# Language Assessments ### Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) has an English Language Proficiency Policy. The full details of this policy can be found in the official Griffin GSAS Handbook. [Read Griffin GSAS policies.](https://gsas.harvard.edu/policies) [ Read the Full Policy in the Handbook arrow\_circle\_right ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/2025-10/Handbook%20for%20Students%202025-2026.pdf) ![Students smile at each other during a program for International Teachers and Scholars](/sites/g/files/omnuum6756/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2024-10/32605371873_d6709dc547_o.jpg?itok=6RfoJoB0) Because graduate students need to communicate their ideas in multiple ways, the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) requires that PhD students who are non-native English speakers and who received their undergraduate degree from a non-English speaking institution demonstrate a minimum level of oral English language proficiency. Language and communication specialists in the Professional Communication Program for International Teachers and Scholars at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning collaborate with Harvard Griffin GSAS in helping students meet this requirement. Students must demonstrate the required minimum proficiency level in order to work as teaching fellows. **Questions around the policy can be directed to Shelby Johnson, Associate Director of Academic Programs,** [**shelby\_johnson@fas.harvard.edu**](mailto:shelby_johnson@fas.harvard.edu)**.** **As of January 21, 2026, the** [**TOEFL iBT**](https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ets.org%2Ftoefl%2Ftest-takers%2Fibt%2Fupcoming-updates-jan-2026.html&data=05%7C02%7Cmjs51%40cornell.edu%7C784c71bbf7414851771008de4ed52a7e%7C5d7e43661b9b45cf8e79b14b27df46e1%7C0%7C0%7C639034874595725160%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=E0RAf2Zs%2FmMkywwXd6CECd5RWaoLcI9UDGm%2F5CGfXik%3D&reserved=0) **has been revised. If students are using the new scores, these are our current guidelines. These may be updated as more data becomes available.** ### Official Policy Details expand\_more ## Proficiency Levels Students are categorized based on their TOEFL iBT speaking score and/or IELTS Academic speaking score noted in the Harvard Griffin GSAS admissions application. **TOEFL iBT old 26 and above, TOEFL iBT new 5.5 and above, or IELTS 8 and above:** Harvard Griffin GSAS oral English language requirement is met. **TOEFL iBT old 23 to 25, TOEFL iBT new 4.5 to 5.0, or IELTS 7 to 7.5:** Students should schedule an oral proficiency interview in their first term of study with language specialists at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. Students who have not met the minimum level will be advised on appropriate resources or oral communication skills courses they can take in order to meet the requirement. **TOEFL iBT old 20 to 22, TOEFL iBT new 4.0, or IELTS 6.5:** Students should schedule an oral proficiency interview in their first term of study with language specialists at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning and will likely need to take an oral communication skills course. **TOEFL iBT old 19 and below, TOEFL iBT new 3.5 and below, and IELTS 6.0 and below:** Students should schedule an oral proficiency interview in their first term of study with language specialists at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. Students at this level may be too low for current resources provided by the Bok Center. After your assessment interview, the Bok Center may recommend seeking alternative language support. **All students:** Whether you have met the English language requirement or still need to develop your oral English proficiency, you may [schedule a consultation](https://calendly.com/semory/itf-consultation) to discuss your English communication skills and get connected to available resources. ## Re-evaluation and Timeline for Meeting the Requirement Students who have not met the requirement may be re-evaluated after taking an oral communication skills course or after waiting one year. Depending on a student’s incoming proficiency level and other factors, it may take more than one term to meet the requirement. As students plan their academic and research schedules, they should factor in time for oral English language proficiency development, especially considering when they expect to teach. Students should consult their department and/or advisor if they need extra support to improve their speaking skills. For more information about understanding English language proficiency and incoming language test scores, please see this [guide for departments](https://gsas.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/2026-05/Department-facing_%20Interpreting%20language%20scores%20%28TOEFLf%26%20IELTS%29%20for%20admissions%20Feb%2026.pdf) and this [guide for students](https://gsas.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/2026-05/Student-facing%20Explanation%20of%20Scores%20and%20Proficiency%20Feb%2026.pdf) created by our colleagues at the Bok Center. ## Language Assessments We provide English language proficiency interviews for non-native English speaking faculty and graduate students at all stages of their academic careers. Those who need to meet the English requirement will receive an invitation to schedule an assessment; others engaged in teaching in Harvard College are also welcome to request an assessment interview. For those seeking feedback on their English speaking skills, the interview provides a holistic assessment, enables speakers to understand their own strengths and weaknesses, and informs strategies that could be used to build proficiency. During the interview, we provide clear feedback and recommend resources. Open all sections Close all sections ### Why does the Bok Center offer the GSAS Oral Proficiency Interview? expand\_more The graduate school’s English proficiency policy is to ensure all PhD students are able to communicate in English effectively as students, researchers, and Teaching Fellows. Harvard Griffin GSAS considers a student’s incoming TOEFL or IELTS scores, language of their undergraduate degree work, or an oral proficiency interview to determine if they have met the above requirement As language experts, we perform the interviews for students in Griffin GSAS. ### Who should schedule an oral proficiency interview? expand\_more Incoming G1 students with TOEFL speaking scores 25 and below or IELTS speaking scores 7.5 and below will receive an invitation to schedule a language interview with the Bok Center. Interviews for incoming G1 students are scheduled in the summer before their program begins. If your score is higher or if you are a native speaker of English, you are still welcome to schedule an interview if you would like guidance on how to continue to build advanced communication skills. ### How can students schedule their interview and get their results? expand\_more Harvard Griffin GSAS emails incoming students about the language requirement in June and then the Bok Center contacts students to schedule a 30-minute interview. Results of the interview may be communicated directly during the appointment or within a week by email. ### How can students prepare? expand\_more Be ready to speak! No other preparation is needed as the interview is designed to allow students to demonstrate their ability with spoken English. The interviewer may ask about a range of topics related to daily life, interests, and academic work. Students should be well-rested and ready to speak at length. After the interview, we will share feedback, students can ask any questions they have, and we will make suggestions based on the students’ demonstrated language proficiency. ### What are the possible outcomes of the interview? expand\_more The results for the English Language Requirement are “Met” or “Not Met.” This maps to your English proficiency milestone in my.harvard. Students who meet the requirement do not need to take further action, though we may offer suggestions to help with further language and communication development. Students who have not met the requirement will need to take steps to meet the requirement before they are eligible to work as teaching fellows. ### What should a student do if they do not meet the language requirement? expand\_more Students who have not yet met the language requirement should take an [oral communications skills course](https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/international-teachers-and-scholars#training-opportunities). We will recommend the best option based on a student's specific case. After completing a semester-long course, students are eligible to schedule a new assessment to determine whether they have met the requirement. Taking a class provides practice on key skills and provides eligibility for a new assessment. Students who do not take a language or communication course are eligible for a new interview after one year. ### When are language assessments offered? expand\_more Language assessment interviews are offered every July and August, and at the end of each term in December and May.