10 Great Universities That Don’t Require Foreign Language For Admission

If you’re worried that a lack of foreign language credits could hurt your college applications, don’t worry because you are not alone. Many students, and especially those that come from high schools that didn’t offer much in the way of language courses, wonder whether this will block their path to a four-year degree.

The good news is that a growing number of highly ranked universities accept applicants without foreign language prerequisites. Instead, these schools emphasize factors like grades, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. In this guide, we’ll explore ten respected institutions where foreign language isn’t a barrier to admission and show you how to navigate their requirements with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Several top universities do not require foreign language coursework for admission, though some recommend it.
• Admissions decisions at these schools are based on transcripts, test scores, essays, and recommendations.
• Options include both prestigious private universities and large public research schools.
• Online learning options, such as ASU Online, provide additional flexibility for students without language credits.
• Submitting a language test is optional in most cases, but it may strengthen an application.
• These schools expand opportunities for students who lacked access to foreign language courses in high school

What Is a Foreign Language Proficiency Test and Why Is It Normally Required?

A foreign language proficiency test is a test that measures whether applicants can communicate effectively in a target language, which is most often English for study in the United States. These exams, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or the English proficiency Duolingo test, are commonly used to determine whether a student is fluent enough for classroom learning.

Because the official language of instruction in the United States is English, international students will often need to demonstrate their skills for effective communication in English with faculty and peers

Is It Easy to Find Universities That Don’t Require Foreign Language for Admission?

Finding universities in the United States that don’t require specific foreign-language coursework is definitely possible, but the specific policies will vary by school. Many universities still recommend having at least two years of language study in high school, though this is not always mandatory.

How to Get Into a College That Doesn’t Require Foreign Language for Admission?

Admissions decisions focus on overall academic preparation, so meeting each college’s stated requirements is more important than a set number of language units. You can get into a college that doesn’t require foreign language for admission if you are proficient in the language of instruction. Since you are opting for schools that don’t require a foreign language, there are other conditions you need to fulfill to get into these universities. Other requirements for schools that do not require a foreign language are listed below.

• Application fee
• ACT or SAT score
• Supplementary materials
• Proof of extracurricular activities
• High school transcripts

Which Schools Do Not Require Foreign Language for College Admissions?

School	US News National Rankings 2025	Other Admissions Requirements / Notes
Harvard University	31	Application fee, school reports, SAT/ACT, optional English-proficiency scores for non-native speakers (not required for first-year/transfer).
Yale University	52	Application fee, teacher and counselor recommendations, standardized test scores (test-flexible), and English-proficiency test required for many non-native speakers lacking two years of English-medium instruction.
California Institute of Technology	63	Application fee; strong math and science preparation emphasized; English-proficiency for international applicants; no high school foreign-language unit requirement listed in Caltech’s prep guidelines.
Cornell University	114	Requirements vary by undergraduate college; several colleges require or recommend foreign-language preparation; English-proficiency required for many international applicants.
University of Chicago	115	No fixed high school foreign-language unit requirement in admissions; note a separate language competency for graduation (not admission).
University of Rochester	446	$50 application fee, holistic review; English-proficiency required for international applicants; Rochester Curriculum has no general-education subject requirements.
Ohio State University	417	Standard application items; English-proficiency scores required for non-native speakers; admissions pages do not list a universal high-school foreign-language unit requirement.
Syracuse University	738	Standard first-year requirements; English-proficiency required for non-native speakers; no university-wide high-school foreign-language unit requirement in admissions checklist.
Purdue University	469	Requires two years of a single world language in high school for freshman admission to West Lafayette.
Arizona State University (ASU Online)	12110	ASU and ASU Online list freshman “competency requirements,” including two years of the same second language; English-proficiency for international applicants per policy.

