Application Instructions for International Students
* To view EKU graduate school information in Portuguese, Chinese, or Arabic please go to our translation page.
Prospective international students seeking admission must submit a complete application form before the international admission deadline with all materials listed below. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The criteria for admission to the various programs of graduate study at this institution are the same for all students but the United States Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services impose certain additional requirements which all U.S. Institutions of higher education must abide by in admitting international students. International students cannot be admitted on provisional or probationary status, you must meet all requirements and be clearly admitted to a degree program; international students cannot apply as "Non-degree seeking" students.
1. Application Form
Apply online using the link below. You must choose the Graduate International web application from the drop-down menu.
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2. Application Fee
A non-refundable US$35.00 application fee is required for all graduate applications. The check or money order should be made out to Eastern Kentucky University Graduate School. Do not send cash. No action will be taken on student applications until the fee payment has been received.
3. Declaration of Finances
Graduate applicants MUST complete the Declaration and Certification of Finances form. Applications will not be processed without the completion of this form.
Applicants should have available the approximate sum of $26,500 for each academic year at Eastern Kentucky University, exclusive of travel expenses. This is an estimate of the minimum cost of tuition fees, books and supplies, room and meals, health insurance (see below) and incidentals for a single person. It should also be indicated how expenses will be met for subsequent years of study if the program of study will require more than one year. It should be kept in mind when computing expenses that students holding F-1 visas will not be authorized to work by the Immigration and Naturalization Service except under extraordinary circumstances. Therefore, the applicant should not look to employment, either part-time during the academic year or full-time during the summer, as a significant means of support while attending Eastern Kentucky University.
You will also need this documentation of sufficient funds when you apply to your local governmental agency for a visa and when you are cleared for entry by U.S. Consular officials. We suggest that you make and retain copies for this purpose.
At the beginning of each registration period, you will be expected to pay, in full, the established fees for tuition, housing, and health insurance.
4. Official Examination Scores
International applicants are required to submit their results from two exams: the TOEFL or IELTS and the entrance exam required by the program you are applying to (either the GRE, MAT, or GMAT, see individual program requirements for specific exam).
a. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
To meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements, Eastern Kentucky University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of all applicants whose native/first language is not English, including those from India. A minimum score of 550 on paper, 79 for internet-based, or 213 by computer is needed on the test to be accepted at Eastern. Please be aware that some graduate programs may require a higher TOEFL score such as the Master of Public Health (MPH), which requires 580 on paper, 92 for internet-based, and 237 by computer.
To register, you must obtain the TOEFL BULLETIN, which includes a registration form. BULLETINS are available in many locations outside the U.S., usually at American embassies and consulates, offices of the United States Information Service (USIS), United States educational commissions and foundations, binational centers, and many private organizations such as the Institute of International Education (IIE), African American Institute (AAI), American Friends of the Middle East (AFME), and American-Korean Foundation.
Students who cannot obtain a TOEFL BULLETIN and registration form locally should write for them, WELL IN ADVANCE, to: TOEFL Services, CN 6151, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6151, USA.
b. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
To meet the English Language Proficiency Requirements, Eastern Kentucky University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of all applicants whose native/first language is not English, including those from India.
Score requirement into EKU Graduate School-a minimum score of 5 on each section- Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and a minimum score of 6 on the overall band score.
To register, you will need to go to www.ielts.org to find the nearest test center and the necessary contact details. When registering to take the IELTS test you will need to specify where you want your results sent to. You will need to give the following address: EKU Graduate School, SSB CPO 68, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond, KY 40475-3168
c. Entrance Exam:
In addition to the TOEFL/IELTS, all programs require some form of entrance examination. The general portion of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) can be used to meet the entrance examination requirements for all programs except the Master of Business Administration. Students applying for the MBA must submit the scores for the GMAT examination. Only official scores sent directly from the testing agency may be used to satisfy admission requirements. Some programs accept alternate exams to the GRE. Students are encouraged to contact their intended program of study for additional information about entrance examination requirements.
5. Transcripts
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have been awarded a degree equivalent to the four year baccalaureate degree awarded by U.S. universities. The international institution that granted the degree must be recognized by the American Associate of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services(WES) or Josef Silny & Associates (SILNY). These official evaluations must be sent to the Graduate School.
Individual credits may be evaluated for acceptance or transfer and grade point standings will be determined by appropriate conversion scales. All credentials must be original documents (in certain rare cases, certified "true copies" bearing the United States Embassy official seal may be accepted). If not in English, an official translation must be attached to all documents. Credentials must include a record of all degrees earned, detailing all subjects taken and grades obtained. Uncertified copies are not accepted.
Special Instructions for International Students
Health Insurance Requirement
At the beginning of the first semester on campus, International students must present evidence that they have current hospitalization, accident care, and surgery insurance that is payable in the United States, or they must be prepared to enroll in the University student insurance plan. They must carry some type of health insurance as long as they are enrolled at the University. Application should be made upon arrival at the Personnel Office, Coates Administration Building, Eastern Kentucky University.
Graduate Assistantships
An extremely limited number of Graduate Assistantships are available in some departments requiring research, laboratory, and other instructional duties. These assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis to a few exceptionally well-qualified graduate applicants possessing special skills and qualifications. Native ability in English is a prerequisite. Students should write directly to the chair of the department to which they are applying for additional information about assistantships. Additional information on assistantships can be found HERE.
NOTE: EVEN IF AN ASSISTANTSHIP IS AWARDED, IT IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE TOTAL EXPENSES OF AN ACADEMIC YEAR. THE “DECLARATION AND CERTIFICATION OF FINANCES” FORM SHOULD STILL BE SUBMITTED INDICATING THE ADDITIONAL FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR THE REMAINDER OF YOUR EXPENSES.
University Housing
University housing is usually available for single and married students. For complete information on housing see the University Housing website.
PLEASE NOTE: I-20 FORMS (REQUIRED FOR VISA AUTHORIZATION) CAN ONLY BE ISSUED BY THE GRADUATE SCHOOL AFTER THE STUDENT HAS SUBMITTED ALL REQUIRED OFFICIAL CREDENTIALS AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO THE GRADUATE PROGRAM INDICATED ARE VERIFIED.
Translated Information
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