International Students

Grad spotlight

His Excellency the Most Honorable Sir Patrick L. Allen (BA ’85, MA ’86, PhD ‘98), governor-general of Jamaica

In addition to the standard admission and financial requirements, international students must meet the requirements listed below.

For more information and support for international students, visit International Student Services.

Admission

• English proficiency: Students whose language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a minimum TOEFL or MELAB score of 80. Some programs may require a higher TOEFL/MELAB score. Please check the individual program requirements.
• Transcripts: Students have two options for submitting their transcripts.
  1. Sending transcripts directly from the university attended. Official, literal English translations of transcripts, along with the original-language documents, from institutions where English is not considered the official language.
     
     OR
  2. Having official transcript evaluations done through one of our approved credential evaluation agencies: WES, AACRAO or ECE. Evaluations must be sent directly from the organization us and must include:
     • At least the overall GPA
     • Degree title equivalent in the U.S.
     • Date the degree was conferred
     These are the guidelines you must follow if you use any of the approved credential evaluation agencies:
     • WES: Students who choose this organization must request the WES International Credential Advantage Package (WES ICAP) which includes verified copies of official transcripts. Students using WES ICAP will not need to submit additional copies of transcripts.
     • AACRAO: Students who choose this organization must also send official transcripts in both the original language and in English to the office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
     • ECE: Students who choose this organization must also send official transcript in both the original language and in English to the office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
• Bachelor’s degree diploma: A copy of the literal English translation of the diploma, along with the original-language document may be sent by email. The copy of the Diploma is not needed if the transcripts come through an approved credential evaluation agency (WES, AACRAO, ECE) listing the graduation date. Also, a copy of the diploma is not needed if the transcripts list the graduation date and degree conferred.
• Secondary Documents: A copy of these Secondary Documents may be required where applicable.
  • Baccalaureate for the French system
  • Abitur Diploma for the German system 
  • A-level results for the British system
• Summary of Educational Experience: Complete the educational summary form and submit to the Office of Graduate Enrollment Management.
• I-20 form: International students must obtain an I-20 form before applying for a visa. The requirements for obtaining an I-20 form are:
  • Academic acceptance
  • Payment of $2,000 advance deposit (not required for Mexico and Canada)
  • Submit the Estimated Budget Sheet showing evidence of financial resources for one academic year
  • A full semester payment in advance is required for citizens of Kenya and Ethiopia

The Office of Graduate Enrollment Management reserves the right to request additional documents at its own discretion.

Finances

International students must submit the following:

• Estimated Budget Form
• Notarized affidavit of support for all personal funds and/or sponsorships
• Bank documentation for the previous 12 months
• Advanced deposit of $2,000 (not required for Canadian students)

Financial advisors are assigned based on the student’s last name.

Applying for a visa

International students must obtain an I-20 form before applying for a visa. The requirements for obtaining an I-20 form are:

• Academic acceptance
• Payment of $2,000 advance deposit (not required for Mexico and Canada)
• Provide evidence of financial resources for one academic year
• Payment in advance to cover one semester is required for citizens of Kenya and Ethiopia