All applicants whose native or first language is not English must take the TOEFL test no more than 24 months prior to the term for which the applicant is seeking admission. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper); 213 (computer) is required for Graduate School admission; higher scores may be required for admission into specific degree programs.

Exemptions to the TOEFL requirement are: (1) an applicant who has recently completed a bachelor's degree (four years attendance and completion of at least 100 semester hours of graded coursework) at an accredited institution in the United States; (2) an applicant who has completed a master's degree at an accredited institution in the United States, who obtained a TOEFL score of at least 550 immediately prior to beginning graduate studies and who has been in residence in the United States continuously prior to application to SIUC. Verification of the earlier TOEFL score by the degree granting institution is mandatory.