Admissions & Aid: TOEFL/IELTS and GRE Requirements

Is the GRE required? Is there a minimum score?

The GRE is completely optional for all applicants to our degree programs. Applicants may submit GRE scores if they feel it would be a beneficial component to their application. There is no minimum score requirement. 

What is the minimum TOEFL/IELTS score?

As a condition of admission, all international applicants whose native language is not English, or who did not receive their baccalaureate degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction, must take the TOEFL or IELTS. If you have any questions about if your undergraduate degree and institution satisfy this requirement, please reach out to the Office of Admissions at admissions@hds.harvard.edu.

MDiv, MTS, MRPL, and Special Student applicants must receive a score of:

  • 100 or higher on...
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Am I required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS Score?

Applicants must submit official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores when:

  • Their native language is not English or;
  • When their baccalaureate is not from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction.

If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@hds.harvard.edu.

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What is the institutional code for HDS? (Applies to both GRE and TOEFL)

Our HDS Institution Code is 3433. Once you are ready to send your scores, please provide this code to ETS. Otherwise, our office will not receive them. Please note, if we receive multiple sets of scores from you before the application deadline, the Admissions Committee will consider all scores received.