M.Eng. for International Students

As an international student, you will benefit not only from a Master of Engineering degree but also from Cornell University's strong reputation in your country. Around the world, Cornell is one of the best known and most highly regarded of all American universities. Moreover, when you spend a year at Cornell, you will use and improve your English language skills—a distinct advantage in global businesses.

On our Ithaca campus you will find a highly diverse culture that welcomes students from all over the world. Nearly 22 percent—almost 5,000—of Cornell University students come from 118 countries outside the U.S.A. The university's Office of Global Learning provides many services to international students. The small city of Ithaca is multi-cultural, with many nations represented in cultural activities and restaurants featuring cuisines of many countries. Learn more about living in Ithaca, explore Cornell's campus and the community. Most people here agree it is a wonderful place to live!

Admission for International Applicants: English Language Proficiency

All International Applicants must be able to demonstrate a minimum required level of English Language Proficiency in order to be considered for admission. 

TOEFL

For the IBT TOEFL, you must meet the following minimum required scores as determined by the Cornell Graduate School in each of the following sections in order to be considered for admission to our field:

  • Listening: 15
  • Writing: 20
  • Reading: 20
  • Speaking: 22

IELTS

A combined overall score of 7.0 or higher is required for consideration for admission when submitting an IELTS score. 

If you are not able to meet or exceed the minimum scores in each of the four sections of the IBT TOEFL or the combined overall score of the IELTS, you will not be considered eligible for admission to Cornell University. No exceptions will be made.

You may only be considered eligible for an English Language Proficiency Requirement (i.e. TOEFL or IELTS) waiver if you have studied full-time for two (2) or more consecutive years (a minimum of four (4) consecutive semesters) at a college or university where English is the language of instruction located in a country where English is the native language (including English-speaking Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the UK).

Every other country, including the India subcontinent, Singapore, the Anglophone Caribbean, Anglophone Africa, Francophone Canada and Puerto Rico, do **NOT** qualify for a TOEFL exemption, as per the Cornell Graduate School.