Applicants who are not native English speakers are required to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), or PTE (Pearson Test of English) results. International students should register to take the exam on the earliest date possible.
The New School does not require TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores for applicants -
- Whose native language is English
- Who have attended a secondary school where English is the primary language of instruction (minimum of three years' attendance)
- Who have successfully completed two full semesters of non-ESL college-level expository writing
- Who have earned a four-year degree from a U.S. college/university or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction (minimum of three years' attendance)
Upon review of your application, the Office of Admission reserves the right to request a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score. The minimum TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE score requirements for degree programs at Parsons are as follows:
- Bachelor's degree (BBA, BFA) applicants: TOEFL Internet-based test score of 92 / IELTS score of 7.0 / Duolingo score of 115 / PTE score of 63
- BA/BFA pathway applicants: TOEFL Internet-based test score of 100 / IELTS score of 7.0 / Duolingo score of 115 / PTE score of 63
- Associate's Degrees for Professionals (AAS) applicants: TOEFL Internet-based test score of 79 / IELTS score of 6.5 / Duolingo score of 105 / PTE score of 53
- Master's degree (MA, MArch, MFA, MS) applicants: TOEFL Internet-based test score of 92 / IELTS score of 7.0 / Duolingo score of 115 / PTE score of 63
Please note: Regardless of test scores submitted during the application stage, all admitted students whose native language is not English will be required to take the internal English Placement Exam prior to attending classes. This step has been implemented to ensure that submitted tests scores reflect students' current English fluency and that all students are prepared to take on the rigorous Parsons curriculum.
Undergraduate applicants who meet Parsons' academic and portfolio requirements but do not meet English language proficiency requirements can receive conditional admittance. Students who have been conditionally admitted must complete the required level of ESL certification at The New School (Level 5 for associate's degrees and Level 6 for bachelor's and master's degrees). Students who do not wish to complete the requirement are free to apply to a new term with new test results. Readmission is not guaranteed upon reapplication. Conditional admittance is not available for students applying to graduate degree programs.
Parsons and the Schools of Public Engagement together offer an ESL + Design certificate program that enables students to gain English language proficiency while taking courses in art and design. For more information, visit the ESL + Design program page. The New School offers additional ESL learning options.