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

All applicants whose native language is not English and who did not earn a bachelor’s degree at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).  

US Citizens: The IELTS or TOEFL is not required. Permanent Residents and Foreign Nationals: May qualify for an IELTS/TOEFL waiver if English is the applicant’s native language and English was the medium of instruction at the institution that conferred the applicant’s bachelor’s degree. A signed letter from your Registrar or Dean must be uploaded to NursingCAS to qualify for this waiver. All other Permanent Residents and Foreign Nationals who do not meet this criteria must submit an official IELTS or TOEFL score to NursingCAS. 

In cases where an applicant is required to submit English proficiency exam results, the following scores are required for admission to any programs at Yale School of Nursing: 

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) minimum score: 100/120 total; with minimum section scores of reading, 22/30; listening, 22/30; writing, 22/30; and speaking, 25/30. 

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score: band 7.0/9.0 total; with minimum speaking score of 7.5/9.0; with no section score below band 6.5/9.0. 

Arrangements to take the TOEFL must be made online at www.ets.org/toefl. Arrangements to take the academic IELTS must be made online at www.ielts.org. 

It typically takes one month from the date of administration for the official transcript of scores to be transmitted. Prompt arrangements for taking an English examination should be made in order to meet the appropriate application deadline for receipt of official scores.   

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.