English Language Requirements
English Proficiency Test
All students for whom English is not their first language are required to take the English Language Support Program‘s English Language Exam (ELE). Even if you earn the minimum TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency or PTE scores required for admission, you must take the ELSP exam to re-evaluate your English skills. The ELSP exam is part of the International Student Welcome Week, which takes place one week prior to the start of each term.
Based on your ELSP exam results, you may be required to:
- Enroll in ELSP courses
- Take a reduced load of academic courses in order to permit room for ELSP courses.
You must pass your ELSP courses within the first two semesters of your enrollment. Students who do not pass their ELSP courses within their first two semesters or refuse to follow the MU policy by not enrolling in the required courses may be dismissed for not making normal progress. As an international student on an F1 visa, this would also affect your visa status.
The ELSP implements the policy approved by the Council of Deans in 1980 requiring on-campus English language testing of all incoming international undergraduate students for whom English is not a native language and enrollment in English language courses as needed. The program also accommodates individual graduate students, visiting scholars and international staff interested in English language assessment and language training. For more information contact, the English Language Support Program at 208 McReynolds hall or iepmu@missouri.edu.