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GRE & English Language Proficiency Exams

UT Austin ETS Code

6882

*There is no Departmental code * 

The university generally receives scores four to six weeks after a test is taken if the university is designated as a score recipient at the time of testing. If you are sending scores from a prior test, the scores must still be valid at the start of the semester for which you are applying (within the last five years for the GRE and two years for the TOEFL or IELTS). 

GRE

MA (MES) Applicants

Submission of the GRE scores to the MA program in Middle Eastern Studies is optional. This means that applicants may submit GRE scores but are not required to do so and they will not be penalized for omitting GRE scores. The MA admissions committee reviews all applications holistically to determine preparedness for the degree program. Factors that the committee considers include academic background, prior GPAs, relevant pre-requisite coursework, writing sample, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. 

Applicants may choose to submit GRE scores to demonstrate their potential and readiness. Though doing so is not required, it may be important for applicants who wish to enhance their portfolio by providing evidence to address gaps, uneven performance, or areas of their application they feel are less fully developed. Optional materials will be used as additional data points for application evaluation. 

PhD (MELC) Applicants

Applicants to the PhD program in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures are not required to submit GRE scores. Any GRE scores that are submitted will not be considered by the program in its evaluation of applicants.

English Proficiency Exams

In addition to completing the prescribed graduate admissions process, international students applying to The University of Texas at Austin must submit either an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English. The Institutional TOEFL (ITP) is not accepted. Beginning for the Fall 2027 admissions cycle, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is also accepted.

The minimum scores considered acceptable for admission by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies are:

  • TOEFL: 79 (120 scale) or 4 (6-point scale) internet-based test
  • IELTS: An overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination
  • DET: 115 minimum overall score

Exemptions

International applicants who are from a country where English is the only official language are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, applicants are exempt from the requirement if they possess a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in a country where English is the only official language.The requirement is not waived for applicants who have earned a master's—but not a bachelor's—degree from a similar institution.