International Applicants

The application process for international applicants is very similar to the process for domestic applicants. However, international applicants are required to show English proficiency to be admitted and a minimum amount of financial support to be issued immigration documents.

Language Requirements

All International applicants are required to submit the results of an accepted test as evidence of English proficiency, unless they qualify for an exemption (see Exemptions below). Please note that applicants who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents of the U.S. may be required to show proof of English language proficiency.

As proof English language proficiency, the Graduate School accepts scores from one of the following testing services:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)*
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS – Academic) | IELTS One Skill Retake
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE)
• Cambridge English Tests (B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency)
• Duolingo English Test

*Note: Institutional TOEFL (TOEFL ITP) results from schools or institutions other than the University of Missouri are not acceptable. Additionally, the University of Missouri does not accept MyBest TOEFL scores, only regular TOEFL IBT Scaled Scores.

Minimum English Proficiency Test Scores

Applicants who are required to provide examination result must earn a minimum total score as well as subsection scores on one of the English proficiency tests listed below. English proficiency test scores are considered valid for two years beyond the test date.

Required scores may vary by academic program. Some academic programs require test scores that are higher than the minimum university requirements. Select the test type below to view a list of academic programs requiring higher test scores with their minimum scores.

Sending Test Scores

• TOEFL: To send TOEFL exam results to Mizzou, use the Educational Testing Services (ETS) institutional code 6875. No departmental code is required.
• IELTS: Electronic delivery via the IELTS Results Service is preferred. All IELTS test centers worldwide are able to send scores electronically to our institution. Please contact the test center directly where you took the IELTS test and request that your test scores be sent via E-Delivery. When requesting your scores, account name: University of Missouri- Columbia, Graduate Admissions.
• PTE: Have your scores sent electronically to the University of Missouri, Columbia via your PTE account. Instructions for sending your score are available on the PTE website.
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: Upload an official copy of your test score report including your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number to the Tests section of your online application.
• Duolingo English Test: When registering for the exam, choose University of Missouri (Mizzou) – Graduate School Admissions to share your results with the Graduate School.

Exemptions

International applicants are exempt from the English proficiency requirement for admission if they meet one of the requirements below:

• Are a citizen or legal resident of a recognized English-speaking country.
• Hold a degree from an institution in a recognized English-speaking country.
• Have been enrolled in coursework for at least two years in a recognized English-speaking country.

Each graduate program reserves the right to require an applicant to submit an English proficiency test score regardless of the previous educational experience. Please check with your academic program about requirements.

Recognized English-speaking Countries

The Gradaute School reserves the right to require proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, if deemed necessary by a university official.

Special Cases for Waivers

On occasion, academic programs may feel applicants who do not meet the minimum total score requirement or have a subsection score below the minimum deserve consideration. Academic programs may request a waiver for such cases by justifying or explaining why this score will not impede the progress or success of the student in that program; special consideration should be given to speaking and listening scores if programs anticipate the student will be funded through a teaching assistantship. Instructions for submitting a waiver request are described below. Please consult your academic program to determine if the program is willing to request a waiver for your case to the Graduate School.

Waiver Request Instructions

Waiver requests should be addressed to the Dean of the Graduate School but sent either to the appropriate admissions advisor (per alpha-divisions) or to Terrence Grus (Assistant Dean for Graduate Enrollment Management). They will present these requests to the Dean of the Graduate School, who will make the final decision as to whether the waiver will be granted. Some are approved, but many are not. If the waiver request is not approved, then the applicant will be required to take the English proficiency test (or retake the test) and submit their qualifying score to the Graduate Admissions Office prior to their admission.

Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Instructors

All graduate students who assume any teaching role in a classroom or lab and are non-native English speakers must speak well enough to effectively communicate in the classroom as required by state law and University policy.
Please note that all English proficiency requirements and exemptions listed above are for admission purposes only. All international graduate students who assume any teaching role in a classroom or lab must 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 teaching assistantship or graduate instructorship, you must undergo additional English-language evaluation through the Teaching Assistant Instructional and Language Support (TAILS) program. This evaluation happens after the admission process and will affect your ability to teach on the Mizzou campus.

Financial Documentation

Proof of Financial Support

International students enrolled in on-campus programs are required to prove 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 proof of financial support must show enough funding to cover the first academic year at Mizzou.

The MU International Center gives more information about Expenses and Financial Documentation.

Please be aware that the submission of the Affidavit of Support and/or financial documentation is not a requirement for the initial review process.

Note: International students enrolled in online programs do not have to show proof of support and are not issued immigration documents.

Immigration Documents

The Graduate School issues the majority of immigration documents for new MU international graduate students seeking a new student visa. After official admission to the University, international applicants will be asked to complete an enrollment form in the application system. Applicants who intend to enroll at MU will be prompted to provide more information about immigration status and document needs on the enrollment form. Contact gradadmin@missouri.edu with questions.

New MU graduate students holding an active student visa and immigration documents from another U.S. institution will work with MU International Center to transfer you immigration documents.