English Proficiency Requirement for Graduate Studies

To empower students to be successful both during their academic journey at Lehigh University and in their future careers, Lehigh requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. 

Unofficial test scores are accepted during the admissions process to provide applicants with a preliminary assessment of their English language abilities, but official test scores will be required for matriculation into Lehigh.

Please read through our policy below to understand why English proficiency is required and the various ways international students can show proof.

 

Why English Proficiency Matters

Graduate study at Lehigh is rigorous. A strong command of English is essential for academic performance, research, and professional communication. 

If you are appointed as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in a doctoral or research master’s program, you must meet additional English certification standards per Pennsylvania Act 76. Lehigh’s International Center for Academic & Professional English (ICAPE) assesses all TAs, regardless of nationality.

 

How to Meet the Requirement

 

Standard English Language Tests

Lehigh accepts the following tests (valid for 2 years). Minimum required scores vary by college and may be higher for certain programs.

Score Submission:

• Upload a copy of your unofficial score report to your application.
• Submit official scores directly from the testing agency after admission, prior to matriculation.
• Test scores must be valid at the time your I-20 is issued (if applicable).

Accepted Tests:

Alternative Ways to Demonstrate Proficiency

Applicants may be exempt from submitting test scores if they meet any of the following:

• Citizenship: You speak English and are a citizen or permanent resident of a country where English is an official language. View the country list below.
• U.S. Degree: You earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university (minimum 2 years residency in the United States during the program).  
• Degree from English-speaking Country: You earned a degree from a university where English is the official language of the country and also the language of instruction (and physically attended for at least 2 years). The median of instruction must be listed on the transcript or easily verifiable on the institution website. Additionally, you must have resided in the country for the two year minimum while attending. View the country list below.
• Recent Experience: You studied or worked full-time for at least 2 consecutive years within the last 5 years in an English-speaking country at the time of enrollment and is evident on a resume/CV and/or transcript. A combination of study and work to make up the two years is an option. View the country list below. 
   

Note: Even with these exemptions, all TAs must pass ICAPE’s English assessment before beginning instructional duties.
 

Countries recognized as English being an official language: United States of America, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Botswana, Canada, Cayman Island, Dominica, England, Ethiopia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Montserrat, Pakistan, Republic of Ireland, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Scotland, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Uganda, Wales.

 

Additional Information

• Lehigh uses a holistic admissions process; English scores are one component.
• Conditional admission may be offered with required English support.
• Exceptions are rare. Contact business@lehigh.edu to inquire about unique circumstances.

Lehigh University does not discriminate in its admissions practices on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin (including shared ancestry), pregnancy or related conditions, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran or military status, except as may be permitted by law.