Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Most applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL. An applicant is exempt from the test if he or she has earned a bachelor’s or advanced degree within the last five years at a regionally accredited or recognized institution in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore or United Kingdom.

Applications for admission will not be processed until official TOEFL results have been received. TOEFL scores that are more than two years old and/or photocopies of the Examinee Score Report are not acceptable. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for master’s degree applicants is 550 (213 for the computer-based test, 79-80 for the Internet-based test) and 600 (250 for the computer-based test, 100 for the Internet-based test) for doctoral degree applicants. Direct the Educational Test Service (ETS) to forward the official TOEFL score report to the Graduate Division, University of Hawai‘i (Institution Code: 4867; Department Code: 50).

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score reports may be submitted in lieu of the TOEFL. An IELTS overall score of 6 or higher is required for master's degree applicants and a score of 7 or higher is required for doctoral applicants. Applicants should contact the nearest British Council/Embassy/Consulate or IDP Education Australia Office in their country for the nearest testing center. It is advised that applicants also check the IELTS website for the most up-to-date information for testing centers.