English Proficiency Requirements
General English Proficency Policy
-
Op5.09-4 English Proficiency
Reason or Purpose for Policy:
To assure that all applicants in a non-immigrant visa status have sufficient English proficiency to successfully complete their program of study.
Proof of proficiency in English is required for all applicants in a non-immigrant status, if their primary language is not English. Access a list of approved exempt countries. Applicants who have completed one or more years of full-time secondary or postsecondary study in the U.S. or a country where English is the primary language, or at any other accredited secondary or post-secondary institution where English is the primary language of instruction, may be exempt, at the discretion of the Office of International Services.
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum English proficiency level of CEFR B2 for undergraduate studies and CEFR B2+ for graduate studies.
English proficiency global examination options and corresponding minimum scores may be found at this link: 2023-09-06 MSU UG and Grad cut scores for English Proficiency Tests.docx.
h2>Line of authorityResponsible administrator and office:
(1) Director, Office of International Services
(2) Vice President for Community and Global PartnershipsEffective date
June 24, 2024
-
List of approved exempt countries
Antigua
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Botswana
British Virgin Islands
Canada
Cayman Islands
Gambia
Ghana
GrenadaGuyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Malawi
Mauritius
Nigeria
New Zealand
Philippines
Sierra Leone
St ChristopherSt Kitts
St Vincent
Swaziland
South Africa
Tanzania
Trinidad & Tobago
Uganda
United Kingdom
West Indies
Zambia
Zimbabwe -
Proof of English Proficiency must be uploaded directly to your application portal for evaluation purposes. Official proficiency scores must also be submitted through the testing portal using Missouri State University's school code 6665.
Scores must be obtained during the same testing session and presented on a single test report.
Details of Testing Options for Undergraduate Students
-
Proficiency Test
Score
Sub score requirements
61 and up
Scores of less than 15 on an individual band will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
5.5 and up
Scores of less than 5.0 on an individual sub score will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
95 and up
Scores of less than 90 on an individual sub score will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
(Online via MSU ELI test center)
162 and up
Scores of less than 154 on an individual sub score will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
62 and up
Scores of less than 60 on an individual sub score will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
For more details and testing options click here.
-
If you submit a High B1 English proficiency score and meet all other admission requirements, you will be admitted in full to the university, but will be required to enroll in prescribed course work for the first semester to ensure academic success. For prescribed courses information click here.
Proficiency Test
High B1 Score range
52-60
5.0
85-90
(Online via MSU ELI test center)
155-161
55-61
For more details and testing options click here.
Details of Testing Options for Graduate Students
-
Proficiency Test
Score
Sub score requirements
79 and up
Scores of less than 15 on an individual band will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
6.0 and up
Scores of less than 5.0 on an individual sub score will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
110 and up
Scores of less than 110 on an individual sub score will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
(Online via MSU ELI test center)
169 and up
Scores of less than 161 on an individual sub score will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
67 and up
Scores of less than 65 on an individual sub score will require enrollment in a corresponding LCR 297 or LCR 397 English language course during the first semester of study.
For more details and testing options click here.