GSE International Students

Fordham welcomes international students to our programs in the Graduate School of Education (GSE). We realize that studying in New York City offers many new and exciting opportunities. In addition, it can bring challenges, especially if English is not the students' home language or if the student is unfamiliar with local customs and expectations. To support the success of our students, we offer the following optional services:

• Free diagnostic assessment of English proficiency (comprehension and writing)
• Workshops to improve academic writing (basic and advanced)
• Pronunciation workshops to help students communicate effectively
• Workshops on managing intercultural expectations - both professional and personal

After students are accepted to a GSE program, they meet with their faculty advisors to consider the available support services and select the ones that will best help them succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

For more information: www.fordham.edu/esl

The Office for International Services also serves as a resource center for international students and facilitates their adjustment to life in the United States.

Our programs are open to all who qualify; however, only U.S. citizens or international students who possess a U.S. Green Card or H1-B visa may be recommended for New York State teacher certification. 

All international students from countries where English is not one of the official languages are required to submit scores for either the TOEFL or IELTS test, except those international students who have been granted an undergraduate and/or graduate degree at a college or university in which English is the primary language of instruction.

Minimum Test Scores
The following scores are the recommended minimum, current* test scores for English Language Proficiency for admission to the Graduate School of Education:

• IELTS: 7 for General Test Score, No subtest can be lower than 6.
• TOEFL: 577 for paper test, 90 for Internet-based (IBT) test.

*Note: Scores can be no more than two years old.

Applicants must provide us with a translation of their transcripts if it is in a foreign language, a course-by-course evaluation of their transcripts with conversion to a U.S. grading scale, and conversion of their final GPA to a U.S. scale.

We accept transcript evaluations from all NACES member organizations. See the complete list of member organizations.

Depending on the review of an application, official transcripts, personal statement, and test of English Language Proficiency accepted students may be required to engage in further evaluation and study in the English language prior to or in conjunction with admission and matriculation in Fordham's Graduate School of Education.

Please contact the Admissions Office with additional questions.