International Admission Requirements

International students must satisfy all application requirements for incoming freshmen, transfer students, or graduate students, including the application fee, as well as the additional requirements listed below.

International students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores unless they have attended a U.S. high school for three or more years. However, submitting SAT or ACT scores may make you eligible for scholarships at the University.

What Admissions considers for all international students:

  • Official academic records (from all schools attended)
  • English proficiency or SAT score

Transfer students:

Graduate students:

  • GRE or GMAT scores, if applicable to your program
  • Additional supporting documents, if applicable to your program

View more information about your intended graduate program and the requirements. 

Additional Documentation

If accepted to the University, we will also require a copy of your passport to ensure correct spelling on official immigration materials.

Declaration of Finances

Federal regulations require proof of financial resources to pay for the first year of study at Illinois State. An electronic bank statement or letter dated within 6 months of acceptance is required.

Submit Declaration of Finances

English Proficiency

Non-Native English Speaking Countries

If your country of origin is from a non-native English speaking country, you must submit either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) from a test you’ve taken within the past two years.

We require the following minimum scores:

  • TOEFL internet-based (iBT): 79
  • IELTS overall band score: 6.5

Some graduate programs require higher minimum scores for admission.

Scanned test scores may be sent electronically to the Office of Admissions for an admissions decision. If accepted, your official test scores must be sent to Illinois State directly from the TOEFL or IELTS website or confirmed official by the Office of Admissions. 

Native English Speaking Countries

If your country of origin is from a native English speaking country, the TOEFL or IELTS exam will be waived in the admission process.

English as a Medium of Instruction

If your most recent degree was completed in a country other than the U.S. with the medium of instruction as English, your English proficiency requirement may be waived.

The transcript must show:

  • Medium of instruction as English
  • Your degree was completed within two years preceding admission

U.S. Degree Completion

If you are completing or completed coursework from a U.S. college or university and your country of origin is non-native English speaking, your English proficiency requirement may be waived.

The transcript must show:

  • A minimum of two years in full time coursework
  • Completion of coursework must be within two years preceding admission