International students who wish to be considered for a Teaching Assistantship must first satisfy English proficiency requirements for graduate admission.
In addition, students are required to submit the results of an accepted test as evidence of spoken English language proficiency.
Some students may qualify for an exemption.
University policy regarding appointing non-native English speaking teaching assistants is available on the Office of the Provost website.
Test Score Requirements
Official scores are required to be submitted directly from the testing agency. All scores must be dated within two years of the beginning of the proposed admission term. Acceptable tests and corresponding minimum scores are available below.
Some graduate programs may require a higher score; It is important to review their website for additional requirements.
| English Proficiency Test | Minimum Score Required | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Speaking Sub-Section Score: 24 | Please review the TOEFL iBT Test Information page. Scores should be sent University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign using our institution code number 1836. |
| IELTS Academic Test | Speaking Sub-Section Score: 8 | Please review the IELTS Test Information page. Scores should be sent electronically via your testing center to the following account name: University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Graduate. |
Oral English Assessment Interview (OEAI) Option
International students who have not taken or passed the one of the required proficiency tests specified above, may take the Oral English Assessment Interview (OEAI). Additional information regarding the OEAI is available on the Department of Linguistics website.
For more information about the English proficiency requirement for teaching assistants, please contact your program of study office or refer to the Department of Linguistics website.