MIT’s Foreign Language Requirement: All You Need to Know

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) doesn’t have specific course requirements, not even an MIT foreign language requirement, but they suggest that the best preparation includes calculus, physics, chemistry, biology, and four years of English.

It’s important to take the most challenging classes your school offers, like AP or IB courses, which are considered college-level and represent the highest level of rigor available in high schools.

In this blog, you’ll learn about how MIT approaches language course requirements for both admission and graduation. We’ll dive into key recommendations for high school preparation, the General Institute Requirements (GIRs), and what it takes to thrive in MIT’s intensive academic environment.

• Does MIT Have a Foreign Language Requirement for First-Year Applicants?
• Is There a Foreign Language Requirement to Graduate from MIT?
• What Are the General Institute Requirements?
• How Do You Prepare for the General Institute Requirements?
• Does MIT Offer Foreign Language Courses?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Does MIT Have a Foreign Language Requirement for First-Year Applicants?

MIT doesn’t have a strict foreign language requirement for undergraduate admission, but it’s strongly recommended that you take at least two years of a foreign language in high school.

If you’re an international applicant, you’ll need to show you’re ready to study in an English-speaking environment. To do that, you’ll need to submit official scores from an English language proficiency test. MIT prefers the IELTS Academic test but also accepts the TOEFL iBT and the Cambridge English Qualification. Keep in mind that some departments might have higher score requirements than the minimum.

To meet the Institute’s requirements, you’ll need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 (or 577 on the paper-based test). Keep in mind, though, that some departments might expect even higher scores. If you’re taking the C1 Advanced exam, you’ll need at least a score of 175.

Is There a Foreign Language Requirement to Graduate from MIT?

No, there’s no general or foreign language requirement for earning a degree at MIT.

MIT’s approach to education is all about blending academic knowledge with real-world application—something captured perfectly in its motto, “mens et manus” (“mind and hand”). The idea is that the best learning happens when you’re self-motivated and actively involved in a vibrant community of learners.

To graduate with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to complete both the General Institute Requirements (GIRs) and the specific coursework required for your chosen major. It’s a mix of intensive academics and hands-on experiences designed to prepare you for anything.

What Are the General Institute Requirements?

The General Institute Requirements (GIRs) are the classes you’ll take at MIT to build a strong foundation in STEM and liberal arts. These courses are designed to give you a broad base of knowledge while setting you up for success in your chosen field of study.

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree, you’ll need to spend at least three regular academic terms at MIT, including the term you graduate. While there’s no MIT foreign language requirement, you must complete an approved program of study that includes both the GIRs and the specific coursework for your major.

If you need to make adjustments to your department’s standard program, you can do so with their permission.

MIT GIR courses

Here’s what the GIR looks like:

• Science Core. Six foundational courses in math, physics, biology, and chemistry to build your STEM knowledge base. (Check out these videos for more details.)
• HASS (Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences) Requirement. At least eight courses in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, including three to four focused on a concentration you choose.
• Communication Requirement. Four communication-intensive classes, with at least two tied to your major, to help you sharpen your writing and speaking skills.
• Laboratory Requirement. Hands-on, project-based work that earns you a minimum number of credits while building your resourcefulness, planning, and observational analysis.
• REST Requirement. Two Restricted Electives in Science and Technology, giving you a chance to dive deeper into areas you’ve studied or explore new interests outside your major.
• Physical Education Requirement. Four PE courses and a 100-yard swim test, because keeping your mind sharp also means keeping your body in shape.

As you can see, the institute doesn’t include any specific MIT foreign language requirements in the General Institute Requirements (GIRs). Instead, the focus is on courses in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, along with communication-intensive classes to help you develop strong communication skills.

How Do You Prepare for the General Institute Requirements?

MIT is one of the most challenging and prestigious universities in the world, consistently ranked as the #1 university globally by QS World Rankings. With an acceptance rate of just 3.9%, getting in is tough, and succeeding once you’re there is even tougher.

The General Institute Requirements (GIRs) are a critical part of your MIT education, so preparing for them effectively will make a positive difference in your academic experience.

1. Strengthen your STEM foundations.

The Science Core of the GIRs includes math, physics, biology, and chemistry. MIT’s courses are intense and world-class, so being well-prepared is important.

• Take AP or IB classes in calculus, physics, chemistry, and biology during high school to build a strong foundation.
• Practice solving complex, real-world problems, as MIT emphasizes application over rote memorization.
• Explore resources like Khan Academy, MIT OpenCourseWare, and advanced textbooks to get ahead.

2. Develop strong communication skills.

The Communication Requirement focuses on writing and speaking effectively. While there’s no MIT foreign language requirement, you must complete four communication-intensive courses.

At least two of these courses will be part of your major, helping you develop communication skills specific to your field, while the other two can be taken outside your major to strengthen your writing and speaking abilities in a broader context.

Here are some things you can do to improve your communication skills:

• Start writing essays, lab reports, or technical summaries in high school. Focus on explaining complex ideas clearly and concisely.
• Use resources like Purdue OWL or online writing guides to improve your style and structure.
• Join debate clubs, theater groups, or public speaking organizations like Toastmasters to get comfortable speaking in front of an audience.
• Tailor your writing and speaking based on your audience—whether it’s a technical group, non-experts, or a mixed crowd.
• Explore MIT’s OpenCourseWare for communication-related content to get a head start.

3. Explore the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS).

The HASS requirement at MIT is designed to ensure you develop a well-rounded education that goes beyond STEM. While there’s no MIT foreign language requirement, you’ll need to complete eight HASS subjects.

