Language Proficiency Requirements for Studying in the USA
One of the core requirements to study in the USA is proving English language proficiency through an approved test. Every Nepali student applying for a US student visa (F-1) must meet the language requirements set by both SEVP and their chosen institution. Scores vary by program level and university.
Accepted English Language Tests
To study in the USA, your English proficiency must be demonstrated through one of the following approved tests. TOEFL iBT is the most widely accepted across American institutions, though IELTS Academic is equally recognized at most universities.
| Test | Accepted For |
| TOEFL iBT | Student visa + university admission |
| IELTS Academic | Student visa + university admission |
| PTE Academic | Student visa + university admission |
| Duolingo English Test | Select institutions only |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | Select institutions only |
Minimum Scores by Program Level
The minimum language scores required to study in the USA differ based on your program level. Most institutions require an overall IELTS of 6.0 to 6.5 for undergraduate and 6.5 to 7.0 for postgraduate programs.
| Program Level | IELTS | PTE | TOEFL iBT | Duolingo |
| Associate / Diploma | 6.0 (no band below 5.5) | 53+ | 61+ | 95+ |
| Bachelor’s | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | 57+ | 80+ | 105+ |
| Master’s / PG | 6.5 to 7.0 (no band below 6.0) | 63+ | 90+ | 115+ |
| PhD / Doctoral | 7.0 (no band below 6.5) | 68+ | 100+ | 120+ |
Always confirm score requirements directly with your chosen institution as they vary by program.
IELTS Requirements at Top US Universities
Nepali students who plan to study in the USA at a top-ranked university should note that most require a minimum IELTS of 6.5 at the undergraduate level. Postgraduate programs at several universities require 7.0 or higher.
| University | Undergraduate (IELTS) | Postgraduate (IELTS) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Harvard University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Stanford University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| University of Chicago | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Columbia University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Duke University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| University of Michigan | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| New York University (NYU) | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| University of Southern California (USC) | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Northeastern University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Arizona State University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Purdue University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Some faculties such as Law, Education, and Nursing require higher scores. Confirm with the specific department before applying.
Language Proficiency Exemptions
Not every student who wants to study in the USA needs to submit a language test. Some Nepali students may qualify for an exemption depending on their previous education background.
| Exemption | Condition |
| English-medium previous education | Completed post-secondary studies fully in English at a recognised institution |
| English as first language | Applicant’s country uses English as an official first language |
Exemptions are granted at the institution’s discretion. Always confirm your eligibility directly before skipping the test requirement.
Important Notes for US Student Visa (F-1) Applications
Students applying for an F-1 student visa should keep the following in mind when preparing their language test:
- Test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of application
- A low score in any single band (IELTS) or section (TOEFL) can lead to rejection even if the overall score is met
- Duolingo is accepted only at select institutions -verify before registering
- Some universities offer conditional admission with an English language pathway program if scores fall slightly below requirements
- TOEFL scores are sent electronically to institutions using a 4-digit ETS institution code
