What We Look For: International
Every year, approximately 19,500 people apply to be among 5,000 entering freshmen. Below are some general requirements for admission to Virginia Tech.
Academic Requirements for Freshmen
Before you can be considered for freshman admission, you must complete:
- 3 units of math (includes algebra I, geometry, and algebra II)
- 2 units of laboratory science (chosen from biology, chemistry or physics)
- additional academic units (foreign language is highly recommended)
Some majors have other requirements, such as an additional year of advanced math or lab science. Most students who are selected for admission have completed more than the minimum requirements and have at least a B+ grade point average.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered by the Educational Testing Services of Princeton, New Jersey. For more information, application forms, or to obtain information about the regional center administering the TOEFL for your country, visit their web site at www.toefl.org, or contact them at: TOEFL, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton NJ 08541-6151 USA; fax: 609/951-1300; or toefl@ets.org. We recommend the TOEFL be taken by January 15. Late test scores MUST be received by March 1.
Tests/Examinations
TOEFL
As previously noted, international students whose native language is not English must document proficiency in the English language by submitting a TOEFL. Depending on the type of TOEFL used, Virginia Tech expects students to have scores of:
- Internet-based test: at least 80, with no section sub-score less than 16
- Computer-based test: at least 207
- Paper-based test: at least 550
If a student does not have the required TOEFL score, but meets other admission requirements, the student is encouraged to enroll in Virginia Tech’s English Language Institute (ELI) program until he/she reaches the required score. Once the score is achieved, the student is offered admission as a regular degree-seeking student.
To have your TOEFL score automatically sent to Virginia Tech, please specify Virginia Tech’s CEEB code (5859) on the test form. We recommend the TOEFL be taken by January 15 and scores must be received on or before March 1.
SAT/ACT Requirements
Virginia Tech accepts either the SAT Reasoning Test (including critical reading and math) or ACT test scores. Since Virginia Tech utilizes the writing portion of each test for placement purposes, students who opt to take the ACT should take the ACT plus writing. Scores should be automatically forwarded to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (CEEB code 5859; ACT code 4420).
International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit
Virginia Tech awards college credit ONLY for the German Arbitur, A Levels, International Baccalaureate, and AP courses. To receive credit, an official copy of the exam result and a syllabus of the course(s) must be sent to: Office of the University Registrar, 250 Student Services Building, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA. More information can be found at the Office of the University Registrar.


