English Proficiency and Testing

Applicants whose primary language is not English must document their English language proficiency at the time of application. Applicants normally satisfy this requirement by submitting current and official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Academic IELTS scores.

An applicant is exempted from providing proof of English proficiency if he or she completed or will complete the last two years of a full-time university program using English as the medium of instruction in the following countries: USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or Canada.

Otherwise, an applicant who has studied in any language of instruction outside of these countries must document their English proficiency with a TOEFL or IELTS result. The scores required for admission are as follows:

Equivalent Cambridge, Oxford, NEAB, TEEP, Academic IELTS, and London Certificate test results that are current can be considered in lieu of the TOEFL. Students who cannot document current evidence of English proficiency should contact the campus to which they are applying for on-site testing. On site testing is available at the following locations:  St. Louis, Geneva, Hua Hin/Cha-am, Leiden, and Vienna. In such cases, testing must be completed before the admission decision will be made. Webster University will refer for testing any applicant for admission about whose English language proficiency an admissions officer has concerns. All English as a Second Language (ESL) recommendations and requirements are a condition of the applicant’s admission, enrollment, and/or continued enrollment at the University.

Use these correct institutional codes for Webster University Geneva when requesting an official TOEFL score report: 0546

ESL Contingent Admission

Some applicants are acceptable to the University but have additional English language proficiency needs that the University believes can be met by taking English as a Second Language (ESL) courses through Webster University or another educational institution with which the University has an articulation agreement. These students will be accepted on a contingent basis that acknowledges their need to satisfactorily complete further work in English. Students admitted with an ESL contingency must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements as noted above before their contingent admission status can be waived.

English Language Placement Testing

Admitted students normally must sit the University’s on-campus English language testing prior to registration for classes. The results of this evaluation will enable the academic advisor to place the student in appropriate coursework. Options include intermediate and/or advanced English as a Second Language (ESL) courses only, ESL courses in combination with academic courses, or academic courses only. Webster University will refer for testing any student about whose English language proficiency an academic department, an individual faculty member, or an academic advisor has concerns. The ESL recommendations will become part of the student’s graduation requirements.