International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if English is not their native language. For information about the TOEFL, contact TOEFL/TSE Services, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151 or visit https://www.ets.org/toefl/contact. For information about the IELTS, contact IELTS International, 1024 West Orange Grove Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006 (626-355-0650). English proficiency is a prerequisite for graduate study at the university. Admitted students may be required to take a test of English proficiency soon after arrival at the university and may have to take coursework in English as a Second Language (ESL). These courses are described in the Programs, Faculty, and Courses chapter.

New international students appointed as teaching assistants are required to take an oral proficiency test regardless of their TOEFL or IELTS scores. Nonimmigrant students also must present evidence of adequate financial resources to meet educational and living expenses.