Application Instructions for International Students
PLEASE NOTE: I-20 FORMS (REQUIRED FOR VISA AUTHORIZATION) CAN ONLY BE ISSUED BY THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE AFTER THE STUDENT HAS SUBMITTED ALL REQUIRED OFFICIAL CREDENTIALS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE PROGRAM INDICATED ARE VERIFIED.
The following items are required before the admission application can be reviewed. Incomplete applications cannot be processed.
1. Online Application
Currently, there is no application fee!
2. Official Entrance Examination Scores
Only official scores sent directly from the testing agency may be used to satisfy admission requirements. Please use school code 1200.
3. Official Course by Course Transcript Evaluation
Applicants must have a degree equivalent to the four year baccalaureate degree awarded by U.S. universities. Foreign credential evaluations must be submitted by a NACES member. Find a NACES member for your evaluation here.
*Credential evaluations must include a record of all degrees earned, detailing all subjects taken, grades obtained and GPA. Uncertified copies are not accepted.
To expedite EKU’s receipt of your evaluation, you may opt to utilize SpanTran, a NACES approved transcript evaluator.
4. Declaration of Finances
Declaration of finance verification documents, such as bank or scholarship letters, can be submitted post-admission. All financial documentation is only good for six months after the received date. It is suggested that you do not turn in declaration of finance documents until three months prior to the term in which you are applying as they may otherwise expire. Applicants should have available the approximate sum of $32,008 for each academic year. To be eligible to register for courses, the declaration of finance and financial verification documents must be received by EKU.
*Amounts are subject to change to accommodate cost of attendance.
5. Passport
Copy of Passport with full name clearly visible.
6. English Language Proficiency Examination
Select one from the following:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – 550 Paper Based, 79 for Internet-Based, or 213 by Computer.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – A minimum score of 5 on each section- Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and a minimum score of 6.5 on the overall band score.
Duolingo (English Test) – A minimum score of 95
ELS (English Language Services) – The ELS program offers international students the opportunity to enhance their English Language skills. Students who receive conditional admission when applying to EKU Graduate School qualify to participate in the program. Students must obtain an ELS Level 112 Intensive English for Academic Purposes certificate in order to qualify for admission.
**International applicants are only exempt from the English language exam requirement if they have a degree from an accredited institution from the states or if they earned their degree from one of the following exempt countries:
Anguilla ~ Antigua and Barbuda ~ Australia ~ The Bahamas ~ Barbados ~ Belize ~ Bermuda ~ British Virgin Islands ~ Canada (Except Quebec) ~ Cayman Islands ~ Dominica ~ Ghana ~ Grenada ~ Guyana ~ Ireland ~ Jamaica ~ Kenya ~ Leone ~ Liberia ~ New Zealand ~ Nigeria ~ Saint Kitts and Nevis ~ Saint Lucia ~ Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ~ South Africa ~ The Gambia ~ Trinidad and Tobago ~ Turks & Caicos Islands ~ Uganda ~ United Kingdom ~ Zimbabwe
Special Instructions for International Applicants:
International students must apply for a degree seeking program. An I-20 cannot be issued for students seeking certificates, endorsements or any program that is 100% online.
Health Insurance Requirement
Health insurance is required for all F-1 and J-1 Students. Do NOT purchase health insurance for your studies in the U.S. All of EKU’s international students are automatically enrolled and this insurance fee will appear on your university bill. The cost of your health insurance is included is the amount shown on your I-20. Do NOT purchase health insurance in your home country because we cannot waive the health insurance requirement at EKU.
If you are government-sponsored student, we will waive your health insurance charge after we review your financial guarantee document.
ELS Information
English Language Services Program
The ELS program offers international students the opportunity to complete the language proficiency requirement. Students who receive conditional admission when applying to EKU Graduate School qualify to participate in the program. You can find further information on the ELS website. Students must obtain an ELS Level 112 Intensive English for Academic Purposes certificate in order to qualify for clear admission.
Required Documents
To be considered for conditional admission:
- EKU Graduate School Admissions Application
- Official ELS acceptance letter
- Foreign Credential Evaluation
In order to transition from a conditional to clear admit:
- Official test scores (GRE, GMAT, MAT) – Should be taken when student reaches level 110 in ELS Program.
- Declaration of finances-Should be submitted when the student reaches level 110 in ELS Program.
- Official transcript from ELS showing the completion of ELS Level 112 Intensive English for Academic Purposes certificate
Other Facts
- Student who have obtained conditional admission cannot take any graduate level courses until they have obtained the required ELS certificate.
- Students who have obtained conditional admission but instead decide to meet the English language requirement by taking the TOEFL or IELTS must reapply for admission. Conditional admission is only given to students who are on track to complete the ELS program.
Translated Information for International Students
EKU Graduate School offers admission information transcribed in other languages. For more information please click your area below.