Admission Requirements for International Applicants

• Transcripts

  Transcripts from institutions outside of the United States may be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to identify U.S. equivalencies of educational qualifications. Certified English translations must accompany all transcripts except for those provided by institutions that issue documents in English.

  The transcript review process can take two to three weeks after your completed application is received. Be sure to complete your application ahead of time so that your transcripts can be evaluated before your program deadline.

• Proof of Degree

  Applicants who have earned a degree outside of the United States must submit proof of graduation, typically through a degree certificate or diploma.  Certified English translations must accompany all proof of degree documents except for those provided by institutions that issue documents in English. If your international transcript includes the full name of your degree and the date (month and year, at minimum) it was awarded, a separate proof of degree document is not required.

  Applicants educated outside the U.S. are encouraged to contact the Office of Graduate Education or the appropriate admission office for assistance regarding transcript-related materials.

• International Degree Evaluation Fee

  Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned or in-progress from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. The evaluation report is for the exclusive use of the University of Denver and may not be released to the applicant or any other persons.  A non-refundable fee of $50.00 for this service will be required before the application is processed.

• Language Requirements

  If English is not your native language, you must prove English proficiency by submitting official test scores. 

  We accept these tests with minimum scores: 

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 
    • Minimum score: 80 (iBT)
    • Institution Code for TOEFL: 4842
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Minimum Score: 6.5
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced
    • Minimum Score: 176
  • Duolingo English Test
    • Minimum Score: 115
    • Duolingo scores DO NOT meet the GTA eligibility requirement for non-native English speakers.

  Your application will not be considered complete until your TOEFL, IELTS, CAE or Duolingo score is received. Scores are valid for two years.

  Some programs may require higher minimum scores for admission than those listed above. Please visit your program requirements or contact your academic program of interest for specific information.

• English Language Exemption

  Students are generally exempt from the English language proficiency test requirement if they have any of the following:

  • Secondary/high school diploma from a school where the language of instruction is English.
  • Have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from a formally-recognized/accredited university where the institution's sole language of instruction and examination is English.
  • Last 30 semester credits (45 quarter credits) of coursework were successfully completed with a 3.0 GPA or better from a formally-recognized/accredited university where the institution's sole language of instruction and examination is English.

   

  Submit transcripts or other supporting documents with your application materials. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for exemption.

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships

  As our graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) deliver lectures and communicate often with students, you need to demonstrate fluency in spoken English to become a GTA.

  • Minimum TOEFL Speaking Section Score: 26 (iBT)
  • Minimum IELTS Speaking Section Score: 8
  • Minimum CAE Speaking Section Score: 200
     

  Duolingo scores do not meet the GTA eligibility requirement for non-native English speakers.

  Prospective GTAs may be exempted from submitting TOEFL/IELTS/CAE scores if they have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from a formally-recognized/accredited university where the institution's sole language of instruction and examination is English and, in addition, have four or more consecutive years of work/instructional experience in countries with an official native language of English and the language of employment/instruction is English.

  Note: GTA awards may be revoked or restricted to non-teaching assistantship responsibilities at the discretion of the division if the GTA does not demonstrate sufficient English fluency in the classroom.

• Passport

  Prior to receiving an admission offer, we encourage non-U.S. citizens to upload or submit a copy of the photograph and legal name page of your passport. We cannot issue your I-20 or DS-2019 without your passport.

• Financial Verification Form

  We ask that all international students submit a financial verification form. You will need to submit this form along with a bank statement or certificate of deposit showing sufficient liquid funds for your estimated cost of attendance.

  You are required to submit these forms and statements in order to be provided with an I-20. You will be prompted to submit this information upon admission.

• SEVIS Supplement Form

  You need to submit your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Supplement Form. We use this form to verify your information so your I-20 or DS-2019 is accurate. We cannot issue your I-20 or DS-2019 without your SEVIS Supplement Form.

  We encourage you to submit this form with your application.

After You Are Admitted: Immigration and Enrollment

Once you are admitted to your program of choice, you must take several steps to successfully immigrate to the United States and enroll in our university.

Office of International Student & Scholar Services

If you have any questions regarding your visa, housing or employment, our Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) can provide information and support.

• Maintaining your visa
• Your health and wellness
• Life at our University

Visit ISSS