International Requirements

We consider you an international student if you do not have U.S. citizenship, dual-U.S. citizenship, or permanent residency.

1. Common Application and Emerson College Supplement

We require that the Common Application and Emerson College Supplement be submitted before we can review your application. Emerson has waived the $65 application fee for all international applicants for Fall 2012 and Spring 2012 enrollment.

You can submit these forms and the application fee by creating an account on the Common Application website. By following this link, Emerson College will automatically be listed in your "My Colleges" area of the Common Application after creating an account.

It is very important that you use the same name listed on your passport as the name you provide in your application.

2. Supporting Academic Credentials

Please include your full name and date of birth on all application materials submitted to the Admission Office. View our mailing address for application materials.

• International Supplement to the Secondary School Report: This form is required is to be completed by students who have attended secondary schools using non-U.S. educational systems. International Supplement to the Secondary School Report (PDF)
• Teacher Evaluation: A minimum of one official teacher evaluation from someone who has taught you in an academic subject (i.e., English, social studies, science, foreign language, or history) must be submitted. Teacher Evaluation Form (PDF)
• Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from each secondary school attended, and should include courses taken and grades received. All transcripts must include an English translation if they are in a foreign language. Translations must be performed by an official agency and accompanied by the original document.

  "Official" documents must be original transcripts and any examination results (no fax or photocopy accepted). If you only have one original and it is not possible to obtain another, please contact your secondary institution and have it notarize or stamp a certified true copy. This will be considered an official copy. We will only accept attestations from your secondary institution, the exam issuer, U.S. Educational Advising centers, and official translation agencies.

  Transfer Students: If you have taken college-level courses at a university outside the United States, you must submit your transcripts to a credential evaluator for a credit evaluation of each course. See section 3 below for a list of recommended credential evaluators.

• Test scores and English language proficiency requirements: Freshman applicants who have not completed four years of secondary study in an institution that uses English as its language of instruction or transfer applicants who have not completed at least two years of post-secondary study in an institution that uses English as its language of instruction are required to submit scores from one of the tests listed below:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
    Emerson minimum requirements:
    • Internet-Based Test (iBT) 80
    • Computer-Based Test (CBT) 213
    • Paper-Based Test 550
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
    Emerson minimum requirement: 7

Applicants that have completed secondary study in an institution that uses English as its language of instruction can submit either SAT or ACT test scores to fulfill the requirement. SAT code: 3367, ACT code: 1820

3. Proof of Graduation

A credential evaluation/translation is required for all students who have not graduated from a U.S.-accredited secondary school. The evaluation will assist in determining transfer credit, as well as proof of secondary school graduation. You may use any of the following recommended credential evaluators:

• World Education Services
• Educational Credential Evaluators
• Center for Educational Documentation

The credential evaluation service will inform the student about which official documents it requires (transcripts, diplomas, exam scores, etc). This varies, depending on the country where the student was educated.

Students who have been awarded an International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma) must submit an official copy of their diploma as proof of graduation and are not required to obtain an evaluation/translation through one of our recommended evaluators.

Exams, such as the International Baccalaureate, German Abitur, European Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureat, and Swiss Maturité need not be translated in order to be considered for transfer credit, but are not sufficient proof of high school graduation.

Acceptable proof of graduation includes:

• Official Final Transcript with date of graduation (Only if school is U.S. accredited and issues U.S. diplomas)
• Official copy of IB Diploma
• Credential evaluation of your non-U.S. diploma/certificate stating it is equivalent to a U.S. diploma

We cannot accept the following as proof of graduation:

• IB exam scores (without accompanying diploma)
• Photocopy or scan of high school diploma

Proof of graduation is due by July 1 for Fall admission and by December 15 for Spring admission.

4. Visa and I-20 Form Information

To issue your Form I-20, we need the following information. Once we receive this information, we will send you a Form I-20. You will need this form to apply for your F-1 student visa from the U.S. Embassy in your country.

• Enrollment Deposit
• Official Secondary School/High School Transcript
  Transcript must clearly show that you have received the equivalent of a U.S. diploma and the date of diploma conferral.
• International Student Contact Form (PDF)
• Bank Document (Sample PDF)
  Please provide us with a bank document that meets the following criteria:
  • In English
  • In U.S. Dollars
  • An original copy
  • Showing a minimum of US$45,000
  • Signed by a bank official
  • Issued within 12 months of the start date of your program. (Please note that the funds must be liquid: real estate and forms of property are not acceptable forms of documentation.) Please view our Financial Documentation guidelines PDF »
• Letter of Sponsorship (PDF)
  If your official bank letter represents finances of someone other than you, then please include this letter of sponsorship. Please make sure your financial sponsor signs and dates the letter.
• International Student Form (PDF)
  This form provides information necessary for your I-20 Form (immigration document).
• Passport Photocopy
  Please submit a copy of the biographical/identification page of your passport. This is the page that shows your photo, your date of birth, passport number, date that the passport was issued, expiration date, and country of citizenship.
• Proof of Secondary School/ High School Graduation
  Please submit final transcripts with proof of graduation or a certified copy of your diploma. If you have not received a U.S. diploma, please read Section 3 on transcripts/proof of graduation.

5. Already Studying in the United States?

If so, you must submit one copy of the following:

• Current F-1 student visa
• Form I-94 arrival/departure record (the small, white card stapled into your passport)
• Previous Form I-20
• Transfer Verification Form
• Transferring International Student Form

6. SEVIS Fee

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires all applicants for F-1 student visas and J-1 visas to pay a one-time fee of US$100 before applying for a visa. More details about paying this fee can be found at U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

Getting a Social Security Number (once you reach the United States)

Please note that it is not necessary to have a social security number for admission or for obtaining a visa. Please visit the U.S. Government Social Security website.

7. Major- or Program-specific Requirements

Applicants for Performing Arts majors, Film, and the Honors Program are required to submit additional materials to complete their application.

• Performing Arts
• Film
• Honors Program

8. Check the Status of Your Application Credentials

After submitting your application, you will receive an email from Emerson College with an Emerson ID. You will use your Emerson ID and date of birth to log into the Application Portal. Please keep in mind that processing your supporting credentials may take up to 7 to 10 business days. Log in »

View more information about your application status »

External LINKS

• Education USA
• Links to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide
• Download a visa application form
• Visa wait times