1. I want to apply to a graduate program in the Graduate School. What are the TOEFL and GRE requirements?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is administered through the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
 
Box 6151
Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151
USA
telephone (609) 771-7100
e-mail: toefl@ets.org
or contact a center in your native country

This test is required of any student whose native language is not English, regardless of whether you have attended another U.S. institution. Your score must not be more than two years old, and an official copy must be sent to the Graduate School directly from ETS. It is the policy of the Graduate School to admit only those students with a score of 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or higher. Individual departments may require higher scores.

The Graduate School also requires all applicants to provide GRE (Graduate Record Examination) General Test scores. The scores must not be more than five years old, and an official copy must be sent to the Graduate School directly from ETS.

Please refer to the Graduate School Bulletin of Information for further details on these requirements:
http://registrar.duke.edu/bulletins/Graduate/
You may also wish to contact the department you are applying to for additional information.

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2. I've been admitted to a graduate program. Do I need to take another test when I arrive at Duke?

Yes, you will need to take an English writing exam and speaking exam administered through the Graduate School.

3. Is everyone required to take these exams?

All incoming international students whose first language is not English and who are pursuing a Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.P.P., or M.A.T. degree must take the exams. If you are a non-degree student or not pursuing one of these degrees, you can be exempted from the exams.

4. I have a very high TOEFL score. Can I be exempted from the exams?

Your TOEFL score has no effect on the exam requirement. However, you are exempt from the exam if you are a non-degree student.

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5. How do I find out when and where the exams are given?

You will receive this information from your department. In the fall term, the exams are given during the week before classes begin. You will get all necessary information about the exam and can ask questions at the orientation for international students held the week before classes begin.

6. Will I get the results of the exams before classes start?

Yes, the results are typically available two days after the exams. You will be advised where you can pick up the results at the time of the exams.

7. What happens if I don't pass one or both exams?

Students who do not receive a passing score on one or both exams are required to take a writing and/or speaking class during their first year of study. You can register for these classes in the same way you register for your other classes. The EIS classes carry three credits and are graded on the same basis as all Graduate School classes.

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