English Language Requirements

We require all non-native English speakers to take and pass one of several available proficiency exams. Scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam.  All test results must be received as official documentation in a sealed envelope from the testing institution.

*Please note – For students applying to our Canadian campuses who are eligible for and wish to apply for a Study Permit via Student Direct Stream (SDS), the IELTS is the only English Language test accepted with the SDS application. Students not applying via SDS are welcome to apply with TOEFL or IELTS. For more information about SDS, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/student-direct-stream.html.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL Code for CPS: 4999)

Internet-based and measures four areas of English language skills: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. 

The College of Professional Studies only accepts TOEFL results from the ETS database. Please use institution code 4999.

IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Measures ability to communicate in English across listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

The College of Professional Studies only accepts IELTS results delivered to our Electronic Download account by the IELTS test center. An institution code for IELTS is NOT required. Please contact the test center where you took the IELTS test directly, and request that your test scores be sent to the account name: Northeastern University College of Professional Studies.

Pearson

PTE Academic measures your English ability by testing your level of English through tasks which reflect real-life settings.

Duolingo English Test

Duolingo English Test is a modern English-proficiency assessment available online, on demand. The exam can be taken from home via a computer and webcam and is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker. The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, all of which are sent to the institution for final assessment. The entire test experience takes just under an hour and test results are certified within 48 hours.

NU Global English Exam: English Language Proficiency Testing at the College 

We offer English proficiency tests to those located in or around the Boston area. For more information or to register for the exam, please call 1.877.668.7727 or fill out a form.

Please note: Applicants to the College of Professional Studies are only permitted to take the NU Global English Exam twice and use the test results for admission. If a successful score is not met after taking the exam twice, applicants are required to submit another form of English Language Proficiency. 

ESL Pathways

ELS

Kaplan

Conditional Acceptance to the College of Professional Studies 

Applicants who may need to improve English proficiency, but otherwise meet the admissions criteria may be offered conditional acceptance into their program pending successful English language proficiency test results. In order for applicants to be considered for conditional acceptance, applicants must submit results from at least one English proficiency language test.

English Language Waiver 

In order to qualify for a language waiver, students must hold the following credentials:

• Conferred associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from the list of approved English speaking countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Greenland, Guyana, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, South Africa, Tobago, Trinidad, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, U.S.A, US Virgin Islands
•  Enrolled in the final semester of a degree program in one of the aforementioned countries

Graduate Quarter International Deadlines:

Bachelor’s Completion Semester International Deadlines: 

*The following programs are the only programs that meet F1 visa requirements for full-time study during the summer term. International students who wish to study full-time on an F1 visa are not eligible to begin classes in other graduate or bachelor’s completion programs during the summer term:

• Master of Professional Studies in Analytics
• Master of Professional Studies in Informatics
• Master of Science in Commerce and Economic Development
• Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication
• Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations
• Master of Science in Human Resources Management
• Master of Science in Leadership
• Master of Science in Nonprofit Management
• Master of Science in Project Management
• Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs
• Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management
• Bachelor of Science in Management

**No I-20 requests can be made prior to being admitted into a degree program. Please do not send I-20 materials with your application materials. All I-20 related documents must be submitted electronically through myOGS, which is only accessible after admitted students have activated their myNortheastern account. More information on the visa process can be found here.

By following the suggested timelines linked below, you should easily meet all requirements to begin classes during the term of your choice.

• Timeline for initial international students (pdf)
• Timeline for transferring international students (pdf)

Talk to an Enrollment Representative

We can walk you through your program options and the application process.

Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727

Email: Contact Us