English Proficiency Requirements

Undergraduate

You can be admitted to UWM if you do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements. There are two different types of admission with English deficiency:

1. Conditional Admission: If you received a TOEFL score of less than 497 (paper-based)/170 (computer-based)/60(internet-based) or an IELTS score below 4.9, you can be conditionally admitted to UWM, but you will be required to satisfy one of the following requirements prior to becoming eligible to enroll in academic courses:
   1. Submit a TOEFL score of 520 (paper-based)/190 (computer-based)/68 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of at least 5.5.
   2. Successful completion of the UWM ESL Immersion program with a grade of B or higher.
2. Dual Admission: If you received a TOEFL score between 500-519 (paper-based)/173-189 (computer-based)/61-67 (internet-based) or an IELTS score of 5.0, you will be admitted to UWM, but you will only be allowed to register for part-time academic courses (maximum of six credits). You must also complete part-time ESL courses so that you may meet the minimum English proficiency requirements.

Graduate

You can be admitted to UWM with an English deficiency if you have submitted a TOEFL score between 500-549 (paper-based)/173-210 (computer-based)/68-78 (internet-based) or an IELTS score between 6-6.5. You will be eligible to enroll in six credits of academic coursework but you will also be required to enroll in ESL courses until you have met the minimum graduate English proficiency requirements. The English deficiency must be removed within three semesters of initial enrollment at UWM. If it is not removed within three semesters, you will receive a Graduate Dean’s OK on your record, which would prevent any action on your records with out approval.