International Students

If you have received an offer of admission without financial support, you must submit a Certification of Funds along with financial documentation before you can receive an official certificate of admission and eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019).

You must also show proof you can finance your first year of education and living expenses and provide a plan and sources for funding future years.

All international applicants must submit official documentation of English language proficiency. Accepted tests include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test, and scores must have been earned within the past two years.

For additional details regarding English proficiency examination requirements and I-20 financial documentation, please refer to the Additional Requirements for International Students.

Minimum Test Scores

• TOEFL*: 90 (old internet-based test); 4.5 (new 2026 internet-based test)
• IELTS**: 7.0 (Academic test minimum required overall band score)
• Duolingo: 120

*Submit results using Rutgers Institutional Code 2790; Rutgers does not use ETS department codes.

**IELTS results are delivered to receiving organizations by postal mail or electronic download.

For additional details regarding English proficiency examination requirements and I-20 financial documentation, please refer to the Additional Requirements for International Students.

Waiver for TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo

Some students may qualify for a waiver. TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo are not required for students who: 

• earned their bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university
• come from an English-speaking country with a minimum of three years of undergraduate education where the mode of instruction was English
• have taken an accredited English as a Second Language program or course.

Students will not receive a waiver until Rutgers Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions receives the applicant’s official transcript or certificate and can confirm that a degree was earned.

An official transcript evaluation must be completed by any member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services), such as WES (World Education Services). Refer to NACES for a full list of eligible evaluators.

International students must complete the requirements to legally study and reside in the United States. The International Student and Scholar Services office offers assistance and details on this process.

Maintaining & Regaining Legal Status