English Proficiency Requirements

Truman State University requires all international students to demonstrate English proficiency prior to being fully accepted and enrolled in classes. The following is a list of ways that this requirement can be met. Please connect with our admissions team if you have additional questions about this requirement.

Option One: Send Test Scores

For full admission, please contact the testing agency that holds your scores and have them delivered directly to International Admissions at Truman State University. Please note that scores must be from the last five years.

Test or MeasureMinimum Requirement
TOEFL (iBT)79
IELTS
6.0
Duolingo110
PTE Academic53
SAT Reading and Writing
450
ACT Reading and English
22
IB (HL or SL): English A
5
WASSCE: English Language*
C6 or higher
IGCSE/GCE: English Lit. or Lang.B or higher
TOEFL Essentials8.0
TOEFL (CBT)
213
TOEFL (PBT)
550
iTEP
3.8
MET (Formerly MELAB)
53 (=MELAB 79)
CSEC (CXC) or CAPE: English
1 or 2
STEP EIKEN
1 or Pre-1

Option Two: Transfer English Composition Credits from a U.S. University

If you have taken English composition courses at a U.S. university, transferring English Composition I with an A grade OR English Composition II with a B grade or higher will automatically satisfy the English proficiency requirement once we receive the official copies of your transcripts.

Option Three: Apply Conditionally and Complete an ESL Program

If you are unable to satisfy one of the requirements listed above, you may apply as a conditional applicant and complete an approved ESL program in the United States prior to enrolling at Truman State University. Conditional students must complete Level 9 ESL certification at The Language Company on Truman’s campus or an approved, equivalent English certification from other approved ESL programs in the United States. If you are interested in another ESL program, we recommend that you contact our office in advance to have your plans pre-approved.

Option Four: Apply for a Waiver

All U.S. citizens are exempt from meeting the English proficiency requirement. Additionally, if the majority of your secondary schooling took place in one of the native English-speaking countries below, you can request a waiver for the English proficiency requirement in your Truman Application. Once your application has been received, a member of our international admissions team will confirm your eligibility for the waiver and apply this change to your checklist in your Student Portal.

AntiguaDominicaSt. Kitts and Nevis
AustraliaGrenadaSt. Lucia
The BahamasGuyanaSt. Vincent and the Grenadines
BarbadosIrelandTrinidad and Tobago
BelizeJamaicaUnited Kingdom
CanadaNew ZealandUnited States