Eligibility Requirements for US Universities
Understand the academic qualifications, standardized tests, and additional criteria required for international students applying to US universities at all levels.
US University Eligibility Checker
Bachelor's Degree
VerifiedComputer Science, GPA: 3.7/4.0
English Proficiency
VerifiedTOEFL: 105 Overall (All sections > 22)
Required Documents
In Progress3 of 5 documents uploaded
Financial Proof
RequiredBank statement needed (min. $40,000)
You meet the academic requirements but need to complete missing documents and financial verification to finalize your application.
Meeting these core requirements is essential for your successful application to US universities.
Academic Qualifications
High school diploma for Bachelors or accredited Bachelor's degree for Masters/PhD programs.
Standardized Tests
SAT/ACT for undergraduate and GRE/GMAT for graduate programs at most institutions.
English Proficiency
TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo tests with minimum scores varying by institution and program.
Financial Proof
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses for at least one year.
Additional Documents
Letters of recommendation, personal statements/essays, resume/CV, and portfolios for some programs.
Visa Eligibility
Meet F-1 student visa requirements after securing university admission.
Important Note on Requirements
Requirements by Academic Level
Requirements vary based on your chosen level of study. Always verify with your target universities.
General Requirements by Study Level
- Completed secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent).
- SAT or ACT scores for most universities.
- GPA requirements vary by institution (typically 3.0+ on 4.0 scale).
- English proficiency: TOEFL (80-100), IELTS (6.5-7.0), or Duolingo (110+).
- Extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters.
- AP courses or IB diploma may provide credit and strengthen application.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA (typically 3.0+ on 4.0 scale).
- GRE/GMAT scores for many programs (requirements vary by field).
- English proficiency: TOEFL (90-100), IELTS (7.0+), or Duolingo (120+).
- Letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
- Statement of purpose/personal statement.
- Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience.
- Master's degree (some programs accept exceptional Bachelor's graduates).
- Strong undergraduate and graduate GPAs (3.5+ typically preferred).
- GRE/GMAT scores (requirements vary by field and institution).
- English proficiency: TOEFL (100+), IELTS (7.0-7.5+), or Duolingo (120+).
- Research proposal or statement of research interests.
- Prior research experience and/or publications.
- Strong letters of recommendation from academic sources.
- Interview may be required for shortlisted candidates.
Undergraduate Tests
1SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
Typically required by 4-year colleges. Total score range: 400-1600 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 200-800, Math: 200-800). Competitive scores vary by institution.
2ACT (American College Testing)
Alternative to SAT. Composite score range: 1-36 (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science). Most universities accept either SAT or ACT.
3AP/IB Programs
Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses and exams can strengthen applications and may provide college credit.
Graduate Tests
1GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Required for many graduate programs. Sections: Verbal Reasoning (130-170), Quantitative Reasoning (130-170), Analytical Writing (0-6).
2GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Primarily for business programs (MBA). Total score range: 200-800. Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal.
3Specialized Tests
Some fields require specialized tests: LSAT (Law), MCAT (Medicine), DAT (Dental), PCAT (Pharmacy).
Note: Many US universities are now adopting "test-optional" or "test-flexible" policies, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Always check the most current testing requirements for your target institutions.
As an international student whose first language is not English, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to succeed in an English-language academic environment. Most US universities accept one of the following tests:
| Test | Undergraduate | Graduate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 80-100 | 90-110 | Most widely accepted. Section minimums often required. |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0-6.5 | 6.5-7.5 | Widely accepted. Section minimums usually 5.5-6.0. |
| Duolingo English Test | 105-120 | 115-130 | Increasingly accepted, convenient online testing. |
| PTE Academic | 50-60 | 65-75 | Accepted by growing number of US institutions. |
English Proficiency Waivers
You may be exempt from English proficiency requirements if you meet one of these conditions:
Education in English
Completed a degree program (typically at least 2-4 years) at an accredited institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
English-speaking Country
Native of or educated in countries where English is the official language (e.g., UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand).
Previous US Study
Completed a degree program at a US institution or spent significant academic time studying in the US.
Institutional Assessments
Some universities offer their own English proficiency tests or assessments as alternatives.
Important Note
International students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses. This is required both for university admission and for the student visa application.
Typical Costs to Cover
| Expense Category | Public University | Private University | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $20,000-$40,000/year | $40,000-$60,000+/year | Varies widely by institution and program |
| Living Expenses | $10,000-$15,000/year | $15,000-$25,000+/year | Higher in major cities (NYC, SF, Boston) |
| Health Insurance | $1,500-$2,500/year | Mandatory for F-1 visa students | |
| Books & Supplies | $1,000-$2,000/year | Varies by field of study | |
| Total (Minimum) | $32,500+/year | $57,500+/year | Budget more for competitive areas |
Acceptable Financial Documents
- Bank Statements
Recent statements (typically less than 3 months old) showing liquid assets. Must be official, with bank letterhead and official signature/stamp.
