English as a Second LanguageOSU
  

  

  

  

  

 

  
English Language Requirements
at The Ohio State University

Admission to academic Programs (TOEFL or MELAB requirement)

In order to be admitted to an undergraduate or graduate academic program at Ohio State, non-native speakers must demonstrate sufficient command of English as measured by the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery). The following applicants are exempted from this requirement: 

  • Citizens of countries where the native language is English*
  • Those who have a bachelor's or higher degree from a university in a country where English is the native language*
  • Those who have graduated from a secondary school in a country where English is the native language*, and who attended secondary school in that country for at least three years
    • *For the purpose of this requirement, only the following are considered countries where English is the native language: Australia, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Liberia, United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), The Commonwealth Caribbean, and the United States
Undergraduate applicants must submit a score of 197 on the computer-based TOEFL, 527 on the paper-based TOEFL, or 79 on the MELAB.Graduate applicants must meet the requirement set by the department or program to which they are seeking admission. The minimum requirement for graduate programs is 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, or 82 on the MELAB; however, some departments have higher standards. See the Admission Office homepage for specific information.

Applicants who do not have sufficient English for academic admission to Ohio State may apply for intensive English study in the American Language Program.