English Language Proficiency

Any international applicant who earned his or her first law degree outside the U.S. must complete an English Language Proficiency Test. The following are the minimum scores required for admission to the LL.M. program.

Internet-based TOEFL (IBTOEFL): 80
Paper-based TOEFL (TOEFL): 550
International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): 6.5
Cambridge C1 Advanced Level or C2 Proficiency: 180
FSU CIES: Successful completion of Level 8

If the applicant’s score is lower than the required minimum, the applicant may receive conditional admission. Conditional admission requires the applicant to successfully obtain the required minimum score on any of the above tests before being admitted to the program.

These scores are considered official only when they are sent directly to Florida State University College of Law or LSAC from the testing agency. After two years they are no longer valid.

A limited category of applicants may receive exemptions from the language testing requirement under limited conditions for the reasons stated below. Exemptions are not automatic and must be approved by the Admissions Committee. Any applicant seeking waiver of the testing requirement should send a request to that effect, along with supporting documentation, in his/her application for admission. 

Waiver of the English language proficiency test requirement may be granted if:

• The applicant earned a degree from an institution of higher learning where the primary language of instruction was English.
• The applicant is a native English speaker.
• The applicant has lived and worked in the United States or another English-speaking country for a considerable period of time, and has worked in English during that time.

In very limited cases, waivers may be granted for other compelling reasons.