International Students

Students around the world are drawn to Yale School of Nursing for its excellent global reputation as a leader in clinical practice and research. YSN seeks to provide the most rewarding educational experience for its students through enriching classroom time, valuable clinical rotations, and a diverse student body. International applications are encouraged and accepted for all programs.

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For applicants who hold degrees or coursework from institutions outside of the US or Canada, please work with SpanTran or World Education Services (WES) for a Course-by-Course International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) as part of the application process through NursingCAS.

English as a Second Language

Scores from either TOEFL or IELTS are required of all non-native English speakers who have not received either a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a U.S. institution of higher learning or the international equivalent where instruction is provided in English. As a result, applicants with degrees from Australia, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland and the United Kingdom are exempt from taking the English proficiency exam. To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering a Special Home Edition test. All official scores must be sent to NursingCAS. The NursingCAS TOEFL code is #B506, and more information about sending TOEFL scores is available here, and IELTS scores is available here.

The following examinations are accepted by YSN:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Minimum Required Score: Total = 100/120

Minimum Section Scores: Reading = 22/30, Listening = 22/30, Writing = 22/30, Speaking = 25/30

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Minimum Required Score: Band 7.0/9.0, with no section score below Band 6.5/9.0

Minimum Required Speaking Section Score: 7.5

It typically takes a month from the date of administration for the official transcript of scores to reach YSN. Prompt arrangements for taking an English examination should be made in order to meet the application deadlines.

Applicants to the PhD program should visit Yale University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website for more information on English tests and requirements.

Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Examination

Prior to enrolling in the School, graduates of foreign schools of nursing must pass the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination, as well as the NCLEX-RN examination in order to become a registered nurse (RN) in the United States. Several states, however, do not require successful completion of the CGFNS examination in order to sit the NCLEX-RN. Information on the CGFNS examination can be obtained from either the United States Embassy or the nurses’ association in the foreign country of residence.

NCLEX-RN Examination

Graduates of foreign schools of nursing admitted to the program must pass the NCLEX-RN by November 1 of their first year. Students who have not passed the NCLEX-RN by this time may be required to withdraw or take a leave of absence and will be required to make individual arrangements for completion of the specialty requirements after receiving a passing grade on the NCLEX-RN. Please allow several months to complete the CGFNS & NCLEX-RN process.