• Academics
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff
• Alumni & Friends
• Research

MSSW: Admission Requirements for International Students

The School of Social Work welcomes applications from international students to the MSSW program. The School encourages international students to complete the Master of Science in Social Work degree in three years of extended study. In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School and the School of Social Work, applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a score for both the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Spoken English (TSE). Those who hold bachelor's degrees from a U.S. institution or from an institution in another English-only speaking country may receive a waiver of the TOEFL and the TSE. Please note that the standards for admission to the School of Social Work are higher than those for the University of Texas at Austin Graduate School.

• A score of 600 (paper test) or 250 (computer test) or better is required for the TOEFL.
• A score of 50 or better is required for the TSE.

Information and applications for the TOEFL and TSE may be obtained from the Educational Testing Service by calling (609) 951-1100.

Upon acceptance to the School of Social Work and arrival at the University of Texas at Austin, all students for whom English is a second language will be assessed for English language proficiency. Based on this assessment, students may be required to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses before enrolling in social work courses or participating in a field placement. Additional ESL work may delay a student's completion of the MSSW program in two full-time years. The student is responsible for the cost of ESL courses, which are not included in estimated tuition and fees.

International applicants should contact the International Office for information concerning I-20s, visas, and other immigration matters.