English proficiency
The University of Minnesota requires all non-native English speaking students to demonstrate sufficient command of the English language necessary to succeed in college level classes taught in English.
Do I need to take an English proficiency test?
If you are a non-native speaker of English, and you have lived in the United States for less then 8 years, you may be required to submit the results of an English language test. Also, if you have taken the ACT exam and scored 17 or lower on the English OR reading section (or SAT critical reading [verbal] score of 420 or lower), you will be asked to submit scores from an English language test.
The University of Minnesota accepts the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).
What score do I need to receive to be considered for admission?
Most undergraduate programs at the University of Minnesota require a specific minimum score (see the chart below). Some undergraduate programs may admit students with lower scores, but will require an additional test prior to registration. The results of this test will determine if any additional English courses will be required. Some programs in the health sciences require higher scores.
| Test | Minimum score |
| Computer-based TOEFL | 213 |
| Internet-based TOEFL | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| MELAB | 80 |
An official report of the TOEFL, MELAB, or IELTS scores should be sent to the Office of Admissions. Our TOEFL institutional code is 6874.
How do I register for the MELAB, TOEFL, or IELTS?
MELAB
The MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) is offered on the University of Minnesota campus. The standard cost for the exam is $80. Testing is paper-based and occurs approximately once a month throughout the year. To register for the MELAB, fill out the registration form found at http://www.ucs.umn.edu/education/testing/melab.htm.
Mail your registration form, along with a check or money order made out to the University of Minnesota for $80, to:
MELAB
109 Eddy Hall
192 Pillsbury Drive SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-626-0444
For more information about the MELAB, please contact:
MELAB
http://www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/melab.htm
English Language Institute
MELAB Office, TCF Building
University of Michigan
401 E. Liberty, Suite 350
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2298
1-866-696-3522
TOEFL
For the most up-to-date information on the Internet-based TOEFL, or for test registration information, please go to http://www.ets.org/TOEFL. This test is given on the U of M campus. Call 612-624-5520 for information. The test is offered 1-2 times per month.
The test is also offered at Prometric Test Centers in Edina and Woodbury (952-820-5010). High school counselors can help students apply for a reduced fee of $75. For details, please visit http://www.ets.org/toefl/. The standard cost is $150.
For more information about the TOEFL, please contact:
http://www.ets.org/toefl/
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 899
Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 USA
Inside the U.S. and Canada: 1-877-863-3546
Outside the U.S. and Canada: 1-609-771-7100
IELTS
For registration information on the IELTS, please contact:
http://www.ceii.org/
100 East Corson St., Suite 200
Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
626-564-2954
What if my English proficiency score does not meet the requirements?
Students who are otherwise eligible for admission to the Access to Success program in the College of Education & Human Development may study English through the Commanding English program. International students on visas are not eligible for this program. For more information, visit http://cehd.umn.edu/PSTL/programs/ce.
Is English instruction available for international students?
The University of Minnesota has an intensive English program for international students wishing to improve English skills before applying for admission to the University. Students who take English as a second language courses at the University of Minnesota have access to the University's many resources and facilities. Classes are small, instructors are highly qualified, and students will receive advising and support services for international students. The University accepts the recommendation of this program for admission to University, so current students in the program can apply to the University without having to take a MELAB, IELTS, or TOEFL test again.
To find out more about the English as a Second Language program, visit: http://www.cce.umn.edu/esl or contact 612-624-4000 or esl@cce.umn.edu.
Minnesota ESL Program
University of Minnesota
College of Continuing Education
101 Wesbrook Hall
77 Pleasant Street S.E.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Once your English proficiency is adequate, we invite you to apply for the next available term and send us a new English proficiency score. If you would like to be considered for the next available term, please contact us as soon as possible.
What is Commanding English?
Commanding English is a freshman program at the U of M for students who are non-native speakers of English. The program is designed to help students build academic English skills while taking a sequence of typical Access to Success program courses, including: freshman writing, speech, literature, and reading courses connected to biology, sociology, and anthropology. All courses offer college credit and fulfill U of M requirements. For more information regarding the Commanding English program, contact 612-625-3514 or http://cehd.umn.edu/PSTL/programs/ce.
