English Proficiency Policy
IN THIS SECTION
For international students to be admitted to study at Northwood University, they must demonstrate sufficient English.
The proficiency exam requirement is waived for students meeting one of the following requirements.
- Proof of successful completion (e.g. high school or baccalaureate degree for minimum of 3 years) at a foreign institution or American school where the language of instruction was completed entirely in English. The school can provide a signed letter or official transcript verifying courses were taught in English or Northwood University International Program staff can verify through other methods (i.e. school website, AACRAO, phone, etc).
- English as a Foreign Language (EFL), English as a Second Language (ESL) coursework or blended models do not qualify.
- Graduate school applicants who completed their undergraduate coursework entirely in English.
- Students who are native citizens of an English speaking country listed below:United States territories (excluding Puerto Rico), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (excluding Quebec), South Africa and Jamaica.
Achieving the required test score on at least one approved language proficiency exams/tests. The scores must be from within the past 24 months at time of application to the University. The approved exams/tests and minimum required scores are as follows.
Applicants who successfully completed either three years of upper secondary school or one year of full-time baccalaureate (university-level) education from one of the countries listed in this document do not need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
- Applicants must submit transcripts that are issued in English or provide a letter from the school/university attesting instruction was conducted in English.
Northwood University reserves the right to administer English Proficiency examinations upon arrival if there is a perceived gap between student’s performance and English Proficiency submitted to the University.
| Exam | Minimum Score – Undergraduate Programs | Minimum Score – Graduate Programs |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL | 61 (iBT) 500 (iTP/iTP China Plus) (NU may interview or reassess students upon arrival) | 80 (iBT) 550 (iTP/iTP China Plus) (NU may interview or reassess students upon arrival) |
| IELTS | 6.0 overall band score | 6.5 overall band score |
| EIKEN | Grade Pre-1 | Grade 1 |
| IB | 5 on English A1 or A2 exam | N/A (not accepted for Graduate admission) |
| Cambridge English Tests | FCE or CAE (minimum score of B2) | CAE or CPE (minimum score of C1) |
| ELS | Level 112 | Level 112 |
| ACT/SAT | ACT – 18 for both composite and English sub-score SAT – 940 Overall; 460 for Evidence-based Reading and Writing | N/A (not accepted for Graduate admission) |
| PTE Academic | 48 (minimum score) | 55 (minimum score) |
| GTEC | 1126 | 1201 |
| Duolingo | 110 | 120 |
Notes:
- The Oxford Assessment is used as an approved exam for admission only for International Program Center locations in China.
- Students who have completed their entire coursework from one of NU’s strategic partners, in which the instruction has been verified to be English, will not need to provide English proficiency documentation.
Applicants who cannot demonstrate sufficient English proficiency may be admitted conditionally (at the discretion of the University), in which case, students will be issued I-20 for Intensive English Program.
English is the language used to teach classes at Northwood University and, therefore, students need to be proficient in English to be successful. The policy exists to support the success of students whose first language is not English by providing them with clear English proficiency expectations.
The policy applies to International Students, including guest students, applying to study at Northwood University’s U.S. locations.
- International Students: Students that are not US citizens.
- Guest Student: A guest student is defined as someone who seeks a degree at another institution but takes one or more courses at Northwood University to transfer credits to their home institution. The home institution signs a form stating the coursework would be acceptable to transfer back. Exchange students from partner institutions fall under guest students.
- Non-degree seeking student: Non-degree seeking student is someone who is not intending to earn a degree and take few classes from Northwood University.
- Intensive English Program: The Intensive English Program is defined as a full-time or part-time program designed for non-English speaking students. The IEP prepares students for success in academic programs by teaching English skills and American classroom culture.
English Proficiency Tests Used for Admission to U.S. Universities and Colleges
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
STEP EIKEN: Test in Practical English Proficiency (Japan)
Cambridge English Tests
Oxford Online Placement Test
IB: International Baccalaureate exams (undergraduate admission only)
ELS: The ESL Language School Exam
ACT and SAT exams: U.S. nationally used college (undergraduate) admissions examination
PTE Academic: Pearson Test of English Academic
GTEC: Global Test of English Communication
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