International Students

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Classification and Definition

International Students with an F1 Visa are eligible for admissions only in NEIU's  degree programs or into NEIU's Intensive English Program, called SAELL. The only exceptions are students who apply as an undergraduate student-at-large for the Summer session only, provided they submit a copy of their I-20, I-94, visa letter from the Designated School Official (DSO) of their home school giving permission to attend and affirming the home school will take responsibility in making sure the student stays in status. J Visa holders must submit a copy of their DS-2019, I-94 and visa and may attend one semester only during the summer.

Students with J visas must apply as a student-at-large unless they intend to become a full-time degree seeking student.  Before they do so, however, they must first apply to the degree program as an international student and once admitted, they must apply for a visa “change of status,” to an F1 visa. Students who are out-of-status will not be considered for admission.

NOTE: Students must complete their files by the published deadline for the term in which they are applying to ensure proper processing of I-20 forms. An I-20 will not be issued until the student has received notification of admission from Northeastern’s Admissions Office. At no time will any student on an F or J visa be eligible for resident tuition assessment.

Requirements For Admission

  1. Submit application for admission to the Admissions Office. We encourage students to apply online for faster processing.

  2. Arrange to have an official college transcript from each college or university attended sent to NEIU's Admissions Office. You may have your transcript from U.S. schools sent electronically from your college/university directly to the Admissions Office. Courses taken at colleges or universities outside of the United States must be evaluated. Applicants have two options for obtaining a foreign transcript evaluation: (a) NEIU's Office of International Program may prepare an in-house evaluation that will be used for internal use only. Official academic transcripts will be required for NEIU to prepare the complimentary transcript evaluation. If official transcripts are not in English, certified English translations are required; or (b) Request a foreign transcript evaluation be prepared by a member of NACES. A detailed listing of all courses completed and grades obtained is required. Most evaluation agencies affiliated with NACES refer to this as a "Course-by-course" evaluation.

  3. Arrange to have official scores from an accepted English Language Proficiency test sent to the Admissions Office. NEIU accepts the following English language proficiency tests with the minimum scores as noted below:

    TOEFL iBT = 61 or higher (Undergraduate) or 79 or higher (Graduate)
    TOEFL ITP (taken in NEIU's SAELL Program) = 500 or higher (Undergraduate) or 550 or higher (Graduate)
    IELTS = 6.0 composite or higher (Undergraduate or 6.5 composite or higher (Graduate)
    PTE Academic = 44 or higher (Undergraduate) or 53 or higher (Graduate)
    Duolingo English Test = 105 or higher (Undergraduate) or 120 or higher (Graduate)
    Cambridge B2 First = 170 or higher (Undergraduate) or 180 or higher (Graduate)

    Some Graduate programs require an English proficiency test score that is higher than the university’s minimum requirement; these can be found on the application along with other program-specific requirements. 

    As an alternative to submitting an acceptable score on an approved standardized test, applicants may also demonstrate their English language proficiency by enrolling in NEIU’s SAELL Intensive English Program and passing Level 4 with a grade of at least 80% in all core classes. Details about the SAELL Program are available on its website.

    You may be eligible for a waiver of the English Language Proficiency Requirement if you have completed your high school or college/university in an English medium school in your country. You can complete the English Proficiency Waiver or you can reach out to the Office of International Programs at international-programs@neiu.edu to see if you qualify. 

    International applicants who are interested in applying for the undergraduate or graduate admission, but who do not meet the English Language proficiency minimum scores may be considered for International Conditional Admission in conjunction with the School for the Advancement of English Language and Learning (SAELL).

  4. Masters applicants must also submit 2 letters of recommendation, statement of goals and objectives, and any additional documents required by the program. Please refer to Graduate Students section for more information.

  5. Your file will be reviewed for admission decision when the application, fee and all academic documents, such as transcripts and test scores are received. However, an I-20 will not be issued until the Requirements for I-20 Processing have been met. Please see below.

Requirements for I-20 Processing

In order to attend Northeastern Illinois University, you must be issued an I-20 from the Office of International Programs. In addition to submitting the required admissions documents and receiving an admission letter, you must submit the following documents to the Office of International Programs for the I-20 to be processed. For more information, contact the Office of International Programs.

  1. You must file a Northeastern Financial Statement form that indicates your sponsor has sufficient finances to support you for the duration of your stay in the United States. Submit sponsor’s bank and/or employment letter. All financial statements and supporting documents must be in exact U.S. dollar amounts. Bank certification letters must reflect savings or Certificates of Deposit.

  2. If applicant is currently in the United States, a copy of the I-94 must also be submitted.

  3. You must indicate your home country address on the application form. Additional information may be requested by the Office of International Programs such as transfer release forms, proof of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and additional financial statements.