Language Requirements for ESL Students 2024-2025 - English Proficiency Tests and Exemptions

Aug 29, 2026

Language requirements outline the English proficiency expectations for ESL applicants to the School of Nursing for the 2024–2025 period. Admission consideration requires evidence of adequate English ability unless an approved exemption applies. Acceptable evidence can be provided through Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC with specified minimum scores, including speaking thresholds where relevant. Exemption is available for applicants who completed and graduated from an accredited high school in designated English-speaking countries.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

English proficiency requirement overview

When evidence is required and where to confirm

Acceptable English tests and minimum scores

Exemption for approved native English-speaking countries

Language Requirements for ESL Students 2024-2025 English as a Second Language Applicants English is the language of instruction and examination in the School of Nursing. Success in our degree program requires a high level of English language proficiency. If English is not your first language (i.e., is not the first language you learned at home as a child) OR (i.e., students for whom English is a second language regardless of resident status), you will need to provide evidence of adequate English proficiency for admission consideration, unless you qualify for an exemption, as shown below. Tests/Qualifications That Provide Acceptable Evidence of English Proficiency If you are required to present evidence of English language proficiency, you can satisfy the requirement by completing one of the tests/qualifications listed below with acceptable results. If you are unsure as to whether you are required to submit evidence of English proficiency, contact the School of Nursing or the University Admissions office for more information. Duolingo English Test-In order to meet SNU School of Nursing language requirements, international students must earn a minimum overall Duolingo English Test score of 105. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) -In order to meet SNU School of Nursing language requirements, international students must earn a minimum TOEFL score of 83, with a minimum score of 26 or above in the speaking section. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) -In order to meet SNU School of Nursing language requirements, international students must earn a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 7.0 in the speaking section. Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) -In order to meet the SNU School of Nursing language requirements, international students must earn a minimum score of 724 in listening and reading and a minimum score of 140 in speaking and writing. Exemption for Approved Native English-Speaking Countries-The School of Nursing defines an individual who has successfully completed the requirements for all four years of, and graduated from, an accredited high school in an approved English-speaking country as being a "first language" or "native"user of English. Such individuals do not need to be certified for English capacity. For more information, please contact the SNU School of Nursing.

FAQs

Who must provide evidence of English proficiency for admission consideration?

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of adequate English proficiency unless they qualify for an exemption.

What minimum Duolingo English Test score is required?

International students must earn a minimum overall Duolingo English Test score of 105.

Are there exemptions to the English proficiency certification requirement?

Yes. Applicants who completed all four years of an accredited high school in an approved English-speaking country and graduated are considered native English users and do not need to be certified for English capacity.

Aug 29, 2026

Uploaded by Caleb Sterling