Academic Requirements
Before your student can be considered for freshman admission, they 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 with the required minimum score or higher:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 80 or higher with no subsection score less than 16. NOTE: TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition is accepted. TOEFL iBT "My Best' combined scores, TOEFL Essentials Test, and TOEFL ITP Plus are not accepted.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 or higher with no sub score below 6.5
- The Pearson Tests of English (PTE): 59 or higher
- Duolingo: 115 or higher
- Cambridge Assessment: English score of 176 or higher
- SAT: 550 or higher on Evidence-based Reading and Writing
- ACT: 24 or higher on English section
- IGCSE/GCSE/GCE: A, B, or C, or 6-9 in English First Language or English Language
- International Baccalaureate: 5 or higher on English Language and Literature (English A)
Virginia Tech will only accept score results from a test taken within the past two years. If self-reported scores are used for application review, official score reports must be provided if the student is admitted and accepts their offer of admission. Official test score reports from all test results indicated on the application must be received directly from the testing organization.
To have your official IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score automatically sent to Virginia Tech, please specify Virginia Tech's CEEB code (5859) on the test form.
All English proficiency test results must be reported by the following deadlines:
Early Decision
November 15
Early Action
January 15
Regular Decision
February 1
NOTE:
If a student has completed four years of study (grades 9-12 or the equivalent) in one of the native English-speaking countries listed below, and English is the only medium of instruction, AND no ESL courses have been taken, they do not need to submit verification of English language proficiency.
United States, United Kingdom and Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (except Quebec), Singapore, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the following Caribbean countries: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Helena, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands
If a student does not have the English proficiency requirements but meets other admission requirements, they are encouraged to enroll in Virginia Tech's Language and Culture Institute (VTLCI) program until they reach the required language proficiency. Once they complete the program, the student is offered admission as a regular degree-seeking student.
SAT/ACT Optional
Virginia Tech does not require the SAT or ACT 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 for the German Abitur, A Levels, International Baccalaureate, and AP courses only. 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.
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