These courses cover a wide range of fields, from history, literature, and philosophy to economics, psychology, and political science, giving you the flexibility to mix and match or focus on a particular field.

• Use your first year to try out a few different HASS subjects to see what excites you. Consider courses that complement your STEM studies or challenge you to think in new ways.
• Use tools like the MIT Subject Listing & Schedule to browse HASS courses and read descriptions.
• Many HASS courses include projects or discussions that tie academic concepts to real-world problems. Engage actively in class and think about how these skills apply to your broader studies and future career.

4. Get comfortable with hands-on learning.

The Laboratory and REST (Restricted Electives in Science and Technology) Requirements emphasize practical, project-based learning. Follow these tips:

• Participate in science fairs, robotics clubs, or coding competitions to develop problem-solving skills.
• Take courses that include lab components to get used to experimental design and data analysis.
• Familiarize yourself with programming or tools like MATLAB or Python, as these often come up in lab-based work.

5. Learn time management and develop resilience.

MIT is demanding, and balancing the GIRs with your major requires excellent time management. While there’s no MIT foreign language requirement, excelling at MIT still demands resilience and the ability to manage your time effectively to tackle its challenges. Here’s how:

• Start organizing your schedule with tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or a physical planner. Block time for classes, homework, and extracurriculars.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation to stay grounded. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you. Regular exercise, even a short walk or yoga session, can boost your mood and energy.
• Participating in clubs or sports teaches teamwork and time management while providing a break from academics. Also set aside moments to relax, pursue hobbies, or connect with friends to recharge.

6. Leverage MIT resources early.

MIT offers a wealth of resources to support your academic journey and help you succeed, even before you set foot on campus. While there’s no MIT foreign language requirement, exploring language programs early can enhance your skills and make the transition to MIT even more rewarding.

• Explore MIT’s OpenCourseWare. OpenCourseWare is MIT’s free online platform where you can access lecture notes, assignments, and exams from actual MIT courses across a wide range of subjects.
• Browse introductory courses in physics, calculus, computer science, or the humanities to get a feel for the material.
• Practice solving problem sets or following lecture notes to build confidence in tackling MIT-level challenges.
• Explore interactive tools and platforms like MIT App Inventor or Scratch, which were developed by MIT and can help you start building technical skills.
• Use online learning platforms (like edX or Coursera) to take introductory MIT-affiliated courses in subjects like programming, data science, or mechanical engineering.

Does MIT Offer Foreign Language Courses?

MIT offers a wide range of foreign language courses through its Global Languages program. While there is no MIT foreign language requirement, these classes and immersive international experiences provide opportunities to prepare for living and working in today’s diverse, multilingual world. They help you build communication and intercultural skills, sharpen your critical thinking, and deepen your understanding of different cultures.

MIT’s Global Languages program offers a wide range of courses in international languages, cultures, and intercultural communication. You can study languages like Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish—all taught in the target language. 

If you’re interested in exploring global literature and culture in English, there’s also the Studies in International Literatures and Cultures (SILC) sequence, along with language theory courses taught by the Linguistics faculty.

You can personalize your experience through various options:

• Concentrations. Available in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Theory of Language. If you’re interested in other languages, you can pursue a concentration in Arabic or cross-register at Harvard or Wellesley for additional options.
• Minors. Offered in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.
• Majors. Available in French, German, and Spanish.

With so many options, you can tailor your studies to fit your interests and goals while gaining the skills to navigate a globalized world.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many years of a foreign language is required for MIT?

MIT does not have a specific foreign language requirement for admission or graduation. However, it strongly recommends taking at least two years of a foreign language in high school as part of a well-rounded academic preparation.

2. How many foreign languages do you need to complete to graduate from MIT?

You do not need to complete any foreign language courses to graduate from MIT, as there is no general foreign language requirement for graduation. However, some departments may have specific language expectations depending on the program. Additionally, if you choose to pursue a major, minor, or concentration in a foreign language, you will need to complete the required coursework for that area of study.

3. What foreign languages does MIT accept?

MIT offers and accepts coursework in a wide range of languages through its Global Languages program and affiliated cross-registration options. While there is no MIT foreign language requirement, students can study languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

4. Are the foreign language courses at MIT good?

MIT’s commitment to language education is further demonstrated by its top ranking in Linguistics. According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, MIT is ranked No. 1 in Linguistics. Moreover, out of 69 classes the Global Languages taught in fall 2022, not a single subject or instructor was rated by our students below 6 out of 7. In the past two years, four Global Language instructors have been named winners of the student-nominated Levitan Teaching Award.

Takeaways

While MIT does not require foreign language courses for admission or graduation, they recommend at least two years of language study in high school to support a well-rounded academic foundation.

• Students can choose to deepen their language skills through MIT’s Global Languages program, which offers majors, minors, and concentrations in various languages.
• The GIRs are designed to ensure students gain a broad knowledge base in STEM, humanities, and communication. This includes a Science Core, HASS subjects, a Communication Requirement, and project-based Laboratory and REST (Restricted Electives in Science and Technology) courses
• MIT places a significant emphasis on communication, requiring students to take four communication-intensive courses, at least two of which are specific to their major.
• From free OpenCourseWare to cross-registration options at nearby institutions like Harvard and Wellesley, MIT offers numerous resources to help students excel.
• MIT’s admissions process is highly competitive and incredibly selective. To increase your chances of acceptance, consider working with a college admissions expert who can guide you through the process and help you craft a standout application.