What IELTS score do you need for Rutgers University–New Brunswick?

All applicants, whatever their US residency status, must prove English proficiency if their bachelor's (and master's, if any) was earned outside the US in a country where English is not the primary language. Rutgers Graduate Admissions accepts TOEFL (internet-based and Home Edition), IELTS and the Duolingo English Test. TOEFL is judged by section: Writing 22, Speaking 23, Reading 21 and Listening 17 for tests through 21 January 2026, or Writing 4.5, Speaking 4.5, Reading 4 and Listening 4 from 22 January. No overall TOEFL score is stated. Language-intensive programs may ask for more or add an interview.

Scores must come from tests taken within two years of the start of your entry semester and be sent by the testing agency; self-submitted scores may not be reviewed. The test may be waived, case by case, if you completed your entire degree at an institution where English is the principal language of instruction, shown on your transcript or in an official letter from the institution. See graduate international admissions.

A test is required if your secondary schooling was outside the US in a country where English is not the principal language. New Brunswick accepts TOEFL iBT 79 (through 21 January 2026) or 4.5 (from 22 January), IELTS 6.5, PTE 53, Duolingo 115, MET 56, SAT EBRW 550, ACT English 21 or Cambridge B2. The Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy and the School of Nursing require TOEFL 100 or 5.5 and Duolingo 130. Scores must be from the past two years.

Rutgers may waive the test case by case if you attended an English-medium school; email the international admissions team after applying. A B or better in a college-level English Composition course at an accredited US college also exempts you. See Undergraduate Admissions.

The US F-1 student visa sets no English test score of its own. What counts is the requirement Rutgers sets for admission, which leads to your Form I-20. For the wider picture of studying in the US with each test, see IELTS for the USA and PTE for the USA.

Requirements change between admission cycles. Check the Rutgers graduate international admissions page again before you book a test, and check your own program page, which can set a higher bar.