Graduate Studies
International Graduate Admissions Information
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Special Application Deadlines for International Applicants
If you use a NACES accredited credential evaluation service then you may follow the deadlines listed for the program, provided that leaves enough time for the VISA process in your home country.
If you are not using an approved credential evaluation service, you must meet the deadlines below for completion of the application form and receipt of official transcripts.
- July 1 for Spring Entrance
- February 1 for Summer or Fall Entrance
Admission Requirements
In order to qualify for admission to any of Appalachian's graduate programs, international student must submit to the Graduate School the following:
- The standard application and supplemental materials: official academic transcripts showing evidence of a postsecondary degree equivalent to an American degree; scores from the appropriate standardized test (GRE, GMAT, MAT); letters of reference.
- Recent scores (less than two years old) from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Appalachian also accepts successful training from selected ELS centers in lieu of these tests of English.
TOEFL or IELTS Scores
As evidence of their ability to use English at an appropriate level of competency for graduate study, all international applicants must submit scores from either TOEFL or IELTS. The test date must be within two years of the date of application. An application will not be reviewed until satisfactory scores have been submitted.
Exceptions to the TOEFL/IELTS requirement may be granted to the following: applicants who have recently completed at least one year of full-time study with acceptable grades in a degree program at an accredited U.S. four-year college or university; or applicants who have earned baccalaureate degrees from Australia, Canada (but not Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
The TOEFL minimum score depends upon which form of the exam you take.
- Internet based TOEFL: 79 with no subsection under 11.
- Computer based TOEFL: 217 with no subsection under 14.
- Paper based TOEFL: 550 with no subsection under 45.
The IELTS minimum score is 6.5 (7.0 to be considered for financial assistance).
Official Transcripts and "American-Equivalent" Degrees
To be considered for admission as an international graduate student, you must arrange for the Graduate School to receive official or certified copies of their records directly from all colleges you attended. If you use a NACES accredited credential evaluation service (WES, ECE, etc.) we will accept documents directly from the translation agency instead of your colleges.
- We need the list of courses you took (and the grades) usually called "transcripts" or "mark sheets."
- We also need official dates on which you received your degrees. If these dates are not on your transcripts/mark sheets, we will need official or certified copies of a document listing the degree name (BA, BS, BEd, etc.) and the date you received the degree. In many cases this is your diploma.
For admission into a master's program, the minimum requirement is 4 years of study and receipt of a bachelor's degree. If the bachelor's degree was a 3 year program, an additional year of study is required. The exception to this rule: Bologna Degrees.
Financial Considerations for International Students
Proof of Financial Support
Upon admission, an international graduate student must submit evidence of financial resources sufficient to cover the cost of tuition and fees, as well as educational and living expenses. This cost of attendance can be obtained from the Office of International Education and Development.
Sources of Financial Support
Fully admitted international students may compete for all forms of financial assistance awarded to graduate students with the exception of federal financial aid programs. For more information on sources, please see the Financial Support page.
No financial awards will be offered until after an applicant has been admitted to a graduate program.
VISA and Housing Assistance
The Office of International Education and Development assists international students with the following:
- Documentation for visas (I-20)
- Housing
- Orientation for international students
- Health Insurance (required)
- Work permits and Social Security cards
- On-campus employment