ESL Requirements

Ohio State requires all international graduate students from non-English-speaking countries to acquire proficiency in written and spoken English to a level at which they can successfully compete with domestic and other English-speaking students.

Testing and courses

International graduate students who are non-native speakers of English must take a placement test to determine their level of proficiency in English at the start of their first academic quarter. Students who do not pass this screening test must complete English as a Second Language (ESL) courses (EDU T&L 506, 507, and 508) within their first four quarters of Graduate School enrollment. During the first week of each course in the 506, 507, and 508 series, students take a diagnostic test. Passing this test can result in advancement within the series or outright exemption.

Monitoring of requirement

The Graduate School monitors progress of graduate students in completing the sequence of courses. The Graduate School may deny future registration to students who fail to successfully complete the sequence of courses. The Graduate School may approve a brief extension of the four-quarter time limit upon recommendation of the graduate studies committee in the student's graduate program.

See Sections 2.6 and 2.7 of the Graduate School Handbook for more information about English as a Second Language and spoken English requirements. If you have questions, contact Registration Services at (614) 292-6031.