Graduate School

Requirements

The Graduate School has additional requirements for internation applicants.

• English proficiency
• Financial support documentation
• Additional documents for some programs

Applying for admission

All MU graduate student applicants must apply to both a degree program and the Graduate School.

• General application instructions
• International transfer instructions

Proof of financial support

International students attending American universities must show proof that they can financially support themselves while living in the United States. Mizzou 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. The MU International Center gives more information about:

• Financial documentation
• Estimated expenses

Language requirements

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.

Non-native English speakers must score a 500 on the paper-based TOEFL or 61 on the Internet-based test and the IELTS must be a 5.5 or higher. Native English speakers are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

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

English-language development resources are available at Mizzou and in the local community. Explore the options »

Teaching assistants and graduate instructors

All teaching assistants, research assistants, graduate instructors and postdoctoral fellows who are non-native speakers of English speak well enough to effectively communicate in the classroom as required by state law and university policy. If your degree program has offered you a financial package that includes a teaching assistantship or graduate instructorship, you must undergo additional English-language evaluation. This evaluation happens after the admission process and will affect your ability to teach on the Mizzou campus. Learn more through the International Teaching Assistant Program »

Language requirement exceptions: Areas where English is a primary language

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

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

Language proficiency test waiver

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. Each graduate program reserves the right to require an applicant to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. Please check with your academic program about requirements.