- Scholarship Award Letters
Official documentation of any scholarships, grants, or fellowships awarded to you.
- Sponsor Letters
If funded by a sponsor, an affidavit of support with financial documents proving their ability to support you.
- Loan Approval Letters
If using educational loans, official loan approval documentation.
- Government Funding Letters
Documentation of any government-sponsored scholarships or financial aid.
Important Financial Considerations
- 1USCIS Requirements
For F-1 visa approval, you must prove you can cover at least the first year of study with readily available funds.
- 2Full Duration Planning
While immediate proof is for the first year, you must show credible plans for financing your entire program.
- 3Form I-20
After acceptance, the university issues Form I-20 showing your total estimated expenses and confirmed funding sources.
- 4Work Limitations
You cannot rely on potential employment in the US to show financial ability. F-1 students are limited to on-campus work (20hrs/week).
- 5Currency Conversion
Financial documents in foreign currency will be converted to USD at the current exchange rate.
Pro Tip
Different academic disciplines often have specific requirements beyond the general eligibility criteria. These specialized requirements ensure you have the necessary background and aptitude for success in your chosen field.
- Pre-medical coursework: Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Math, English.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) with competitive scores.
- Clinical experience or shadowing physicians (recommended for medical school).
- GPA typically 3.5+ for MD programs (often higher for top schools).
- Research experience (strongly recommended).
- Multiple interviews (MMI format at many schools).
- Additional essays and secondary applications.
- Non-US degrees require credential evaluation through WES, ECFMG, etc.
- GMAT or GRE with strong Quantitative scores.
- Professional work experience (2+ years for MBA, varies by program).
- Leadership experience and demonstrated achievements.
- Statement of purpose focusing on career goals.
- Strong letters of recommendation from supervisors/managers.
- Technical or quantitative undergraduate background for Finance/Quantitative MBA specializations.
- Interviews assess leadership potential, teamwork, and career focus.
- Strong foundation in mathematics and relevant sciences.
- Prior coursework in calculus, statistics, physics (field-dependent).
- GRE with high Quantitative scores for graduate programs.
- Research experience (especially important for PhD programs).
- Programming skills for Computer Science/IT/Data Science programs.
- Portfolio for certain areas (e.g., games development, robotics).
- Publications or research projects (for PhD/research programs).
- Portfolio showcasing skill and creative ability.
- Audition for performing arts (music, theater, dance).
- Statement of artistic purpose and goals.
- Resume highlighting exhibitions, performances, or creative work.
- Letters of recommendation from mentors in the field.
- Technical proficiency demonstration (instrument skills, drawing techniques, etc.).
- Interview/artistic review for selective programs.
- Bachelor's degree (any field) from accredited institution.
- LSAT (Law School Admission Test) with competitive scores.
- High GPA (typically 3.5+ for top law schools).
- Personal statement demonstrating interest in law.
- Analytical writing skills and critical thinking ability.
- Resume of relevant experiences (legal internships helpful but not required).
- Letters of recommendation from professors familiar with academic abilities.
Looking for Other Fields?
International students face several additional requirements beyond those for domestic applicants. These ensure that you can successfully transition to studying in the US and comply with immigration regulations.
Foreign academic credentials must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service such as:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- SpanTran
Course-by-course evaluations are typically required to determine GPA equivalencies and course matches.
After acceptance, you'll need:
- Form I-20 (issued by university after admission)
- F-1 Student Visa (apply after receiving I-20)
- Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
All international students must register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
This involves paying the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350 for F-1 visa students) before your visa interview. Your university will help with this process after admission.
As detailed in the language requirements section, you'll need official English proficiency test scores:
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo
- Scores must be sent directly from the testing service
- Minimum scores vary by institution and program
All documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations, including:
- Transcripts and diplomas
- Letters of recommendation
- Bank statements/financial documents
- Any official documents from your home country
US universities require:
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Immunization records (MMR, TB, etc.)
- Medical history form
- COVID-19 vaccination (requirements vary)
Some states and institutions have additional health requirements.
Timeline Considerations for International Students
12-18 Months Before
- Research universities
- Take standardized tests
- Begin credential evaluation
- Prepare financially
9-12 Months Before
- Submit applications
- Complete document translations
- Prepare financial evidence
- Apply for scholarships
6-9 Months Before
- Receive admission decisions
- Accept offer
- Receive I-20 from university
- Pay SEVIS fee & apply for F-1 visa
3-6 Months Before
- Secure housing
- Arrange travel
- Complete health requirements
- Attend pre-departure orientation
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