Full Admission

One of the following constitutes proof:

1. TOEFL: 79 minimum on internet-based TOEFL
2. MELAB: 77 minimum
3. IELTS: 6.5 minimum
4. PTE Academic: 53 minimum
5. Duolingo English Test (undergraduate students only): 100
6. 24 transferable credits, excluding ESL coursework, from a U.S. community college or baccalaureate institution
7. A degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university
8. One year of study and a diploma from a U.S. high school
9. Completion of all coursework to earn a high school diploma at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction was English.
10. Completion of three level 7 courses with a minimum of a B- in the ESL Institute at Oakland University.
11. Completion of ELS Level 112 Intensive program.

The following criteria only apply to students who do not hold and are not seeking an F or a J visa to study at Oakland University.

1. Applicant has worked full-time in the United States for at least three years in an English speaking environment. Evidence must be provided such as a letter of support from human resources to confirm employment.
2. Applicant has worked full-time for at least three years in an English speaking environment outside of the United States. Evidence must be provided such as a letter of support from human resources that confirms English as the primary language of written and oral communication.
3. A letter of support or comment from the ESL Institute at Oakland University based on an interview and completion of the ESL placement test.

Admission eligibility

• TOEFL (internet): 79
  TOEFL (paper): 550
  TOEFL (computer): 213
  Note: You may use MyBest TOEFL
• or IELTS: 6.5
• or PTE Academic: 53
• or Duolingo: 105

Some programs at Oakland University may require a higher level of proficiency than listed above. Please review the program description for your field of study for additional English proficiency requirements and furnish proof as part of the admission process.

Additional ways to satisfy proof of English proficiency

• Baccalaureate or master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university
• Baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction was English
• Oakland University non-matriculating students (guest students) who have earned a minimum of 12 academic credits in OU courses with a grade of B or above. 

The following criteria only apply to those who do not hold and are not seeking an F or J visa to study at Oakland University. 

• Has worked full-time in the United States for at least three years in an English-speaking environment. Evidence must be provided such as a letter of support from human resources to confirm employment. 
• Has worked full-time for at least three years in an English-speaking environment outside of the United States. Evidence must be provided such as a letter of support from human resources that confirms English as the primary language of written and oral communication. 
• Has a U.S. professional license (e.g. United States Medical Licensing Exam - USMLE) that explicitly includes an English proficiency requirement. (Executive MBA applicants only). 
• A letter of support or comment from the ESL Institute at Oakland University based on an interview and completion of the ESL placement test.