Admission to graduate programs and applications for fellowships often requires testing of prior learning. The most commonly used of these examinations is the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE.
Testing requirements for graduate and professional school admission and fellowship applications
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which is administered by ETS, is a test designed to measure quantitative, analytical, and language abilities. Your specific graduate program website will indicate their GRE requirements. There are several businesses that offer GRE test preparation materials. Some of them offer free practice tests and downloadable software for studying, including ETS. They also offer online and live courses with a wide range of pricing. Be sure to take advantage of all the free materials before making an investment in classes.
In addition, ETS offers a GRE Fee Reduction Program for individuals who can demonstrate financial need. Voucher users pay 50% of the regular test fee.
To qualify for fellowships, many graduate programs require that you take the GRE by October or December before your fall admission. Subject tests are offered on specific dates, but dates fill up quickly, so plan ahead. ETS, the administrator of the GRE, offers detailed information on its website.
Additional testing requirements
Professional schools or programs at IU Indianapolis may require other, more specialized tests, such as the GMAT for business or the LSAT for law. Check the website of your program of interest for more information.
English Proficiency Admission Requirements for Non-native Speakers of English
International applicants and non-native speakers of English may be required to take additional tests to demonstrate English proficiency and meet graduate or professional admission requirements. English proficiency can be demonstrated in many different ways. Be sure to verify English proficiency requirements with your program of interest before registering for a specific exam or program.
English Proficiency Minimum Requirements
Effective with students admitted for fall 2000 and thereafter, to gain admission, all graduate and professional applicants to IUPUI whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English as a second language. This policy thus applies to students enrolling in all graduate-level programs including graduate certificate programs. Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or a graduate degree from an accredited university in the U.S. or an officially recognized university in a country where English is the predominant native language will be deemed proficient. All other students must perform satisfactorily on a standardized test of proficiency in English as a second language that measures students' preparedness for academic study.
This policy is a MINIMUM standard for the campus. This policy does not preclude any department or school from setting a higher standard. For example, some departments or schools may choose to require that all non-native speakers of English will take the EAP Placement Exam regardless of previous standardized test scores or education.
Applicants from non-English speaking countries must prove English proficiency and may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination in order to qualify for graduate study at IU Indianapolis; many graduate programs require a score significantly higher than the minimum campus standard. Be sure to verify English proficiency requirements with your program of interest before selecting an alternative to the TOEFL. The Office for International Affairs offers further information on English proficiency requirements on its website.
An alternative testing system for English language skills is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The Office for International Affairs offers further information on English proficiency requirements on its website.
By University policy, most graduate students who are non-native speakers of English are required to take the EAP Placement Test prior to registering for classes, before the start of their first semester on campus, even if they completed the TOEFL test. Students’ letter of admission from the Office of International Affairs will indicate if they are required to take this test.
Some students who are permanent residents, political asylees, or undocumented without a U.S. degree are strongly encouraged to take the EAP Placement test. Graduate students in this category should speak to their advisor or the EAP Program about enrolling in an EAP course. Both undergraduate and graduate students may elect to take EAP courses even if they are not required to.
Because the EAP Placement Test is a placement test used to accurately determine English language skill level, students do not need to "prepare" for it. The scores are used to assign EAP classes that best meet students’ academic needs that will provide favorable English experiences necessary for a successful career at IUPUI and beyond.
The courses prescribed based on the students’ results on the EAP Placement Test are required. Students who have not completed their EAP requirements will not be able to graduate.
The minimum placement is no course below G513 or G520 for any student who will enroll on an F-1 or J-1 visa.
NOTE for graduate students and advisers: Graduate students who are being considered for a teaching role (tutor, lab assistant, teaching assistant, course instructor) are also required by university policy to take the SPEAK test and complete any required supplemental EAP courses recommended based on that test. The Graduate Office monitors compliance with the campus policy.
The Department of English lists information such as test dates, testing locations, registration instructions, and more. EAP students also can take advantage of the ESL Tutoring Center. For questions about dates and times for the current semester, please email .
The Program for Intensive English (PIE) at IUPUI provides non-native English speakers with language courses to improve their academic English skills. Once a student successfully completes Level 7 in the PIE, they will meet the minimum IU IndianapolisEnglish proficiency requirement. Be sure to verify English proficiency requirements with your program of interest to ensure they accept the PIE, and at what level.
More information and applicationGraduate students who are being considered for a teaching role (tutor, lab assistant, teaching assistant, course instructor) are also required by university policy to take the SPEAK test and complete any required supplemental EAP courses recommended based on that test. The Graduate Office monitors compliance with the campus policy. Students should connect with their Graduate Program advisor for more information on completing the SPEAK test.
SPEAK TestPearson Test of English - Academic (PTEA) minimum = 54.
Successful completion of ELS Language Center's Level 112.
Other objective tests of EAP proficiency and minimum scores as agreed upon by the English for Academic Purposes Program and the Office of International Affairs.
The ESL Tutoring Center serves students enrolled in EAP and PIE classes. EAP students please contact for hours of operation and other information. PIE students, please contact PIE at or 317-274-4743.
Requirement upon arrival
Upon arrival, all graduate and professional students admitted to IU Indianapolis who were required to take the TOEFL must take the EAP Placement Exam administered by the EAP Program before enrolling in the first semester of courses, unless they have submitted an official TOEFL iBT score at or above 100 or IELTS score at or above 7.5. Students must take the EAP courses in which they have been placed beginning in the first or second semester of enrollment at IU Indianapolis.
Situations may arise in which newly admitted students are unable to access EAP testing (for example, students enrolled online full-time). In these cases, such students may enroll in the EAP Program’s summer online G513 course prior to taking any other courses and with advanced permission from their IU Indianapolis program director and the EAP director.