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Language Requirements

Graduate students in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese are required to demonstrate proficiency in three languages: 

  • English: The Graduate School minimum scores for admission are a 79 on the TOEFL (internet-based test) or an overall band of 6.5 on the ILETS Academic Examination for international students. To be eligible for a TA or AI position, international students must score a minimum of 25 on the speaking portion of the TOEFL.  
  • Primary Working Language (PWL): Spanish or Portuguese (non-native speakers usually demonstrate near-native fluency via previous coursework, academic degrees, and/or writing samples). Note that faculty may interview non-native speakers prior to admission to the department to confirm near-native fluency. 

  • Secondary Language (SL): Language appropriate to the student’s line of study as determined by their faculty adviser/supervisor and Graduate Adviser. The student must demonstrate Advanced-Low Reading Proficiency.

Declaration of Languages 

By the end of the first year, students should meet with their Faculty Advisers/Supervisors to discuss the SL appropriate to their line of study and to decide how proficiency will be demonstrated (see below). The student will complete the Declaration of Languages form available from the Graduate Coordinator, which will then be routed to the faculty adviser/supervisor and the Graduate Adviser for their approval.  

Prior to advancing to candidacy, the student will submit proof of Advanced Low Reading Proficiency in the SL. This should take place before the Dissertation Proposal Defense. 

Depending on the language, there are a variety of ways to demonstrate proficiency for the SL, for example: 

  • For Spanish or Portuguese, a reading and translation exam administered by the Director of the Language Program and/or Portuguese Program Director in the Department of Spanish & Portuguese (available once per year – see the Graduate Coordinator for details) 
  • A grade of B or higher in Intensive Reading courses at UT Austin or other accredited institution such as GER 380, German for Graduate Students in Other Departments. 
  • Confirmation of Advanced Low Reading Proficiency from a recognized language institute. 
  • Translation exam administered by a reader proficient in the SL (such as UT Austin or other university faculty, language institute directors, etc.). The exam usually consists of a passage taken from a secondary text. Students are given an hour to an hour and a half to translate, with a dictionary.  
  • Other arrangements may be implemented if approved by the student’s faculty adviser/supervisor and by the Graduate Adviser.