Proficiency in a Language Not Taught at Northwestern
NOTE: Students who started taking classes at Northwestern in Spring 2023 or earlier should refer to the relevant degree requirements pages. The information below pertains to students who start at Northwestern after Spring 2023.
What languages satisfy this requirement?
Although Northwestern will test proficiency in languages not taught here, the Language Proficiency Committee will only recognize languages in which reading, writing, listening, speaking, and cultural awareness can be tested. Languages which are only oral or which are regional dialects, for example, cannot be used to satisfy the Weinberg College requirement of proficiency in a language other than English.
Process of validating a language not taught at Northwestern
Note: If you are seeking proficiency based on coursework at a high school where English was not the primary language of instruction, see the instructions below.
Complete and submit a petition form
Submit the Petition for Testing in a Language not Taught at Northwestern. The petition should be submitted before the end of the student's first quarter at Northwestern. If a student completes an interschool transfer from a school at Northwestern that does not have a language proficiency requirement, the petition should be submitted before the end of the student's first quarter in their new home school.
Pass a proficiency examination
The Language Proficiency Committee will attempt to locate a qualified tester in that language. Should a qualified tester not be found within the Northwestern University community, the Committee will make a limited but reasonable effort to locate an academically qualified tester at another U.S. university.
Once a qualified tester has been located, you must make an appointment for an examination. After the proficiency examination has been administered, your tester will submit a report and recommendation to the Language Proficiency Committee. The Committee will then make its final determination on the petition.
If no qualified tester can be found within one academic quarter, your petition will be denied and you will need to fulfill the Weinberg College language proficiency requirement in a language taught at Northwestern.
Petitioning for coursework at a high school where English was not the primary language of instruction
If you attended a full-time high school for at least two years where a language other than English was the primary language of instruction, you may be able to demonstrate proficiency in that language without being tested. To seek proficiency for this coursework, submit the Petition for Proficiency Testing Based on Attending a non-English High School and upload the required supporting documentation:
- transcripts from all high schools attended, translated into English
- letter of verification from a school official confirming the coursework reflected on the student's transcript(s) was taught primarily in a language other than English
Updated 12/2024
NOTE: Students who started taking classes at Northwestern in Spring 2023 or earlier should refer to the relevant degree requirements pages. The information above pertains to students who start at Northwestern after Spring 2023.