English Language Proficiency (ELP)

Overview

All international graduate students must meet minimum English language proficiency standards for admission, registration, and teaching (if applicable) at Texas A&M University. An international graduate student is defined as an applicant or student who

• is not a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident (or applicant for permanent residency),
• has not graduated from a Texas high school after three years of residency in Texas (see Texas SB-1528), and
• holds a bachelor’s or professional degree (or equivalent).

English Language Proficiency Requirements Overview

Texas A&M University has three distinct English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements, depending on a student’s academic and employment status:

• ELP Admission RequirementRequired for admission to a graduate or professional program.
• ELP Verification RequirementRequired to register for courses,
• ELP Certification RequirementRequired for graduate assistantships with instructional or curricular support responsibilities.
• NOTEThe Graduate and Professional School does not provide waivers to the university’s English Language Proficiency Requirements.

Details about acceptable forms of proof, including standardized examinations and documentation requirements, are maintained by the Office of Admissions. 

See “Proof of English Language Proficiency” on the Texas A&M International Graduate Admissions page.  

Some academic programs may establish English language proficiency standards that exceed the university minimum. Applicants should consult their academic department for program-specific requirements. 

ELP Requirements

ELP Admission Requirement

Required for admission to a graduate program.

ELP Verification Requirement

Required to register for courses.

ELP Certification Requirement

Required for certain teaching or instructional graduate assistant positions.

English Language Proficiency Compliance Forms

• ELP Waiver for Admission Request
• ELP Alternative Verification/Certification Request
• ELP Emergency Deferral of the Certification Requirement Request
• Faculty Supervision Agreement Form

Additional Resources

Catalog

Texas A&M University Graduate and Professional Catalog

International Graduate

Admissions information for prospective international graduate applicants.

English Language Proficiency Program

ELP Program at the Center for Teaching Excellence

ELP Compliance Office

• EmailELPCompliance@tamu.edu
• Phone979-845-3631
• OfficeNagle Hall 205

Questions?

• Contact the admitting academic unitFor student questions related to applications or departmental English Language Proficiency Requirements.
• Contact the Office of AdmissionsFor questions related to ELP Admission Requirements.
• Contact the English Language Proficiency Compliance OfficeFor academic unit questions related to ELP Verification (for registration) or Certification (for graduate assistantships with curricular duties).