Effective Starting with Fall 2027 Admission
Effective starting with Fall 2027 admission, citizenship alone will no longer be sufficient to satisfy Georgia Tech’s English language proficiency requirement. Review the information below to determine how you can demonstrate English proficiency.
Do I need to demonstrate English language proficiency?
Yes, all applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at the time of application, regardless of citizenship status.
How can I demonstrate English proficiency?
Applicants can demonstrate language proficiency through one of the following methods:
Academic study in English (English as the medium of instruction)
Applicant has earned a post-secondary degree and can confirm English was the official language of instruction through one of these documents:
- Transcript notation
- Institutional letter
- Medium of Instruction certificate
For more information on how Georgia Tech verifies medium of instruction, read this FAQ.
Academic study in an approved country
Applicant has earned a post-secondary degree in an approved country. Georgia Tech will verify eligibility through the application (such as transcripts, marksheet, and/or degree document). No additional documentation is required.
An approved standardized English test test (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS)
Applicant has taken an approved standardized English language test and meets the below score requirements. Below are minimum institutional requirements. Individual graduate programs may require higher scores.
| Test | Overall Score Requirements | Section Score Requirements | Score Validity | Test Location | How to Submit Official Score Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | TOEFL iBT Prior to January 2026: TOEFL iBT After January 2026: | TOEFL iBT Prior to January 2026: TOEFL iBT After January 2026: | Score remains valid for two years from the test date. Must not expire before starting the term you intend to enroll. | Authorized test center or TOEFL Home Edition test | Georgia Institute of Technology, "Graduate", institute code 5248 |
| IELTS Academic | 7 or higher | Reading ≥ 6.5 Listening ≥ 6.5 Speaking ≥ 6.5 Writing ≥ 5.5 | Score remains valid for two years from the test date. Must not expire before starting the term you intend to enroll. | IELTS test location or IELTS Indicator at home test | Georgia Institute of Technology, "Graduate" |
Tests Not Accepted
- TOEFL Essentials
- IELTS General Training
- Duolingo
- PTE
An approved USG campus-based ESL program
Applicant has successfully completed a USG campus-based ESL programs designed for graduate admission. Applicant must provide an official transcript as part of the application.
Disability Accommodations
Applicants who require accommodations, special arrangements for disabilities, or health-related needs should refer to the services of TOEFL or IELTS. Applicants must provide medical evidence to the testing service to support their claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I am a U.S. citizen but earned my degree outside the U.S. Do I need a test?
Not necessarily. You could satisfy this requirement if you earned a degree from:
- a regionally accredited, or international equivalent, institution located in a country on our approved list, or
- earned a degree from a regionally accredited, or international equivalent, institution where English was the language of instruction.
If neither applies, you must submit an approved English proficiency test.
Do I need to submit an English proficiency test if I am a permanent resident of the United States?
Not necessarily. You could satisfy this requirement if you earned a degree from:
- a regionally accredited, or international equivalent, institution located in a country on our approved list, or
- earned a degree from a regionally accredited, or international equivalent, institution where English was the language of instruction.
If neither applies, you must submit an approved English proficiency test.
My university's language of instruction was English, but my country is not on the approved country pathway list. Do I need a test?
No. If English was the language of instruction for your degree program, you may satisfy the English proficiency requirement by providing documentation from your institution confirming this. Acceptable documentation may include:
- a transcript notation, institutional letter, or Medium of Instruction certificate.
My transcript says "English" as the language of instruction. Is that sufficient?
Yes. If your official transcript identifies English as the language of instruction for your degree, this may be used to satisfy the requirement. Georgia Tech will verify the information as part of the application review process.
I took the TOEFL before January 2026. Which score scale applies?
- TOEFL scores earned before January 21, 2026, are reported on the 0–120 scale and remain valid for two years from date of test.
- TOEFL scores earned on or after January 21, 2026, are reported on the new 1–6 scale.
Can I submit a screenshot of my score report?
Yes, the application allows you to upload a screenshot, PDF score report, and other student-submitted copy. BUT this will not satisfy the English proficiency requirement. Official scores must be submitted by the testing service directly to Georgia Tech.
- TOEFL institute code: Georgia Institute of Technology, "Graduate", institute code 5248
- IELTS institute code: Georgia Institute of Technology, "Graduate"
Can I submit my score after the application deadline?
- English proficiency score deadlines depend on the graduate program. Some programs allow scores to be received after the application deadline, while others may require them by the application deadline.
- Check your program's requirements on Grad Degree and Certificate Programs or contact the program directly.
Does my graduate program require a higher score?
Some graduate programs may have English proficiency requirements that are higher than Georgia Tech's minimum requirements. Check your program's requirements on Grad Degree and Certificate Programs.
Can I use a TOEFL MyBest score?
No. Georgia Tech does not accept TOEFL MyBest Scores. You must submit a TOEFL score from a single test administration.
Do you accept the TOEFL Home Edition?
Yes. Georgia Tech accepts the TOEFL iBT Home Edition.
My test score expires before I enroll. Do I need to retake it?
If your English proficiency score expires within three months of the start of the term you intend to enroll (matriculation) term, you do not need to retake the test. If you decide to defer your admission to a later term, your score must still meet our validity period (expires within three months).
I have a post-secondary degree from the U.S., but my earlier education was outside the U.S. Am I exempt?
Yes. A post-secondary degree earned from a regionally accredited U.S. institution satisfies Georgia Tech's English proficiency requirement, regardless of where you completed your previous education.