Comparison Table of Language Requirements

University	Foreign Language Requirement	Notes
Harvard University	Recommended	Prefers 2–3 years of high school language, but not required for admission
Yale University	Recommended	Suggests language study, but evaluates applicants holistically
Caltech	Not Required	Focus on math and science prerequisites instead
Cornell University	Recommended/College Specific	Some colleges within Cornell require or recommend language study
University of Rochester	Not Required	Flexible admissions; no core subject requirements
Ohio State University	Not Required	No universal language requirement for general admission
Syracuse University	Not Required	Admits students without foreign-language coursework
University of Chicago	Recommended	Prefers, but does not mandate, high school language study
Purdue University	Required	Two years of a single world language for admission
Arizona State University (ASU Online)	Required	Competency requirement includes two years of the same second language

Best Colleges That Don’t Require Foreign Language For Admission

The college admissions requirements of the institution listed in this section do not require a foreign language to get admission. However, you can contact the admissions officer of the school to discover other requirements you have to gain admission into the school. You might find that most top-ranking universities are on this list.

California Institute of Technology

Also known as Caltech, California Institute of Technology is situated in Pasadena, California. Applicants must provide SAT scores, teachers’ evaluations, academic transcripts, and secondary school reports. Caltech emphasizes math and science preparation, not foreign language units.

University of Rochester

Foreign language study is not a major requirement for admission to the University of Rochester. The school’s undergraduate requirements include a $50 application fee, a personal essay, two letters of recommendation, and applicable transcripts. Rochester’s flexible curriculum has no general-education subject requirements for their students.

Ohio State University

Ohio State University offers several majors, and not all of them will require foreign language coursework. The main requirements for OSU students include ACT or SAT scores, an official transcript, and teacher recommendation. Having English-proficiency is required for non-native speakers.

Syracuse University

Syracuse University – Attending foreign language preparation classes is not a requirement at Syracuse University. Applicants need ACT or SAT scores, a senior year grade report, an official transcript, and two academic recommendations.

Harvard University

Harvard University – Harvard University ranks among the top national universities. A foreign-language requirement is not listed for first-year applicants, and English-proficiency exams are not required unless the applicant chooses to submit them.

Yale University

Yale University – Yale does not mandate high school foreign-language units for admission. International students must provide English-proficiency exam scores if they lack two years of English-medium instruction.

Cornell University

Cornell University – Cornell does not have a universal foreign-language requirement for admission, but some colleges within the university recommend or require it. Requirements vary by program.

University of Chicago

University of Chicago – The University of Chicago is a private research university in Illinois with a strong reputation for rigorous academics. Its admissions process is highly selective, but a foreign language is not a strict requirement for admission. Applicants must submit official transcripts, standardized test scores if required, and supplementary materials such as essays and recommendations.

Purdue University

Purdue University – Purdue University, based in West Lafayette, Indiana, is one of the nation’s top public universities. Admission requires two years of a single world language. Applicants also need strong academic preparation in math and science, transcripts, and standardized test scores.

Online Colleges That Don’t Require Foreign Language For Admission 

Many accredited online colleges, including ASU Online, accept students without foreign language prerequisites.

Arizona State University (ASU Online)

Arizona State University offers one of the largest selections of online degree programs in the country through ASU Online. Its admission requirements include high school transcripts, GPA requirements, and two years of the same second language for freshman competency. English-proficiency is required for international students.

Should You Still Submit a Foreign Language Proficiency Test Even If It Is Not Required?

You should submit your English-proficiency scores if they will strengthen your application or if your target school requires them based on your background.

Submit a Foreign Language Proficiency Test if

• It will impress the admissions counselors and improve your chances of getting into the university
• It will give you the confidence you need to pass the school interview
• You will likely qualify for related grants, financial aid, or scholarships

Don’t Submit a Foreign Language Proficiency Test if

• Your admission chances will not be affected
• The university makes it an optional requirement for admission
• Students aren’t required to take it

Should I Attend a College That Doesn’t Require Foreign Language For Admission?

You can absolutely attend a strong university without a fixed high-school foreign-language requirement, but it’s important to confirm each individual school’s policy before you apply. Top schools like Harvard, Yale, and Caltech will evaluate applicants holistically, while universities like Purdue and ASU list language units as part of their competency expectations.

Colleges That Don’t Require Foreign Language For Admission FAQ