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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

EKU International Students in Homecoming parade.

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 Immigration Laws impose certain additional requirements which all U.S. Institutions of higher education must abide by in admitting international students.

Admission procedures for all International students are developed in compliance with existing laws of the United States Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. In addition to general admission requirements, international students must also fulfill the following requirements.

Transcript Requirements
To be considered for entry as a graduate student, an applicant must have had four years of university level work following a twelve-year elementary-secondary program and have been awarded a degree equivalent to the four year baccalaureate degree awarded by U.S. Universities. The International institution of learning must be recognized by the American Associate of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and individual credits may be evaluated for acceptance or transfer. Grade point standings will be determined by appropriate conversions scales from the individual institutions.

When credentials are submitted in support of any application, they should be the original document (in certain rare cases, certified “true copies” bearing the United States Embassy official seal may be accepted.) An official translation must be attached to these records if they are in a language other than English. Credentials must include a record of all degress earned, detailing all subjects taken and grades obtained. Remember that uncertified photostat copies are not acceptable.

English Proficiency Requirement
Eastern Kentucky University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of all applicants whose native tongue is other than English, including those from India. A minimum score of 550 on paper 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) requires 580 on paper 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.

Financial Resources Requirement
Graduate applicants MUST complete the Declaration and Certification of Finances form which accompanies the Application for Admission to Graduate School. Applicants should have available the approximate sum of $21,000 American dollars for each academic year at Eastern Kentucky University, exclusive of travel expenses. We estimate that this amount will cover the bare 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

University Housing
University housing is usually available for single and married students. For complete information on housing, write well in advance to: University Housing, Student Services Building 552, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102.

Application Requirements
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 (transcripts, letters of recommendation, Declaration and Certification of Finances, TOEFL scores, GRE scores, and GMAT scores for MBA candidates) must be evaluated at least 30 days prior to the initial enrollment date.  Completed applications and all official credentials should be mailed together in one envelope.

Application Deadline:

Spring - October 15
Summer - March 15
Fall - June 1

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.