English Language Testing Policies & the International Graduate Student Pipeline

We are experiencing hopeful signs that international student enrollment is rebounding after the COVID pandemic. In this session, the panelists discussed the Duolingo English Test (DET) in context with recent data and trends related to international graduate student enrollment, institutional policy shifts in English language requirements, and enrollment goals.

Enrollment trends

• DET data indicate rebounding international admissions with increasing numbers of test takers from top countries. India saw a 75% increase in students certifying their English proficiency, largely driven by graduate admissions. Nigeria saw a 125% increase in test takers.

• The latest Open Doors report (IIE, 2022) indicates that more than 50% of the international students enrolled in US institutions are graduate students.

• The three institutions represented in this session concur that recent international graduate application numbers have increased significantly. All accept DET to fulfill English proficiency requirements, which has led to expanding access and developing specific regions.

English Language Policies

• DET was founded in 2016 with the goal of lowering the barriers to education for non-native English speakers. It has grown from 50 accepting institutions then to 4,000+ today with a unique model that is: n reliable & secure n convenient n fast n affordable n Wichita: Initially accepted DET as an emergency solution but adopted it permanently because of improved access. They have redefined “international student” and “native language speaker” for admissions purposes. n Kentucky: Moving toward a universal English language policy for all applicants, regardless of citizenship, to meet a certain level of language proficiency. n Northwestern: Utilizes scores to prioritize applicants for admissions interviews and in their final reviews.

• These factors, along with shared missions and values, contributed to the other panelists’ institutions accepting DET.

Enrollment Goals

• DET: Test-taker numbers are up in every sector. Monthly test volume is up for both undergraduate and graduate admissions.

• Kentucky: International enrollments are up, and DET is credited. Home countries of incoming students align with countries where DET has significant increases in test takers.

• Northwestern: Credits DET for helping them improve the interview selection process, make informed admissions decisions, and meet DEI goals.

• Wichita: Credits DET for increased access, faster testing, affordability, test security, innovation, and overall meeting applicant demand.

Takeaways

This session focused on the importance of lowering barriers in graduate international admissions, primarily the barrier of test taking. As international enrollments rebound to pre-pandemic levels, our institutions need to continue to prioritize the accessibility and cost of

English language proficiency exams. These are among the main advantages of accepting the Duolingo English Test. Test takers can complete DET on demand, with fast results at an affordable cost. The three institutions represented on the panel served as case studies for accepting DET with positive results. n