New English Proficiency Policy (Effective Fall 2023)

Graduate Council voted on February 2, 2023 to make changes to the English Proficiency Policy. Changes are in effect beginning Fall 2023, benefiting incoming students. Additionally, in February 2020, the Office of Graduate Studies granted the temporary acceptance of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English Proficiency, set to expire December 31, 2024. Additionally, Graduate Studies was recently notified by Duolingo of updated score comparisons (TOEFL/IELTS).

English Proficiency Changes:
• The English Language Test (ELT) is no longer required.
• Placement in English (ENGL) 887 is based on TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo scores and sub-scores.
• The minimum Duolingo score required for admission to a graduate program has increased from 110 to 120.

Incoming and Current Students
OGS is in contact with incoming and continuing graduate students who would have previously been required to take the ELT. We are reviewing their test scores and are informing them if they are required to take ENG 887 or not. If required, we are assisting them in their enrollment in this 3-credit hour, online course. Angela Bryan (angela@unl.edu) is the student’s point of contact for questions.