At the graduate studies level, there are two levels of proficiency in English for master’s and PhD programs: Regular Admission and Dual Admission (Admission with English Deficiency). UWM accepts as evidence of English proficiency TOEFL IBT, IELTS, and Cambridge English: Advanced and Cambridge English: Proficiency. All tests cover the same skills and applicants may submit results from whichever test they choose to take.
Test Scores for English Proficiency Requirement (for Master’s and PhD Programs)
| Full Admission | Dual Admission | |
| TOEFL IBT (not Home Edition) | 79 – 120 | 68 – 78 |
| IELTS | 6.5 – 9.0 | 6.0 |
| Duolingo | 120-160 | 95-115 |
| PTE | 58-90 | 50-57 |
Reporting Scores
- Applicants must send TOEFL scores from ETS electronically to school code 1473.
- Applicants can upload a copy of their official IELTS or Duolingo score report into the application portal online.
- English proficiency test scores cannot be more than 2 years old.
Admission Type Descriptions
Full Admission
Students admitted in this category do not have any enrollment restrictions based on their English proficiency.
Dual Admission
Students admitted in this category are eligible to enroll in six credits of academic coursework and are also required to enroll in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) coursework. You must demonstrate full English language proficiency within three semesters of initial enrollment at UWM by one of the following:
- Submitting a TOEFL or IELTS score that meets the score range (or higher score if required for a specific degree program) for full admission; or,
- Achieving a CEFR level of C1 (or higher level if required for a specific degree program) through assessment of a portfolio that includes the following:
- a grade of B or better in EAP 420 and passing the impromptu writing sample; or,
- a grade of B or better in EAP 435 and passing a speaking test.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Information for International Teaching Assistants
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee International Teaching Assistant Assessment (MITAA) is a requirement for some international teaching assistants who are non-native speakers of English and who will be assigned classroom duties as part of a graduate teaching assistantship. Visit this page for more information.