Undergraduate Admissions

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Proficiency in the English language is required for success as a student at North Park University, and more advanced degrees require greater proficiency. International students applying to all North Park programs must submit evidence of English proficiency in the form of official test results, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, as part of their admission process.

Testing Requirements for Admission

TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT) IELTS
Bachelor’s Level Programs 68 or above 6.0
Select Master’s Level Programs:

 80 6.5
General Master’s Level Programs 90 6.5
Doctoral Level Programs 100 7.0

 

  • TOEFL sub-scores, bachelor’s level: Bachelor’s-level students must score 15 or above on each of the four sub-score areas, and must have a minimum score of 17 in at least two of the sub-areas.
  • TOEFL sub-scores, master’s and doctoral level: For all master’s-level students, sub-scores in the areas of reading, listening, speaking, and writing will be examined; any low scores in these areas will be considered during the admissions process and may require further proof of proficiency.
  • IELTS: No score band on your full test may be below 5.0.
  • Students with a lower score on one of these tests may be admitted with a requirement for further intensive language training (ESL or other language intensive).

German Exchange Students: North Park accepts the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst – German Academic Exchange Service) verification of English competency.

Test results must be:

  • Current; testing date must be within two (2) years of applying for admission to North Park.
  • Sent directly to the North Park Office of Admission by the testing agency; the North Park TOEFL code is 1556.

Validation of Proficiency

Testing Upon Arrival at North Park

Upon arrival at North Park, all new international students must complete a North Park-administered English language proficiency test during new student orientation at the beginning of a student’s first semester.

New students who test below the University’s required standards will be required to take appropriate ESL or other English courses during their first semester, or until they demonstrate the required proficiency for academic work. These are for-credit courses, are billed at regular course rates, and do not count toward master’s or doctoral degrees. See the University Catalog for further information about academic policies regarding credit and fulfillment of graduation requirements.

Exceptions to Submission of Test Results

International students in certain categories do not need to submit a test score for an admission decision. However, all new international students are required to take the North Park English Proficiency test during new student orientation.

Undergraduate Program Exceptions

  • Canadian students
  • Students who earned high school degrees taught in English (minimum of 2 semesters):
    • From the United Kingdom, British West Indies, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand
    • At an International Baccalaureate (IB) accredited school
    • At a school where instruction is in English (International High Schools) and is accredited by an American accreditation agency
  • Students who have earned at least 60 hours of transferable credit from a U.S. accredited college or university
    • Including a minimum grade of “C” in Composition 1 and Composition 2 (or the equivalent to WRIT 1000 and First Year Seminar at North Park)
  • Students from Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark); transfer students from Scandinavian countries should review additional details

Seminary and Other Graduate Program Exceptions

  • Canadian students
  • Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree taught in English in a country where English is the primary language (United Kingdom, British West Indies, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand)
  • Students who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or have at least 30 hours of master’s degree-level credit, with a “C” average, at a U.S. accredited college or university
  • Students from Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark) must submit a TOEFL or IELTS test score only when applying for a DMin degree program

Additional Requirements

North Park University reserves the right to require additional material, such as a writing sample or the TOEFL or IELTS, before making an admission decision for any student.

Non-US-based Curriculum

A local Education USA advising center can provide valuable advice about testing, financial aid, and immigration issues.