International Students

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Classification and Definition

Students from other countries who carry a valid visa or are applying to the university as an international student.

International Students with an F1 Visa are eligible for admissions to degree programs only, with exception that they may 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 and must then apply as an international student. 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 the student is 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 with a $30 application fee 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 the 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 by a member of NACES (https://www.naces.org/members) for equivalence of our undergraduate degree. A course-by-course evaluation is required.

  3. Arrange to have official TOEFL or IELTS scores sent to the Admissions Office. You must pass the written version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 500 (masters admission requires 550)  or you must pass the computerized version of the TOEFL test with a minimum score of 173 (master admission requires 213)  or the internet based test with minimum score of 61 (masters admission requires 79). The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be submitted in lieu of TOEFL. An IELTS minimum score of 6 (masters admissions 6.5) is required.

  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 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.