International Students

International applicants follow the same processes as U.S. applicants, but may be required to submit additional test scores. 

Review the information below to help you complete your application.

How to Apply

International Students applying to The University of Texas at Austin must begin by completing the prescribed graduate admissions process.

English Proficiency Requirements

International students must submit an official score report demonstrating an adequate knowledge of English.

What We Accept

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) and the IELTS General Training are not accepted. We do not accept Duolingo scores. 

Consult the website of your program of interest to determine which test is preferred.

TOEFL  

IELTS  

Exemptions for Qualifying Countries

International applicants who are from a qualifying country 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 a qualifying country. The requirement is not waived for applicants who have earned a master's—but not a bachelor's—degree from a similar institution.

Qualifying Countries

  • American Samoa
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada (except Quebec)
  • Dominica
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Grand Cayman
  • Guyana
  • India
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Liberia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Singapore
  • Trinidad/Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • United Kingdom
  • U.S. Pacific Trust
Minimum Scores

Minimum score requirements may vary depending upon your major and other considerations such as employment as a teaching assistant. The minimum scores considered acceptable for admission by the Graduate School are:

  • TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test (iBT)
  • IELTS: An overall band of 6.5 on the Academic Examination

More information on Academic Employment

Submitting Scores

Scores must be sent to the university by the testing agency (self-reported scores are not accepted). The Educational Testing Service (ETS) institution code for UT Austin is 6882. There is no institutional code for the IELTS examination. To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, please use the IELTS electronic score delivery service to send your scores to the “University of Texas at Austin” account.

Agents

The University of Texas at Austin does not use third party agents or agencies in the recruitment of international students for admission at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Title IV of the US Higher Education Act expressly prohibits the use of commission-based recruitment for students from the USA. While international students are exempted from this provision as they are not eligible for federal assistance, the Office of Graduate Admissions believes this practice should extend to international recruitment as well. The Office of Graduate Admissions will not enter into any contractual arrangements with third party recruiters in the international admissions process. Furthermore, the Office of Graduate Admissions will not enter into discussions with third party recruiters retained by applicants or their families. The Office of Graduate Admissions will deal directly with applicants and their families only in the admissions process. In this statement, we refer only to third party recruiters and not to admissions consultants that seek to educate overseas applicants and their families on the US higher education application process.

Additional Resources

Office of Graduate Admissions

The Office of Graduate Admissions assists international applicants with the graduate admissions process.

International Student and Scholar Services

The university's office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is a resource to admitted students. The ISSS can assist you with questions about topics ranging from immigration status to housing.

ConTex-CONACYT Doctoral Fellowships

International students with Mexican citizenship who are pursuing doctoral degrees may qualify for the ConText Fellowship. The fellowship covers resident tuition and fees, as well as monthly financial support for up to five years.