International Students

Proficiency in English

Your ability to speak, write, and read effectively in English is crucial to your success at NYU Steinhardt. We expect all students to be proficient in English at the time of admission to NYU Steinhardt.

Steinhardt requires official test scores from:

If your native language is not English, you must submit results from one of the following English proficiency exams: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic. This requirement is waived if:

• You received four years of education as an undergraduate where the official language of instruction of the institution was English for all coursework; or
• You received four years of education as a graduate student where the official language of instruction of the institution was English for all coursework; or
• You received a combined undergraduate and graduate education of four years where the official language of instruction of the institution was English for all coursework.
• The Admissions Committee reserves the right to require any candidate, regardless of country of citizenship or prior college experience, to submit results from an English language exam prior to rendering a decision if it believes the applicant’s proficiency in English may not meet admissions standards.

Official Tests and Minimum Scores

NYU Steinhardt requires official scores from one of the following English language exams to be received in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the application deadline.

• Test of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TOEFL): Successful candidates score 100 or higher on the Internet-based exam or 600 or higher on the paper-based exam. Note: For the MM and Artist Diploma in Instrumental Performance, the MM in Jazz Performance, the MM in Piano Performance, and the MA in Occupational Therapy programs only, successful candidates score 89 or higher on this exam.

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Successful candidates achieve a band score of 7 or higher. Note: For the MM and Artist Diploma in Instrumental Performance, the MM in Jazz Performance, the MM in Piano Performance, and the MA in Occupational Therapy programs only, successful candidates score 6.5 or higher on this exam.

• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic): Successful candidates score 68 to 70 or higher. Note: For the MM and Artist Diploma in Instrumental Performance, the MM in Jazz Performance, the MM in Piano Performance, and the MA in Occupational Therapy programs only, successful candidates score 60 or higher on this exam.
   
• Duolingo English Test: As a temporary solution for the 2020 admissions cycle, as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants may also complete the Duolingo English Test. Scores should be sent to New York University, Steinhardt School, Graduate Admissions. Successful candidates should score 120 or above. Note: For the MM and Artist Diploma in Instrumental Performance, the MM in Jazz Performance, the MM in Piano Performance, and the MA in Occupational Therapy programs only, successful candidates score 110 or higher on this exam.

Official scores are valid for two years from the date they are taken. If you submit scores from more than one of the exams, all of your scores will be available to the Admissions Committee, although committees typically consider your highest score.

The English proficiency exam requirement cannot be waived. If your scores have expired before you apply, you must retake the exam.

Submission of English Proficiency Tests Results

TOEFL: Send official scores from ETS to NYU Steinhardt using institution code 2556. A department code is not required. Please ensure 2556 is listed as your "Designated Score Recipient". 

IELTS & PTE (Academic): Send official scores to NYU Steinhardt by selecting New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development as a score recipient.

1. An official score report must be sent to Graduate Admissions from the testing agency
2. A copy of your score report must be uploaded into the online application. Since this is an unofficial report for informational purposes only, web printouts or screenshots can be uploaded, as long as we can read the scores, exam date(s), and your name

Get a U.S. Visa

NYU's Office of Global Services (OGS) will assist you in the process of obtaining your visa to study in the US. Visit the Get a U.S. Visa websitefor next steps. Please be sure to apply for these credentials as quickly as possible, at least 8 weeks before classes start, as it may take a long time to process your paperwork and obtain your U.S. visa. Use overnight and express mail wherever possible.

If you’re currently in the US at another school or recently completed your program at another US school and need to transfer your immigration record to NYU, please review the Office of Global Services' instructions to transfer to NYU.

Contact the OGS directly if you have any questions concerning your visa:

NYU Office of Global Services (OGS)

The Manhattan OGS is located at:
383 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003

The Brooklyn OGS is located at:
5 MetroTech Center, Room 259
Brooklyn, NY 11201

212-998-4720
ogs@nyu.edu
OGS Website for Newly Admitted Students | Get a US Visa

Attend the NYU Steinhardt Office of Student Affairs' International Student Orientation

In addition to your program faculty and advisers, NYU Steinhardt Student Affairs sponsors orientation programming for all graduate students.  In particular international students are encouraged to visit our orientation page for additional information.

All NYU Steinhardt international graduate students are required to take an International Student seminar during their first semester of study. The seminar runs for eight weeks and does not meet during the first week of classes. Follow the link to the orientation page for more details.