The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required of any student whose native language is not English. Your score must not be more than two years old and an official copy must be sent to the school directly from ETS. The test is administered through the Educational Testing Service, Box 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151 USA, telephone (609) 771-7100, email
toefl@ets.orgor at a center in your native country.
Institution Code and School Name: 6609 - Rice University
Department Code: 12
Much of your success in graduate study in the United States will rest on your ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. If English is not your native language, evidence of proficiency in its use will be decisive in the review for admission.
Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL test. Successful applicants generally score at least 600 on the paper-based TOEFL, score at least 250 on the computer-based TOEFL, or score 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL. For students who choose to take the IELTS in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 7. Students may also take the Duolingo English test in lieu of TOEFL, the minimum score is 115.Exemptions include proof of receiving a degree from an accredited US high school, college, or university, or proof of education in a country with English instruction, including Australia, Canada (English-speaking provinces), New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or other countries with the approval of the School of Architecture.
If a student’s English skills are deemed to be deficient, we maintain the ability to require that he/she enroll in an intensive ESL program in advance of enrollment to bring proficiency up to a minimum standard. Students may also be required to take a follow-up English language course during their first year of graduate study.