International Students

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Eastern Kentucky University welcomes applications for graduate study from all qualified International students. 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.

In addition to general admission requirements, international students must also fulfill the following requirements.

Application Requirements

You must read and follow all of the Application Instructions for International students. Applications for admission and all supporting credentials must reach the Graduate Education and Research Office as far in advance as possible before the opening of the term you wish to enter. Completed applications and ALL official credentials must be evaluated at least 30 days prior to the initial enrollment date. Submit all items together in one envelope.

All items must be received by the application deadlines.

Transcript Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicant 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.

**Effective Fall 2009: All international applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES).

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.

Official Examination Scores

International applicants are required to submit their results from two exams: the TOEFL and either the GRE, MAT, or GMAT, depending on which program you are applying to (see individual program requirements for specific exam).

TOEFL:
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.

Entrance Exam:
In addition to the TOEFL, 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.

Financial Certification Requirement

Graduate applicants MUST complete the Declaration and Certification of Finances form which accompanies the Application for Admission to Graduate School. Applications will not be processed without the completion of this form.

Applicants should have available the approximate sum of US$23,000 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.

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. Graduate Assistants receive a stipend of $5425 per semester plus a waiver of the out-of-state portion of the graduate tuition. Applicants seeking a graduate assistantship should contact the department they are applying to.

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.



Graduate School Home Prospective Students International Students Apply to Graduate School Current Students Graduate Forms Assistantships & Awards Tuition & Fees Graduate Programs Graduate Catalog Graduate Council Faculty Information Graduate School Staff Graduate School SSB 310, CPO 68 521 Lancaster Avenue Richmond, KY 40475-3168 Telephone (859) 622-1742 (859) 622-1745 (V/TTY) graduateschool@eku.edu	SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Eastern Kentucky University welcomes applications for graduate study from all qualified International students. 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. In addition to general admission requirements, international students must also fulfill the following requirements. Application Requirements You must read and follow all of the Application Instructions for International students. Applications for admission and all supporting credentials must reach the Graduate Education and Research Office as far in advance as possible before the opening of the term you wish to enter. Completed applications and ALL official credentials must be evaluated at least 30 days prior to the initial enrollment date. Submit all items together in one envelope. All items must be received by the application deadlines. Transcript Requirements To be eligible for admission, applicant 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. Effective Fall 2009: All international applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES). 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. Official Examination Scores International applicants are required to submit their results from two exams: the TOEFL and either the GRE, MAT, or GMAT, depending on which program you are applying to (see individual program requirements for specific exam). TOEFL: 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. Entrance Exam: In addition to the TOEFL, 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. Financial Certification Requirement Graduate applicants MUST complete the Declaration and Certification of Finances form which accompanies the Application for Admission to Graduate School. Applications will not be processed without the completion of this form. Applicants should have available the approximate sum of US$23,000 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. 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. Graduate Assistants receive a stipend of $5425 per semester plus a waiver of the out-of-state portion of the graduate tuition. Applicants seeking a graduate assistantship should contact the department they are applying to. 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.