Division of Biology

International Students - TOEFL and TSE information

The Graduate School requires each international applicant whose native language is not English to demonstrate facility in the English language by making a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This test is required in the interest of ensuring that the student's progress toward a degree is not jeopardized by language difficulties. A score of 550 (213 on the new scale for computerized testing) is required for admission by the Graduate School and some units require higher scores. The TOEFL is offered several times a year in the student's home country through the Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey. Further information is available from the Graduate School office. Foreign students are advised to take the TOEFL as early as possible to avoid delays in processing their applications for admission.

In addition to the TOEFL all international students entering the Division of Biology will be required to demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English at the time of enrollment. Since participating in classroom instructional activities is an important component in our Biology program, we expect that you will have or will work hard to develop excellent English communication skills. It will be necessary for you to take and pass the Test of Spoken English (TSE) soon after you arrive. If you do not pass, you must enroll in and satisfactorily complete ENGL 075, SPCH 065, or both, as appropriate, and retake the test at the end of your first semester in residence at KSU. We consider English communication skills to be essential to your overall progress in our graduate program; you must pass the Test of Spoken English no later than the end of your second semester in residence here at KSU.

Administration of the TSE, as well as a special orientation and advising program is conducted for new international students one week before the date of enrollment. If you are accepted, please plan on arriving in Manhattan at least one week prior to the start of classes.

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Kansas State University
November 5, 2009