International Applicants

NOTICE: The current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has resulted in widespread English language test center closures outside the US. In response to this, Rutgers University-Newark will accept the Duolingo English Test from affected graduate applicants applying to begin their studies in Fall 2021. The Duolingo English Test is an online English language proficiency test that can be taken via a camera-enabled computer. When you receive your results, you can share your scores with Rutgers-Newark. The minimum score for Rutgers Graduate School–Newark is 105.

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Duolingo English tests taken between February 3, 2020 and July 1, 2021 will be accepted.

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The Duolingo English test costs $49 (USD) and may be taken from any computer that has a camera, audio, and reliable internet. The exam portion contains a series of speaking, reading, writing, and listening exercises. The exam portion is followed by an interview portion that asks you to respond to various prompts in 30 to 90 seconds. The exam will take about 45 minutes to complete and you will need either a passport, drivers license, or national or state ID to show the camera (to verify identity). The score results are generally received within 48 hours of exam completion.

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Getting started with the Duolingo English Test:

Information on preparing for the exam

Take a practice test today

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Satisfactory English proficiency is a prerequisite for graduate study at Rutgers. The university may deny admission to international applicants who lack proficiency in English. Admitted students may be required to take a test of English proficiency soon after they arrive at the university, and they may also be required to take coursework in English as a Second Language (ESL).

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International applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if English is not their native language. For further information about the test, visit http://www.toefl.org or write to TOEFL/TSE Services, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151. The telephone number is 609-771-7100. To learn more about the IELTS, visit the website at http://www.ielts.org.

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New international students appointed as teaching assistants are required to take an oral proficiency test regardless of their TOEFL scores. Such students are also required to take two weeks of intensive training during the summer sponsored by the Graduate School–Newark and the Program in American Languages (PALS). They will be notified of said training by the Graduate School–Newark and the corresponding departments. Newly admitted international students must also present evidence that they have adequate financial resources to meet their educational and living expenses.