English Proficiency Requirements

Boston University College of Fine Arts (CFA) welcomes applications from students from around the world. CFA accepts TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS and Duolingo for graduate students. Minimum scores depend upon the program you are applying to. Please choose the appropriate school and program from the dropdowns below to view specific English proficiency requirements.

International applicants may be asked for a WES.org transcript evaluation.

The BU College of Fine Arts TOEFL code is 3087. Scores are due by the application deadline.

School of Music

Graduate applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate sufficient English language skills to succeed in our programs.

The School of Music does not offer exemptions to the English proficiency requirement based on prior study at an English-speaking institution.

Be sure to take the tests early enough so that scores reach Boston University by your program deadline. A photocopy or scan of your score may be uploaded to your application for purposes of review, but an official score from the testing agency is required for admission.

Exams must have been taken within two years of the Boston University application deadline.

School of Theatre

Graduate applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate sufficient English language skills to succeed in our programs.

School of Visual Arts

Graduate applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate sufficient English language skills to succeed in our programs.