Approximately half of Harvard Kennedy School students are international, so it’s no surprise that many of our applicants have questions about English language proficiency requirements.
Our current policy states that if you do not speak English as your native language and did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English, you must submit Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS academic test only), or Cambridge English test scores with your application.
You can find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our English language requirements below.
I see that HKS has a minimum TOEFL score of 100 and that the most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 25 on each sub-section. Can I submit my application if I do not meet these scores and/or sub-scores?
We do advise that the following minimum test scores are met in a single test sitting:
- 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) either in-person or on the Home Edition. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 25 on each sub-section.
- 7 overall band score on the IELTS. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 7 on each section.
- 185 on Level C1 or Level C2 proficiency on the Cambridge English. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 185 on each section.
That said, you will not be prevented from submitting your application if you do not meet these scores.
If you do not currently meet these minimum scores, we encourage you to consider retaking an English language proficiency test prior to the December 1 application deadline.
I took the IELTS five years ago. Can I submit those results?
TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years, so results from a test taken five years ago would not be valid. In this case, you would need to retake the test before the December 1 application deadline and submit your recent scores.
I’ve worked in an English-speaking workplace for a number of years. Is that sufficient for demonstrating English proficiency?
As mentioned above, our policy states that if you do not speak English as your native language and did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English, you must submit results from an English proficiency exam. Working in an English-speaking environment does not fulfill the English proficiency requirement. In this case, you would need to take an English proficiency exam before the December 1 application deadline.
I completed a master’s degree where the language of instruction was English. Do I need to submit English proficiency scores?
An advanced degree (a master’s or PhD, for example) from a U.S. institution or an institution where English is the language of instruction does not fulfill the English proficiency testing requirement. In this case, you would need to take an English proficiency exam before the December 1 application deadline.
How can I submit official test scores to HKS?
- Use code 3454 when registering for the TOEFL. We are listed as “Harvard U JFK Sch Govt.” Harvard Kennedy School does not have a department code; if prompted for a department code when registering for the TOEFL, our preferred code is 99.
- There is no code for the IELTS; list “Harvard Kennedy School” when taking the test.
