English Proficiency Policy

Who needs to demonstrate English proficiency?

The University of Richmond values proficiency in multiple languages and diverse educational experiences across different cultures and countries. To ensure that students are prepared for our rigorous curriculum, we require that any student whose first language is not English submit proof of English proficiency.

How can I meet Richmond's English proficiency requirement?

You can meet Richmond’s English proficiency requirement by submitting an English proficiency test or qualifying for a waiver. Richmond accepts official score reports from the following English proficiency tests: IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo English Test.  We will also waive the English proficiency requirement if you have been enrolled in an academically rigorous, English-medium secondary school for at least 4 years, received a competitive SAT or ACT score as outlined below, or have obtained an A or B equivalent grade in an AP, IB, or A-level English course.

English Proficiency Test Competitive Score
TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition 100 or 5.5 (updated scoring)
IELTS or IELTS Indicator 7.5
Duolingo English Test

135

 

Waiver Criteria Requirement to Waive
ACT English 28
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing 660
English-medium secondary school

At least four years in an academically rigorous English-medium secondary school
AP, IB, or A-level English A or B equivalent grade (IB 5-7)

Successful applicants typically report proficiency levels at or above the scores listed above. These are the scores that satisfy or waive the English proficiency requirement; they are not minimum admission scores. The University reserves the right to require additional information to demonstrate English proficiency, and we always consider English proficiency scores in context as part of the overall holistic review.

English Proficiency Waiver Self-Assessment Tool

You may not need to submit an English proficiency test if you meet one of Richmond's approved waiver criteria. Use this quick self-assessment to see whether you may qualify for a waiver based on the criteria above.

Take the English Proficiency Waiver Self-Assessment

This self-assessment is for informational purposes only. Richmond will verify your eligibility during the application review process. If you qualify for an English proficiency waiver, the waiver will be applied after an initial review of your application verifies eligibility. This may be many weeks after you apply. Verification is not immediate; a pending waiver will not prevent your application from being reviewed.

 

How to Submit English Proficiency Exam Scores

Although SAT or ACT scores may be self-reported, results for English proficiency exams (TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test) require an official score report.

  • TOEFL: Richmond's TOEFL institution code is 5569.
  • IELTS: Students must provide an exact institution address when reporting IELTS scores, even for e-delivery. Please provide the address below when sending scores to the University of Richmond.
Account Name: University of Richmond Undergraduate Admission
Address: 142 UR Drive
City: Richmond
State: VA
Zip Code: 23173

If it is financially burdensome for you to send your scores via the testing agency, we will accept official score reports submitted by your high school.

Want to Share More of Your Story? Optional English Proficiency Supplements

InitialView and Vericant are optional but encouraged opportunities to provide additional information about your English communication skills. An interview can give you another opportunity to share your personality, experiences, and perspectives in your own voice. 
These supplements are optional and do not replace a required English proficiency test or approved waiver. If you wish to have InitialView or Vericant considered alongside your application, arrange to have your interview completed as early as possible.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Do I need an English proficiency test?
    If your first language is not English, you must demonstrate English proficiency unless you qualify for an approved English proficiency waiver. You can meet the requirement by submitting an official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score, or by meeting one of Richmond’s approved waiver criteria. Use this quick self-assessment quiz to see whether you may qualify for a waiver.

  • Which test should I choose: IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test (DET)?

    Richmond accepts the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test. We do not prefer one exam over another. English proficiency results must be submitted through an official score report.
    Richmond’s competitive scores are:

    • TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 100 or 5.5 under the updated scoring scale
    • IELTS: 7.5
    • Duolingo English Test: 135

    Wondering how you might perform on the TOEFL? Try the TOEFL Mini-Quiz to get a sense of your current English-language skills and estimate a potential TOEFL score. Your result is an informal estimate and is not an official TOEFL score.

  • What if my score is below Richmond’s competitive score?

    The English proficiency scores published by Richmond are competitive scores, not minimum required scores. If your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score is below the published competitive score, you may still apply and your application will still be considered.

    Richmond uses a holistic admission process and may consider additional elements of your application to understand your overall English proficiency and academic preparation.

  • Does test-optional admission apply to English proficiency?
    Test-optional admission applies to standardized admission tests such as the SAT and ACT; it does not apply to English proficiency testing. Students whose first language is not English must still submit an official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score unless they qualify for an approved English proficiency waiver.

  • Can I self-report my English proficiency score?

    Although SAT or ACT scores may be self-reported, results for English proficiency exams (TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test) require an official score report.

    • TOEFL: Richmond’s TOEFL institution code is 5569.
    • IELTS: Students must provide an exact institution address when reporting IELTS scores, even for e-delivery. Please provide the address below when sending scores to the University of Richmond

      Account Name: University of Richmond Undergraduate Admission
      Address: 142 UR Drive
      City: Richmond
      State: VA
      Zip Code: 23173

    If it is financially burdensome for you to send your scores via the testing agency, we will accept official score reports submitted by your high school.

  • I qualify for an English proficiency waiver. When will the waiver show up in my Spider Portal?

    If you appear to qualify for an English proficiency waiver, the waiver will be applied after an initial review of your application verifies your eligibility. This verification is not immediate, and it may take many weeks for your Spider Portal checklist to update. A pending English proficiency waiver will not prevent Richmond from reviewing your application. You do not need to wait for the waiver to appear in your checklist before your application can be reviewed.

  • Will a pending waiver prevent my application from being reviewed?
    You do not need to wait for your English proficiency waiver to be processed before Richmond begins reviewing your application. If you qualify for a waiver, Richmond will verify your eligibility during the application review process. A pending waiver will not prevent your application from being reviewed.

  • Does Richmond accept InitialView or Vericant?
    Richmond accepts InitialView interviews and Vericant Verified Video Interviews as optional English proficiency supplements. These supplements can provide additional information about your English ability, but they do not replace a required English proficiency test or approved waiver.

    An optional InitialView or Vericant interview gives you the opportunity to share your personality, experiences, and communication skills in your own voice. If you communicate best through conversation, we encourage you to consider submitting a video interview.