International Applicants
Additional Information for International Applicants
All international applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate proficiency in English at a level necessary to be successful in a graduate program at NC State. Most applicants can meet this requirement one of the following ways:
1. Provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score. The Graduate School requires at least an 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT). Note: The average iBT score for international students accepted into the MMB program is 109. Test date must be no older than 24 months prior to the beginning of the requested entry term.
Minimum Test Scores for Each Section:
- Listening: 18 points
- Reading: 18 points
- Writing: 18 points
- Speaking:
- 18 points for admission to the Graduate School
- 23 points for TA appointment where TA has direct verbal interactions with students
- 26 points for TA appointment where TA presents lectures in the class or laboratory
2. Provide the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results with an overall band score of at least 6.5. The average band score for international students accepted into the MMB Program is 7.5+. Note: Test date must be no older than 24 months prior to the beginning of the requested entry term.
Minimum Test Scores for Each Section:
- Listening: 6.5
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 6.5
- Speaking:
- 6.5 for admission to the Graduate School
- 7.0 for a TA appointment
Submitting IELTS Scores
The IELTS allows you to report your scores to up to five institutions free of charge at the time you take the test. Scores are available approximately two weeks after you take the test. At your IELTS Testing Center, request that your scores are sent to North Carolina State University, Raleigh – Graduate Admissions (any other abbreviated version of our name may result in an error message when you attempt to make the request). Visit the IELTS website for more information.
If you do not see your IELTS scores reported in your application, email graduate_applications@ncsu.edu with your Test Report Form (TRF) number from your score sheet.
3. Be a citizen of a country where English is an official language and the language of instruction in higher education.
4. Have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a four-year U.S. College or university.
Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR)
Some international students who are academically admissible are required to submit a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR) and related financial documentation to show your ability to pay tuition and living expenses. After the department recommends your admission, you will receive an email regarding your updated admission decision, the decision letter and a link to the CFR form.
Note: Do not send a completed CFR form until we request it.