I have not taken the iBT speaking test. Am I eligible for financial support?
Most of our graduate students are supported through teaching assistantships. Florida law and UF Graduate Council policy require international teaching assistants (ITAs) to demonstrate oral proficiency before being appointed to teach. A score of 55 on the University administered SPEAK Test (similar to the old TSE) or 28 or better on the speaking iBT permits unrestricted teaching. With a score of 45-50 on the SPEAK test or 23-27 on the speaking iBT, the ITA may teach if concurrently enrolled in EAP 5836. See the office of academic spoken English’s page on Oral Proficiency Testing At UF for more information. Each year, there is a possibility that we will offer a very small number (3 in 2007) of full Alumni Fellowships, which are awarded to the strongest applicants regardless of English speaking proficiency. Not surprisingly, the competition for these is intense. If you do not have 23 or better on the iBT speaking test, the Alumni Fellow is your only chance of admission with support.
