International Applicants

Applicants from non-English-speaking countries must have strong English language skills in order to meet the admission requirements for our program. This requirement is waived, however, for applicants who received degrees from colleges or universities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Applicants who obtained a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction are able to use their degree as proof of English language proficiency. 

Applicants who have not obtained a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting standardized test scores.

International applicants whose native language is not English and who have not graduated from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Please note: If you become a permanent resident or U.S. citizen by the time you start or complete your application, you are not required to submit standardized test scores.

Please schedule your TOEFL test well in advance so that the results are received by the application deadline.

Visit the ETS TOEFL website for test and registration information.

Minimum score requirements

Score of 100 (total) on the Internet-based test.

• 25 on Reading
• 25 on Listening
• 25 on Speaking
• 25 on Writing

Arrange for ETS to forward official test results to institution code 3087 (there is no department code).

Please schedule your IELTS test well in advance so that the results are received by the application deadline.

Visit the IELTS website for test and registration information.

The minimum band score for the IELTS test is 7. In addition, a minimum score of 7.0 is required in each category.

Arrange to have official test results mailed to:

Boston University, School of Social Work
c/o PhD program
264 Bay State Road
Boston, MA 02215

Applicants who have earned a degree outside of the United States are asked, without exception, to submit an official credential evaluation. In addition, foreign transcripts not written in English require an official English translation.

Please coordinate the transcript evaluation well in advance so that evaluations are received by the application deadline.

Degree Translation

If your home institution cannot provide a transcript in English and on a 4.0 GPA scale, you will need to obtain a certified translation.

Certified Translation

A certified translation of a document is one that has been translated “word-for-word” and attested, by the translator, that the translation document is accurate and complete.

For information on where to get a certified translation contact:

• The registrar at your home school
• The US embassy in your country
• View a list of credentials evaluation services here

Credential Evaluation

Because of the differences in grade values and program degree requirements in colleges and universities around the world, we require an official credential evaluation of all foreign transcripts.

The PhD program appreciates the process and coordination necessary to obtain a credential evaluation and, if called for, a certified translation. We respectfully ask for these materials with purpose—so that we may thoroughly understand your academic program and grades.

An evaluation can be obtained from any of the credentials evaluation services found here.

Should you be admitted to the program, we will work with you to gather the documents required to apply for a student visa. Visit the International Students & Scholars website for more information about the F-1 student visa and starting your education at Boston University as an international student.