admission: Score of 6.0
Regular admission: Score of 110 or higher
Provisional admission: Score of 95-105
MSU is test optional, so you don’t need to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarships. However, SAT or ACT results can still be used to meet English language proficiency requirements. Learn more about test optional.
Regular admission: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 510 or higher on an exam in which the composite score is 1110 or higher
Note: You can self-report your test scores when you apply. If you send official scores, ask the testing agency to send them directly to MSU using our SAT code: 1465.
MSU is test optional, so you don’t need to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarships. However, SAT or ACT results can still be used to meet English language proficiency requirements. Learn more about test optional.
Regular admission: subscore of 18 or higher on the English section on an exam in which the composite score is 23 or higher
Note: You can self-report your test scores when you apply. If you send official scores, ask the testing agency to send them directly to MSU using our ACT code: 2032
Regular admission: Average score of at least 80 with no subscore below 80, OR Average score of at least 85 with no subscore below 78
Provisional admission: Average score of 65-79
Regular admission: Score of 4 or higher
Regular admission: Score of 65 with no subscore below 15
Regular admission (undergraduate): Minimum score of 53; minimum subscore requirement of 48
Provisional admission (undergraduate): Average overall score of at least 46
Note: To be considered proof of English language proficiency, certified official copies of the original exam results must be sent to us directly from your school or the testing agency. Results noted on the transcript are not sufficient.
Completion of Singapore O-level or A-level exams with a B or higher in English Language, English Literature, or Literature in English.
Note: To be considered proof of English language proficiency, certified official copies of the original exam results must be sent to us directly from your school or the testing agency. Results noted on the transcript are not sufficient.
Completion of International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Higher or Standard Level exams with a 5 or higher in English A: Literature or English A: Language and Literature.
Note: To be considered proof of English language proficiency, certified official copies of the original exam results must be sent to us directly from your school or the testing agency. Results noted on the transcript are not sufficient.
If you're admitted on provisional status, you'll need to take the MSU English Language Test (MSUELT) when you arrive on campus. This test helps determine whether you're ready to take full academic courses, or if you’ll benefit from additional English language support. You’ll get details about how to register for the MSUELT before arriving at MSU.
If you submit a new test score that meets MSU’s English proficiency requirement before the semester begins, we’ll update your admission to regular status. If MSU has already issued your I-20, a new one won’t be issued until after you arrive on campus.
While you're provisionally admitted, you're still considered an undergraduate student in your intended major. You’ll live on campus, take part in student life, and have full access to MSU’s resources and support services.
Visit the OISS website to learn more about arriving as a provisionally admitted student.
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