International Students

Some 40% of all Dietrich School graduate students are international students from currently over 70 countries.  We proudly celebrate and rely on the diversity of perspectives they contribute to our cosmopolitan community.

International graduate applicants must possess proficiency in English at a level that enables them to succeed in graduate-level studies. Applicants in the following categories meet this requirement: citizens of a country whose official languages include English; graduates of regionally accredited institutions in the U.S.; graduates of institutions whose language of instruction is English and located in countries whose official languages include English.

The University of Pittsburgh uses the official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the Duolingo English Test as a measure of English language proficiency. 

Minimum requirements for all Dietrich School graduate programs (several graduate degree programs have higher requirements, please check the specific requirements of your prospective program):

TOEFL: score of 90, with a score of at least 22 in each of the four sections of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. TOEFL scores submitted must not be more than two years old.

IELTS: score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 in each of its four sections. IELTS scores submitted must not be more than two years old.

Duolingo English Test: Minimum score: 120. Duolingo scores submitted must not be more than two years old. The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour. Effective April 2, 2023, the cost of a single test will be $59 . The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with the University of Pittsburgh when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session.

GRE: The vast majority of our programs no longer consider GRE scores in their admissions process, and additional programs do not require GRE scores but will consider them as part of a holistic evaluation of application materials if submitted. Please refer to the application requirements of each program. 

Official academic documents from institutions outside the U.S. must include academic records from each academic institution attended such as a grade report, mark sheet, examination results, etc.  Official, original academic credentials that are issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.  Additionally, in cases where the grade report, academic record, examination results, or transcript does not attest to the awarding of a degree or other academic qualification, a certified copy of the original certificate or diploma awarding the degree or qualification must be submitted.  Certificates or diplomas that are issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

An international applicant must possess a college or university qualification that is comparable to a four-year American baccalaureate degree.

Example:  India Three-Year bachelor’s degree and the Required Two-year master’s degree 

In general, the length of an Indian bachelor’s degree is 3 years.  However, a three-year bachelor’s degree from India does not meet the standards for equivalence to a United States baccalaureate degree and is inadequate for pursuing graduate studies in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Studies. It is mandatory to have a two-year master’s degree following the completion of the three-year bachelor’s degree from India.

Minimum Degree Requirements for Admissibility

  • Completion of a university four-year bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Technology.
  • Completion of a three-year bachelor’s degree followed by a completed two-year master’s degree.

 

International Graduate Student Supplemental Application Forms:

Please find the Financial Information Handout, which will be used for academic year 2023-2024: International Graduate Student Financial Information Document 2023-2024