International Student and Scholar Services
Six WMU students sit at a conference table and converse.

English Proficiency

International students must demonstrate English proficiency to enter a degree-seeking program at Western Michigan University. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements to begin academic coursework may begin in the WMU Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS).

Four international students pose with "w" hands at international student orientation

Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS)

Learn More About English Language Learning
WMU international student holds up a 'W' with his hands with Buster Bronco at international student orientation.

English Proficiency Requirements for Undergraduate Students

English Requirements for Undergraduate Students
Two international students hold flags of countries they are from in front of a WMU wall at international student orientation.

English Proficiency Requirements for Graduate Students

English Requirements for Graduate Students

English Proficiency Requirements

Undergraduate students may demonstrate English language proficiency through educational qualifications or examination scores. Tests must be taken within two years of your application submission.

Western Michigan University accepts a variety of English language tests or education credentials to show proficiency. Graduate student requirements are presented in the chart.
Test or MethodMinimum Score/Requirement (Most Programs)Aviation Flight Science Minimum
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)-WMU Institutional Code: 19027191
TOEFL Essentials79
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic6.07.0
Pearson Test of English, Academic Module (PTE) and Pearson English Express Test4864
Duolingo100115
Michigan English Test (MET)4864
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW)500560
International Baccalaureate (IB)Grade of 5 in English (Higher Level)Same
General Certificate of Education (IGCSE)Grade of A, B or C in EnglishSame
Cambridge Advanced English CertificateGrade of A, B or CSame
English Language Services (ELS)Successful completion of Level 112Same
Secondary or University Education from select countries4 years of upper secondary or 1 year tertiary (university-level) educationSame
WMU Pathway II or the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students at WMUSuccessful completionSame
WMU DegreeCompleted WMU degreeSame

Graduate students may demonstrate English language proficiency through educational qualifications or examination scores. Tests must be taken within two years of your application submission.

Western Michigan University accepts a variety of English language tests or education credentials to show proficiency. Graduate student requirements are presented in the chart.
Test or MethodMinimum Score/Requirement (Most Programs)*
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)-WMU Institutional Code: 190280
TOEFL Essentials8
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic6.5
Pearson Test of English, Academic Module (PTE) and Pearson English Express Test54
Duolingo105
Michigan English Test (MET)57
General Certificate of Education (IGCSE)Grade of A, B or C in English
Cambridge Advanced English CertificateGrade of A or B 
English Language Services (ELS)Successful completion of Level 112
University Education from select countries1 year of full-time, tertiary (university-level) education
WMU Pathway II or the Center for English Language and Culture for International Students at WMUSuccessful completion
WMU DegreeCompleted WMU degree

*Exceptions exist for certain graduate level foreign language programs reviewed internally by the academic department.

Additional English Proficiency Notes

The following graduate degree programs require higher English proficiency scores:

Exceptions to English Proficiency Requirement

Applicants do not need to submit proof of English language proficiency if they have successfully completed:

  • Four years of upper secondary school in one of the countries below, or
  • One year of full-time tertiary (university-level) education in one of the countries below:

For countries marked with an asterisk (*), the waiver applies only if the applicant studied in an English language educational system.

  • Australia
  • Barbados
  • Bahamas
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Botswana
  • British Virgin Islands
  • *Cameroon
  • *Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Christmas Island
  • Cocos (Keeling Island)
  • Cook Islands
  • Dominica
  • England
  • Ethiopia
  • Fiji
  • The Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guam
  • *Guernsey
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • *Jersey
  • *Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • *Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • *Malawi
  • Man, Isle of
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Micronesia
  • Montserrat
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Norfolk Island
  • North Marianas
  • Philippines
  • St. Helena
  • St. Kitts and Nevis
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent and the Granadines
  • Scotland
  • *Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • *Singapore
  • *South Africa
  • *Swaziland
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uganda
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Virgin Islands
  • Wales
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe