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English Language Examination Policy

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit an English competency exam. Students may submit one of the following exams:
  • TOEFL: composite score of 100 or higher
  • IELTS: composite score of 7 or higher
  • Cambridge: C1 score of 185 or higher OR C2 Proficiency
Johns Hopkins SAIS will only accept scores directly from the testing service. Please arrange for all standardized test scores to be sent in advance of the application deadline. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years. 
To qualify for an English examination waiver, your entire undergraduate degree program must have been completed at an institution that meets both the following criteria:
  1. Language of Instruction: English was the primary language of instruction throughout your degree program
  2. Location: The Institution is either:
  • Located in a country where English is an official language, OR
  • Located in an non-U.S. country but maintains U.S. regional accreditation

Graduate education, professional experience, and other activities conducted in English-speaking countries do not exempt applicants from English competency testing. This policy applies to all applicants without exception. 

Please note that Johns Hopkins SAIS prefers electronic score submissions. Should you have any additional questions regarding your IELTS scores, please contact us at [email protected].

TOEFL

The Johns Hopkins SAIS TOEFL code is 5610-0000, or 5610.
It is sufficient to select an institution code when sending your official scores. You do not need to designate department or program codes and you may leave them blank (0000). If you are required to enter a department or program code you may use the code “99” (Undecided).
For more information on how to submit the TOEFL, please click here.

IELTS

When prompted, please select ‘Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies’. In order for IELTS scores to be considered ‘Official’ by Johns Hopkins SAIS, the scores must be sent directly from IELTS.

Cambridge

If you have taken one the Cambridge exams and you would like to share your result, you can do so through the Candidate Results page on their website. For instructions on how to submit your Cambridge exam results, please click here.

Candidates who are admitted with the following test scores will be required to complete the English Pre-Term program at Johns Hopkins SAIS before beginning their degree program:

  • TOEFL: composite score less than 105
  • IELTS: writing or speaking score below 7
  • Cambridge English: C1 sub score below 185