All international applicants (unless exempted) must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. International students may demonstrate proficiency by submitting official test scores for either the TOEFL (Test of English as a International Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Although departments may require higher scores, the university’s minimum score for admission is 213 on the computer-based version of the TOEFL; or 550 on the paper-based version of the TOEFL; or an Overall Band score of 6.5 on the IELTS with no individual band score below 6.0. Test scores must be dated within two years of the date of enrollment.
Departments should also be aware of any English language needs of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, many of whom are recent arrivals in the U.S. It is recommended that students so identified be referred to the UB English Language Institute (ELI) for assessment and possible remedial instruction.