English Language Proficiency Testing | NYU Tandon School of Engineering

English Language Proficiency Testing


Student taking an exam

All applicants to the NYU Tandon School of Engineering for graduate study must demonstrate excellent English language skills in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. Proficiency will be determined by achieving minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Cambridge Assessment English, Pearson PTE Academic or Duolingo English Test exams.

The Office of Graduate Enrollment Management and Admissions reserves the right to request proof of English competency from any applicant. At least one of the exams mentioned above is required for:

  1. All International applicants (those who have or will request a visa)
    OR
  2. Applicants who have not completed a bachelor’s degree in the United States.

The NYU Tandon School of Engineering requires that graduate applicants achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 90 on the internet-based test, an overall band of 7.0 on IELTS, a 65 on the Pearson PTE Academics exam, a C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency on the Cambridge Assessment English exam or a 125 minimum score on the Duolingo English Test.

The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with the NYU Tandon School of Engineering when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session.

Applicants may request a waiver of English Language Proficiency Testing for special cases by submitting a waiver request form. If you have earned a bachelor or master's degree from a US institution, you will automatically be reviewed for a waiver and do not need to submit a waiver request form. The request will be reviewed only after transcripts have been received. 

Deadlines to submit your waiver request are below:

Full-Time Applicants:

Fall: March 1

Spring: November 15

Part-Time Applicants:

Fall: June 1

Spring: November 15

English Language Requirement Waiver Form