What if I am applying to the Graduate School and need to demonstrate English proficiency? (Updated April 22)
In response to the temporary closings of English proficiency testing centers in countries impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic, the Purdue University Graduate School (Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Northwest, and West Lafayette campuses) will temporarily accept Duolingo English Test examination results for tests taken between March 1, 2020 and August 1, 2020, in countries where the TOEFL iBT (including the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition) and IELTS are not available. As of April 15, 2020, these countries are Iran and Mainland China. The Duolingo English Test will be accepted from applicants in impacted countries, as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS, to demonstrate English proficiency as long as the test was taken between the dates stated above, and the score remains valid.
If submitting the Duolingo English Test, a minimum score of 105 will be required for admission. In addition to providing a Duolingo score at or above the minimum of 105, graduate programs may choose to require students to participate in a Zoom or Skype interview prior to making an admission decision.
For Purdue West Lafayette graduate students, the Duolingo English Test does not provide sub-score breakouts and cannot be used to satisfy the English proficiency requirements for serving as a Purdue University Graduate Teaching Assistant. Students who submit a Duolingo score for admission will need to either take the TOEFL/IELTS at a later date or take the Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT) upon arrival, if interested in being assigned a teaching assistantship on the West Lafayette campus. Additional information about the OEPT and access to the OEPT Practice Test, may be found at the OEPP Website https://www.purdue.edu/oepp/.
For Indianapolis graduate students, the Duolingo English Test does not supersede the campus English proficiency testing requirements. All non-native English speakers must still complete the campus English for Academic Purpose (EAP) placement test upon enrollment. Depending on your EAP test results, you may need to take EAP courses at the same time as your academic major courses for one or two semesters. Your letter of admission will indicate if you are required to take this test.
Duolingo English Test Information:
For prospective applicants in countries other than Iran and Mainland China, Educational Testing Service announced April 2, 2020, that the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is available in all locations where the TOEFL iBT test has normally been available. This is a proctored online version of the test that can be taken in test users’ homes. Additional information about this new test option and updates on testing center closures, postponements, and rescheduling can be found at www.ets.org/toefl/cv-update.
IELTS is providing updates regarding testing centers at: www.ielts.org/en-us/news/2020/changes-to-ielts-test-arrangements-in-some-locations-due-to-novel-coronavirus.