If you would like to study a new language, go for it! If you have no previous knowledge or exposure to that language, you may register for level 1010 (level 1120 for Portuguese).
If you are interested in continuing to study a language, please consult the Placement Information by Language page for specific information about your language of choice.
If you are interested in testing out of your language requirement, see the Language Proficiency Testing page.
Tulane Language Requirement
Students fulfill their Tulane language requirement by demonstrating Intermediate proficiency level in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Students can achieve and demonstrate this in one of the following ways.
Fulfilling the Language Requirement
The table below outlines the criteria used to determine whether applicants meet the language proficiency requirements for participation in the program. Eligibility is based on evidence of advanced proficiency in a language other than English, demonstrated through formal education, recognized language credentials, bilingual instruction, or other documented measures of language competence. Applications that do not clearly demonstrate sufficient proficiency may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
| Criterion | Evidence Required | Language Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Completed secondary education (high school or equivalent) in their native language | Official high school transcripts indicating primary language of instruction | ✅ Fulfilled |
| Speaks another language fluently besides English but graduated from an English-speaking school | Proof of language proficiency (Seal of Biliteracy, AP/IB, A-levels scores, language certification, proficiency test) | ✅ Fulfilled |
| Studied a language formally at an advanced level | AP/IB, A-levels scores, or college credit in a non-English language | ✅ Fulfilled |
| High school coursework was bilingual but not fully in the native language | Course syllabi or transcripts indicating partial instruction in another language | ❌ Case-by-case review |
| Attended a bilingual or immersion program but not fully in the native language | Course syllabi or transcripts showing substantial (but not exclusive) instruction in a non-English language | ❌ Case-by-case review |
| Heritage speaker of a non-English language but lacks formal schooling in that language | Proficiency test results (institutional, ACTFL, CEFR, etc.), or certification | ❌ Case-by-case review |
| Completed education entirely in English with no other language proficiency or heritage language | Diploma and transcript from an English-only institution | ❌ Not Eligible |
How Eligibility Is Determined
- If a student meets at least one of the language requirement fulfillment criteria above, they should be considered as having fulfilled the language requirement.
- In cases where eligibility is unclear (e.g., partial bilingual education), the student may be required to demonstrate fulfillment through one or more of the following options:
- Take and pass a Tulane language proficiency exam.
- If the exam is passed in a language offered at the School of Liberal Arts (SLA), the student will satisfy the language requirement and receive 4 credits by examination.
- If the exam is passed in a language not taught at SLA, the language requirement will be satisfied, but the student will not receive the 4 credits by examination.
- Submit additional supporting documentation, or
- Enroll in and successfully complete an appropriate language course.
- Take and pass a Tulane language proficiency exam.
Language Proficiency Exam by Avant
The Language Proficiency Exam is available for:
Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, ASL, Bengali, Chin (Hakha), Chuukese, Cabo Verdean, Czech, Filipino (Tagalog), French, German, Haitian Creole, Hawaiian (‘Ōlelo Hawai’i), Hmong, Hebrew, Hindi, Ilocano, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Korean, Latin, Mandarin (Simplified & Traditional), Marathi, Marshallese, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Samoan, Somali Maay Maay, Somali Maxaa, Spanish, Swahili, Tamil, Telugu, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, Yoruba, Yup’ik, and Zomi.
For additional language options, please contact the Language Learning Center at language@tulane.edu.
Language Placement Test (LPT)
LLC provides placement tests and proficiency tests for our language learners.
Undergraduate placement tests—free for students. Placement tests are available to first-year and transfer students who intend to continue studying a language at Tulane University. The purpose of the placement test is to assess students’ language abilities in order to place them in the most appropriate course for their level. Note: Transfer students please refer to your language director for advising.
Placement Deadlines
Fall and Spring Registration
Please complete the required placement steps a minimum of 5 business days before your advising appointment or registration ticket.
Language Placement Tests
Language Proficiency Exam (LPE)
Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) evaluates the student’s ability to read and listen, speak, and write at the Intermediate-Mid level (as defined by ACTFL). Some language proficiencies are measured at different levels. LPE is provided by Avant Assessment. Registration for the Language Proficiency Exam is currently closed and will reopen in the Fall semester on August 31.
Incoming first-year students: Please note that you will not be able to take the proficiency test until you officially begin your first semester at Tulane. Note: All communications will be sent to your Tulane email address.
Language proficiency testing is available for students who are candidates to test out of the Newcomb-Tulane College Core Curriculum language requirement. The test is also available to students and university community members who would like an official assessment of their language ability. The Language Learning Center is credentialed with the
Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy certifies the attainment of a high level of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in one or more languages, in addition to English.
Test Scale: ACTFL
If you attain Functional Fluency or Working Fluency on your language proficiency exam, you
will qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy.
Functional Fluency Requirements:
5 or higher on all 4 parts (Intermediate-Mid)
Working Fluency Requirements:
7 or higher on all 4 parts (Advanced-Low)
Professional Fluency:
9 or higher on all 4 parts (Advanced - High)
Note:
- After completing the Avant proficiency Exam and meeting the requirements for the Seal of Biliteracy, you may request the official seal. The seal is not issued automatically. To have it ordered on your behalf by the Language Learning Center (LLC), please email language@tulane.edu.
- If you have earned a Seal of Biliteracy in high school, you may submit documentation of the seal to the Language Learning Center (LLC) to fulfill the language requirement, please email language@tulane.edu.
Study Abroad and Scholarships
Study Abroad Opportunities
Study abroad programs are essential in building a worldwide community of knowledgeable people who recognize and respect cultural diversity. Students who spend time abroad are immersed in fulfilling experiences that enrich their academic and professional life. Students enrolled at Tulane University have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs and apply for a variety of language and area studies scholarships. You can search by language or program to find a study abroad program that appeals to you.
Tulane Scholarships
Tulane students can receive scholarships to fund their study abroad. Learn about the different ways you can receive a scholarship to fund your education abroad on the Center for Global Education website.
Non-Tulane Study Abroad and Scholarships
Lead with Languages is a national campaign that aims at making language proficiency a national priority. The website provides a list of language-specific grants and scholarships opportunities per language.