Competitive Master's Programs in NYC + English Level Requirements
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most competitive master's programs in New York City, with a focus on TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge requirements (for foreign-born applicants).
The table covers top-tier, internationally competitive schools like Columbia, NYU, and Juilliard as a sample.
| School & Program | TOEFL iBT | IELTS Academic | Cambridge English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia SIPA – MIA | 100 (preferred 110) | 7.0 (preferred 7.5) | C1 Advanced ≥ 185 (preferred 191) or C2 Proficiency |
| Columbia GSAS / Engineering – MS Data Science & other GSAS masters | 100 | 7.5 | Not listed |
| NYU Courant – MS Computer Science | 100 | 7.0 | Not listed |
| NYU GSAS – MA in International Relations (and other GSAS masters) | 100 | 7.0 | Not listed |
| Juilliard – Master of Music | 89 | 6.5 | C1 |
| Juilliard – MFA in Acting | 89 | 6.5 | C1 |
Notes
- Columbia SIPA and NYU GSAS want TOEFL scores of 100 or higher, but 110+ is preferred for more competitive programs. For NYU GSAS, they explicitly state they'll still consider your application even if you don't reach these thresholds.
- Juilliard has lower TOEFL minimums for music (89), but acting requires 100 due to the audition-heavy and performance-based nature of the program.
- Waivers may be available if you completed a prior degree in English, but this depends on the program.