Application Requirements for International Transfer Students

1. Common Application and Emerson College Supplement

Apply online with the Common Application»

We require that you submit the Common Application, Emerson College Supplement before we can begin to review your application. The $65 application fee is waived for all international applicants for Fall 2013 and Spring 2013 start terms.

Please make sure to use the same name listed on your passport as the name you provide in your application. You will receive an application acknowledgement via email once these three application components have been submitted. You will also receive acknowledgement via email when your application becomes complete.

2. Supporting Academic Credentials

The following supporting materials are required for international transfer applicants. Please include your full name and date of birth on all application materials that you submit.

High School (Secondary School) Transcript or Proof of Graduation: One of the following will satisfy this requirement:

• If you attended a U.S. accredited secondary school that issues U.S. diplomas, please submit an official final transcript that indicates your date of graduation.
• If you are an IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma recipient, please request that an official copy of your IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma is sent to us. You do not need to have it translated or evaluated.
• If you did not graduate from a U.S. accredited secondary school, request a credential evaluation of your non-U.S. diploma/certificate stating it is equivalent to a U.S. diploma. We require World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or the Center for Educational Documentation.

• National Exam results can also qualify as proof of graduation. These can include GCE/GCSE exams (O-Level and AS-level), India Secondary School Examinations, Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) Exams, and CAPE I, etc.

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

• We cannot accept the following as proof of graduation:

  • IB exam scores without accompanying diploma
  • Photocopy or scan of high school diploma
  • Exams such as the German Abitur, European Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureat, and Swiss Maturité

College/University transcript(s): An official transcript is required from each college or university attended. Successful candidates typically have maintained a 3.0 grade point average in previous college coursework; however, individual circumstances as described by the candidate will be considered. If you are submitting a transcript from a college or university that is outside the United States, please submit via a credentialing agency like World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or the Center for Educational Documentation.

Instructor Evaluation: An evaluation or recommendation is required from someone who has taught you in a college subject. Instructor Evaluation form (PDF)

Mid-Term Report: Includes estimated grades from your current semester. Mid-Term Report (PDF)

Test scores and English language proficiency requirements: All international transfer applicants should submit standardized testing scores according to the following guidelines:

• Take the TOEFL or IELTS if:
  • You have not completed at least two years of post-secondary study at an institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction.
• Take the SAT or ACT if:
  • You have completed at least than two years of post-secondary study at an institution that uses English as its primary language of instruction. SAT code: 3367, ACT code: 1820
• If you take the TOEFL or IELTS, please note the minimum score requirements for admission to Emerson College:
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
    • Internet-Based Test (iBT) 80
    • Computer-Based Test (CBT) 213
    • Paper-Based Test 550
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
    • minimum score requirement:

• Test scores are not required if by the time you enroll:

  • You will earn an associate's degree
  • You will have junior status or above at your current institution (60 to 64 credits)
  • You graduated from high school (or received a GED) three or more years ago

We encourage you to submit application materials online through the Common Application. You can also mail supporting credentials to:

Emerson College Undergraduate
Admission Processing Center
PO Box 880
Randolph, MA 02368-8880

3. Major- or Program-specific Requirements

Additional application materials are required for the following:

• Performing Arts Applicants
• Cinematography/Videography or Film Applicants

4. Check the Status of Your Application Credentials

Within 1-2 business days of submitting your application, you will receive an email from Emerson College with an Emerson ID. You can use your Emerson ID and date of birth to log into the Application Portal to determine whether your application is complete or incomplete.

Please keep in mind that it may take up to 2 weeks for credentials to show in our system after they have been received. Materials that are postmarked by the appropriate application deadline will be considered on time. Feel free to contact us if your application materials do not show in the Application Portal within 2 weeks.

Login to the Application Portal now »

5. Learn about Visa Requirements for Accepted Students

Fall applicants only need to submit the following materials if they receive an offer of admission. Spring applicants must submit the following materials as a part of their admission application.

Visa and I-20 Form Information (new visa applicants)

Once we receive the following materials, 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
• Proof of Secondary School/ High School Graduation
  Please submit final transcripts with proof of graduation or a certified copy of your diploma according to the Proof of Graduation guidelines above.
• International Student Contact Form (Download PDF)
  This form provides information necessary for your I-20 Form (immigration document).

• 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$50,000
  • 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.)
  Complete guidelines for Bank Document »
• Letter of Sponsorship (Download 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.
  Complete guidelines for Letter of Sponsorship »

• 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.

Visas for Students Already Studying in the United States

If you are already studying in the United States, 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
  Complete guidelines for transferring a visa »

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 $200 before applying for a visa. More details about paying this fee can be found at U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

Social Security Number Information

It is not necessary to have a social security number for admission or for obtaining a visa. Some students will apply for a Social Security Number after starting college in order to work on campus. Please visit the U.S. Government Social Security website.