Graduate Students

An international student holding the equivalent of a U.S. baccalaureate degree from a recognized international post-secondary college or university, as determined by the Graduate School, may apply for admission.

Online Application

You must answer questions about your academic background and provide demographic information. There is a non-refundable application fee of $50 USD that you must pay by credit card when you apply online. Your application will not be processed until the fee has been paid.

Official academic records

One transcript in English and one in the native language, verified with fresh seals and signatures, need to be sent directly from each school or university attended. If your degree certificate is not included on your academic transcripts, proof of your certificate is required in the admissions review.

Declaration of Finances

For immigration purposes, you must show you have financial resources to pay for your first year of study at Illinois State. You must also provide a plan for projected support for all remaining years. Your Declaration of Finances verifies you have financial support for your education. This form must be signed and sealed by your bank and submitted with your admissions application. This documentation is not required when you apply for admission, but we will need it to process your I-20.

Official English Language Exam

If you are not a native English speaker, you may take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

We require the following minimum TOEFL scores:

• Paper-based: 550
• Computer-based: 213
• Internet-based (iBT): 79

Official TOEFL scores must be sent to Illinois State directly from ETS. The institution code for Illinois State University is 1319.

For IELTS, a minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required. Official scores need to be sent to Illinois State directly from the testing center which administered the test.

Please note, some graduate programs require higher minimum scores for admission.

Passport

Please send a copy of your passport to ensure that we have the correct spelling of your name.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Official GRE general test scores are required for applicants to most master's degree programs and all doctoral programs. The score report must come directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, New Jersey. Student copies will not be accepted. The institution code for Illinois State University is 1319.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Official GMAT scores are required for applicants to College of Business graduate programs (Accounting and MBA). The score report must come directly from Pearson VUE. Student copies will not be accepted. The institution code for Illinois State University is 1319.

Additional Supporting Documents

Some departments/schools may require supporting documents in addition to transcripts. Please contact your intended program for more information.