If English is not your native language, even if you are currently a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and regardless of how long you have resided or been educated in the U.S.*, you must demonstrate English proficiency by providing evidence through one of the following methods:

• Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) or Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE). Scores must be no more than two (2) years old. The minimum acceptable scores are as follows: 

  • TOEFL paper based test: 560
  • TOEFL Internet-based test: 84
  • IELTS: 6.5 (Academic Writing)
  • MELAB: 80
  • ECPE: Certificate of proficiency
• Provide an official transcript showing one of the following:  a degree earned at an accredited U.S. college or university OR a degree earned at a foreign institution where the language of instruction was exclusively English** OR successful completion (‘C’ or higher) of ENG 111 or ENG 112 or its equivalent.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements for English proficiency, you might consider enrolling first in the English Language Program (ELP). Conditionally-admitted graduate students with lower than required test scores can enroll in the ELP Level 6 courses. Completion of these courses with the grade B or higher serves as proof of English language proficiency for admission into UM-Flint. For more information, please visit umflint.edu/international/elp.  

 *If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and wish to waive this requirement, you may make your case to the director of your program of application.  The director, in turn, must make the case to the Dean of Graduate Programs.  You must provide sufficient evidence that you have the requisite English proficiency.  Please note that some programs or departments may prohibit exceptions to the requirements.

**The university reserves the right to require an applicant to provide other evidence of English proficiency if independent sources cannot verify that the language of instruction was exclusively English.