English Proficiency Requirements

Undergraduate English Requirements

New international students must provide proof of English proficiency before enrolling. You can review UNO's Undergraduate English Requirements below.

College of Engineering

These programs require a TOEFL IBT of 80 (writing sub score of 20) and a PBT of 550, IELTS 6.5 (writing sub score of 5.5), ACT English sub score of 22, SAT critical reading sub score of 555, and a DUOLINGO score of 110.

*English majors in the College of Arts and Sciences require a TOEFL IBT of 100 and a PBT of 600, and IELTS 7.0.

Graduate English Requirements

Graduate-level English proficiency standards vary by program. For a listing of programs and detailed admissions requirements, visit the Graduate Studies Admissions page.

Alternative Proof of English Proficiency

You may qualify for alternative Proof of English Proficiency if you:

• Completed UNO’s Intensive English Language Program (ILUNO) with scores listed above or permission from ILUNO Director.
• Completed an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from a regionally accredited U.S. post-secondary institution with a 2.5 or higher grade point average (GPA).
• Completed English Composition I and Public Speaking with a grade of C or better from a regionally accredited U.S. post-secondary institution and a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Additionally, incoming international students may provide proof of graduation from an accredited U.S. college or university with a bachelor's degree or higher as proof of English proficiency (PEP) or provide evidence that education has been completed in an approved English-speaking country.

Visiting exchange students are encouraged to check with their international offices for specific program requirements.

*You may be considered for a PEP waiver by presenting the following:

• Proof of completing at least one university-level English course at an accredited college or university
• For those countries that require students to pass a national examination, high school graduates must submit official national examination results (Ex: West African Exam Council (WAEC), Nigerian Exam Council (NEC), or Kenya Exam Council (KEC). The results must have a “credit” or “pass” mark in the English section.