International Student Info

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

An applicant whose native language is not English must present a TOEFL score of at least 213 on the scale of 0-300, or at least 550 on the older scale of 310-677 where applicable (in certain countries). The score must be for an examination administered no more than 24 months prior to the beginning of the academic term for which admission is sought. At the discretion of the intended major department, possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. , the U.K, Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, at which the language of instruction was English, may serve in lieu of the TOEFL score. The TOEFL requirement is waived for a student already enrolled and in good academic standing in a degree program at NIU. In special circumstances, a department may seek a waiver of this requirement for a student who has demonstrated success in graduate course work at an accredited insitution in the U.S.

For TOEFL information, contact www.toefl.org.

Assistantships:

• The Economics Department does offer Assistantships to international students, including first-year students. Admission to the graduate program does not guarantee an assistantship.
• All teaching assistants whose native language is not English must receive a minimum score of 50 on the SPEAK (Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit) before they can engage in classroom instruction. Arrangements to take the SPEAK test are made upon arrival at NIU.
• Assistantships are enough to cover living expenses, and include tuition waivers but not student fees.