International Admissions Requirements

Academic Requirements

Before you can be considered for freshman admission, you must complete:

• 3 units of math (includes algebra I, geometry, and algebra II)
• 2 units of laboratory science (chosen from biology, chemistry or physics)
• additional academic units (foreign language is highly recommended)

Some majors have other requirements, such as an additional year of advanced math or lab science. Most students who are selected for admission have completed more than the minimum requirements and have at least a B+ grade point average.

International Education Systems and Curriculums

Click here to browse international education systems and curriculums.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking ONE of following tests.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Services of Princeton, New Jersey. For more information, application forms, or to obtain information about the regional center administering the TOEFL for your country, visit their web site at www.toefl.org. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition can also be used to demonstrate English proficiency.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. For more information, application forms, or to obtain information about the regional center administering the IELTS for your country, visit their web site at www.ielts.org.
• The PTE is the Pearson Tests of English, which measures your English ability by testing your level of English through tasks which reflect real-life settings. Visit their website at www.pearsonpte.com.
• Duolingo, which measures your English ability using an at home online testing platform. Visit their website at https://englishtest.duolingo.com/home.

English language proficiency tests must be submitted by the deadlines listed below

TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo

International students whose native language is not English must document proficiency in the English language by submitting either an IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.

• Students taking the IELTS must obtain a score of at least 6.5, with no subscore below 6.5 to be considered for admission to Virginia Tech.
• Students taking the PTE must obtain a score of at least 53.
• Depending on the type of TOEFL used, Virginia Tech expects students to have scores of:
  • Internet-based test: at least 80, with no section sub-score less than 16
  • Computer-based test: at least 233
  • Paper-based test: at least 550
• Students taking the Duolingo exam must obtain a score of at least 105 or higher.

If a student does not have the required TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score, but meets other admission requirements, the student is encouraged to enroll in Virginia Tech's Language and Culture Institute (VTLCI) program until he/she reaches the required score. Once the score is achieved, the student is offered admission as a regular degree-seeking student.

To have your IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score automatically sent to Virginia Tech, please specify Virginia Tech's CEEB code (5859) on the test form. English language proficiency tests must be submitted by January 15 for Early Action applicants or February 1 for Regular Decision.

SAT Optional

Virginia Tech does not require the SAT for international applicants. If you would like to send the SAT Reasoning Test (including critical reading and math) or ACT test scores, scores should be forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (CEEB code 5859; ACT code 4420).

Awarding of Advanced Standing Credit

Virginia Tech awards college credit ONLY for the German Abitur, A Levels, International Baccalaureate, and AP courses. To receive credit, an official copy of the exam result and a syllabus of the course(s) must be sent to: Office of the University Registrar, 250 Student Services Building, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA. More information can be found at the Office of the University Registrar.