University of Pikeville

International Student Services
147 Sycamore Street
Pikeville, Kentucky 41501
(606) 218-5741
International@upike.edu

 

English Language Requirements

UPIKE expects international students to know English well enough to:

  • Comprehend oral lectures
  • Participate in discussions
  • Read and fully comprehend textbooks
  • Write effectively in English

 

Other Requirements

English Requirement – Every applicant whose native language is not English is required to take an academic English test – either the, Duolingo test, Test of English As a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. These tests measure the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand the English language as it is heard, spoken, read and written in a university classroom.

All international students are required to take placement tests to demonstrate writing, math and other proficiencies during New Student Orientation Week.

TOEFL or IELTS score reports are valid for two years and scores will be considered expired if the test was taken more than two years prior to submission of the application. Photocopies of TOEFL or IELTS Score Reports will not be considered valid.

Minimum Score Requirement

The TOEFL minimum score requirement is 68 for undergraduate students and 79 for graduate students. The IELTS minimum score requirement is 6.0.

Language Requirement Waivers

The English language requirement may be waived if the applicant is a native of or studied in full-time status for at least one academic year within the last five years in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or English medium universities in Canada or South Africa. Students who studied in English in other countries such as India, Pakistan, Philippines Hong Kong and Singapore, are not exempt from the English language requirement.

No, you do not have to take the TOEFL/IELTS if one of the two years has been within the last five years. However, you must submit a transcript that shows you have attended high school in the U.S.

No. The fulfillment of the English language requirement is one of the elements required for us to issue you a visa document. If your TOEFL/IELTS score does not meet the requirement, we cannot issue the document and you will not be able to enter the country. It is imperative that you retake the test right away.