TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced

Any graduate applicant whose native language is not English, or who is from a country where English is not the native language, and who wishes to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) during any year of study in any graduate department at the University of Denver, must demonstrate fluency in spoken English by meeting one of the following minimum scores:

• TOEFL iBT Speaking section:
  • 26 (for exams taken prior to January 21, 2026), or
  • 5 (for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026)
• IELTS Speaking section: 8
• C1 Advanced Speaking section: 200

GTA English Language Exemption

Prospective GTAs may be exempted from submitting TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced scores if they meet BOTH of the following conditions:

• Have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from a formally-recognized/accredited institution at which English is the sole language of instruction and examination; and
• Have an additional four or more consecutive years of work or instructional experience in a country where English is an official language, and in which English was the primary language of employment or instruction.

Note: GTA awards may be revoked or restricted to non-teaching assistantship responsibilities at the discretion of the division if the GTA does not demonstrate sufficient English fluency in the classroom.