Credential Evaluation for Non-US Institutions
Prospective students who have earned a degree from an institution outside the United States must initiate and pay for their own foreign credential evaluation reports.
All original academic documents, including official transcripts, diplomas, and marksheets, must be sent directly to either International Education Research Foundation (IERF) OR SpanTran (the only two evaluation service providers officially recognized by BYU Graduate Studies) for a credential evaluation.
Request a Detail Report, which includes a comprehensive course-by-course evaluation and calculation of a grade point average (GPA). Do NOT send any official documents to BYU and follow all the instructions as outlined by IERF or SpanTran.
Please note that the completed foreign credential evaluation report will be sent electronically (by the service provider) to BYU and will include a US degree equivalency (if applicable), coursework evaluation, and official grade point average (GPA).
Applications requiring a credential evaluation will not be reviewed without an IERF or SpanTran credential evaluation.
Plan Ahead for Credential Evaluation
For international students, the credential evaluation process can take several weeks to complete. To ensure your application is considered on time, we highly recommend initiating the evaluation process well in advance of the application deadline. This will allow ample time for the evaluation report to be completed and sent directly to BYU by the evaluation service.
English Language Proficiency
All applicants are required to demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency in order to satisfy the university requirements for graduate admission.
Only applicants who are citizens of the following countries (or those applicants who have received their bachelor’s degree or higher, from said countries, within the previous 24 months of the intended start date of their respective graduate program) are exempt from this requirement.
| Australia | Barbados | Belize | Bermuda |
| Botswana | Canada | Cook Islands | England |
| Grenada | Guyana | Ireland, Northern | Ireland, Republic of |
| Jamaica | Lesotho | Malta | New Zealand |
| South Africa, Republic of | Scotland | Sierra Leone | Singapore |
| St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia | Swaziland | United States of America |
| Wales | Zambia |
Acceptable English Proficiency Tests
Go to BYU Graduate Studies to learn more about these acceptable English proficiency tests. CAE, DET, IELTS, and TOEFL scores must be less than two years old at the time of enrollment.
TOEFL
The TOEFL test measures English language proficiency in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. The test is administered by Educational Testing Service. Information regarding the TOEFL is available at www.toefl.org. BYU does not accept the TOEFL ITP or Home Edition test as an English proficiency exam for graduate school.
TOEFL Minimums
- Minimum subscores of 22 (Speaking) and 21 (Listening, Reading, & Writing respectively) comprising an overall score at least 100.
- 240 CBT (computer-based test)
- 590 PBT (paper-based test)
Cambridge Assessment English
Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) tests for and establishes proof of high-level achievement in English and the ideal qualification to prepare you for university or professional life. Applicants applying to graduate school are required to successfully pass the C1 Advanced test. Information regarding the CAE C1 Advanced test is available here.
CAE C1 Advanced
- Minimum score of (180/Grade C) or higher.
IELTS
IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, and IDP: IELTS Australia. There are two types of reading and writing modules: Academic and General Training. Candidates applying for admission to a graduate program at BYU are required to take the Academic reading and writing modules of the test. Information regarding the IELTS is available at www.ielts.org. Currently, we do not accept the Online exams.
IELTS Scores
- 7.0 overall band score
- 6.0 band score in each module
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a standardized English proficiency exam that evaluates listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. It is an internet-based test that adapts in real-time based on the test taker’s responses. Information regarding the DET exam is available at here.
Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Minimum sub scores of 125 in listening, reading, speaking, & writing, comprising an overall score of at least 130.