Special Instructions for International Students

International applicants must submit all documentation described under application procedures to all graduate degree programs.

Proof of English Proficiency

To ensure a student's ability to participate successfully in the Lesley curriculum, students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the below options:

• Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score. A minimum score of 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based) or 80 (Internet based) is required. For reporting purposes, the Lesley University code for the TOEFL is 3483.
• Official IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score https://www.ielts.org/. A minimum score of 6.5 is required. To submit IELTS scores, please contact the test center where you took the test and request that an official Test Report Form be sent to Lesley University.
• Cambridge English Exam Results. Applicants must show proof of having taken the exam at the “Advanced" level and achieving a score of “C1” in order to satisfy the requirement.
• Duolingo English Test. Applicants must show proof of having taken the exam and scored 105 or higher.
• ESL Program Partnerships.  We have partnered with several language schools to help you meet the English requirement.  Complete the curriculum at one of the schools, at the specified level. Applicants must provide proof of successful completion and a letter of reference from the Program Coordinator or Teacher in support of the student’s English language capabilities.  Applicants may visit lesley.edu/more-content-admissions-block-h-1-english-language-proficiency for a list of ESL partnership schools and the levels that must be completed in order to fulfill the English proficiency requirement.

Additionally, international applicants must:

• obtain independent credit evaluations of foreign academic credentials to determine U.S. equivalency. Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for details or visit: http://www.lesley.edu/admissions-aid/how-to-apply/international-students.
• submit an Immigration and Financial Declaration Form (IFDF) if they will require an I-20 from Lesley University. Along with this completed form, proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses for one year is required. The I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility), needed to obtain a student visa, will not be issued without the IFDF and proof of funds.

Please note: All references and academic documentation submitted must be official original documents or certified, clear photocopies, and written in English. If a document is not in English, the Office of Graduate Admissions requires an English translation of submitted documents in addition to the original documents.

For further information regarding international student admissions procedures, please call the Office of Graduate Admissions at 617.349.8300 or refer to the website at lesley.edu/admissions-aid/how-to-apply/international-students.