Graduate Degree Program Application Instructions for International Students

The process for all new graduate applicants, whether they come from near or far, is basically the same. See our main prospective graduate students page for information about graduate school, the campus and the community. However, there are a few additional application requirements for students who are not U.S. citizens.

• Beginning the Process
  • Please check your eligibility for admission to make sure your application can be considered.
  • Follow the instructions for all degree-seeking applicants.
  • Provide proof of English-language ability (jump to the entry below).
• If Your Academic Program of Choice Recommends You for Admission
  • Provide proof of financial resources (jump to the entry below).
  • Refer to the International Center’s resources for admitted students.

Transferring from Another U.S. School

F-1 and J-1 students should apply for transfer (PDF) from another United States school to Mizzou. Refer to the instructions from the Mizzou International Center for more help with the form.

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English-Language Ability

All non-native English-speaking applicants are required to provide proof of English language ability. As proof, the University of Missouri Graduate School accepts scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years beyond the test date. Required scores vary by academic program.

Students who cannot meet the language proficiency requirement can enroll in the Intensive English Program at Mizzou, which is designed to provide individuals as quickly as possible with the English-language skills necessary to successfully study for an academic degree at a college or university in the United States. Ask the director of graduate study in your degree program of interest about this option.

Exceptions: Areas Where English is a Primary Language

Applicants from the following native English-speaking countries are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• British Caribbean Islands
• Canada (except French-speaking areas)
• Ireland
• Israel
• United Kingdom
• Kenya

Minimum Scores Required by the Graduate School and Academic Programs

The minimum total TOEFL scores for graduate admission to MU are 500 (paper-based test), 173 (computer-based test) or 61 (Internet-based test). The minimum total academic IELTS score for graduate admission to MU is 5.5. Please note that these are campuswide minimum scores; individual programs of study may require significantly higher scores for acceptance to particular graduate programs, and these requirements supersede the Graduate School’s minimum.

Language Proficiency Test Waiver Policy

If the non-native English-speaking applicant has successfully completed one year of full-time post-secondary (college-level) study in a country where English is the native language within the past two years, then TOEFL or IELTS scores may be waived. One year of full-time enrollment is defined as completing the equivalent of at least 24 credit hours over 2 semesters at the undergraduate level or 18 credit hours over 2 semesters at the graduate level. English as a second language, intensive English, and/or remedial English courses cannot be included in the credit hour count.

Please note that although an applicant might have fulfilled the above conditions for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver for admission by the Graduate School, each graduate program reserves the right to require an applicant to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. Please check with your academic program of interest for the program’s TOEFL/IELTS requirements.

Language Requirement for Teaching Assistants and Graduate Instructors

If your degree program has offered you a financial package that includes a teaching assistantship or graduate instructorship, you will undergo additional English-language evaluation through the International Teaching Assistant Program. This evaluation happens after the admission process and will affect your ability to teach on the Mizzou campus. The International Teaching Assistant Program staff provides courses and one-on-one sessions focusing on the necessary English-language and teaching skills for those who do not pass the initial evaluation.

Showing Us Your Financial Support

International applicants are required to complete the Affidavit of Support (PDF) or provide a letter of support from a University of Missouri graduate degree program before immigration documents can be issued. See the International Center’s estimated expenses charts to get an idea of the cost of attending Mizzou.