How to Apply as an International Student
International Admission Criteria
OHIO is home to a welcoming and diverse community of students from all over the world, and admission to the university at all levels is selective. To be competitive, you must complete the secondary education in your country of study with above-average grades. Please review the international qualifications page for your specific criteria by country of instruction.
international Qualifications by country
Cambridge Curricula
For students participating in a Cambridge curricula admissions decisions are based on the GSCE/IGCSE/O-level results, and we generally expect at least 6 passes, graded C or higher. Students who are going on to complete GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS-levels) and/or Advanced Levels (A-levels) may be awarded transfer credit for successfully completed exams.
International Baccalaureate Curriculum
For students studying an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, we generally expect an average of 5 out of 7 on your college-preparatory subjects. IB Higher Level examinations may also be eligible for transfer credit.
Criteria for More Selective Programs
Some of our programs have more selective criteria above and beyond general admission guidelines.
More selective program criteria for freshman admission
More selective program criteria for transfer admission
Application Materials
To apply for admission as a freshman or transfer student, the following items are required.
- Application form
- USD $70 international application processing fee
- Academic records from every secondary/post-secondary institution you have attended, with a certified or attested translation if the original document is not in English. Unofficial academic records may be submitted via email to admissions@ohio.edu to receive an admissions decision. Official academic records must be provided upon arrival to campus, before the first day of classes, or sent by mail in envelopes sealed and stamped by one of the following:
- Your school or university
- Ministry of Education of your home country
- EducationUSA or related binational organization
Please note: We cannot accept scanned or faxed copies as official results. Official academic records must be submitted by mail, as previously noted, to:
Undergraduate Admissions
Chubb Hall 120
1 Ohio University
Athens OH 45701 - USA
- Official proof of English proficiency, if available. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams should be taken within the last 12 months.
- Proof of citizenship: a copy of your passport information page.
- Evidence of sufficient funding to support your educational and living expenses for a 9-month period. Learn more about the necessary amount on our Costs & Aid page. Your financial documentation must include:
- A letter from your sponsor confirming the amount of funding that will be provided and stating your relationship to the sponsor (a PDF sample sponsor form is available but not required) and a letter or statement from your sponsor's bank confirming that the funding is available in an accessible account. The name on the bank document must match the sponsor letter and must be written in English.
- If you will receive a government or other external scholarship, please provide proof of nomination of the award with your application packet.
- Optional materials can be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via postal mail or by emailing admissions@ohio.edu. Optional materials may include:
- Standardized test scores, if applicable. Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for freshman applicants to the Athens campus. If you choose to submit standardized test scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency: SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314). Ohio University considers the Evidenced-based Reading and Writing scores from the SAT.
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Lists of extra-curricular interests and activities
English Proficiency Requirements
English Proficiency Exams
All students seeking direct admission for full-time academic study must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following:
- Provide a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score. See minimum requirements below. IELTS reports should be sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL results should be sent electronically directly from the testing agency (school code 1593). Duolingo English Test results can be shared online with Ohio University once your test has been certified.
English Proficiency Minimum Score Requirements
TOEFL Paper: 520 (composition score of 5)
TOEFL Internet (IBT): 68 (writing subscore of 17)
IELTS: 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5)
Duolingo English Test: 95 -
Complete at least three years in a high school in an English-speaking system, including three years of high school English (not ESL) courses with a grade of B or better.
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Submit an ACT composite score of 21 with 21 ACT English and 21 ACT Reading subscores.
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Submit a 1060 SAT Total with 540 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subscore.
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Have completed the equivalent of Ohio University's English 1510: Writing and Rhetoric I (Freshman Composition) with a grade of C or better. Course equivalency will be determined during the application process.
Ohio Program of Intensive English
Students who do not submit evidence of meeting Ohio University's English proficiency requirements may choose to be admitted to the Ohio Program of Intensive English. Upon reaching the required level of English proficiency, students may apply to begin academic study. (Note: If you are applying for admission to an Ohio University academic program, do not apply separately to the Ohio Program of Intensive English. You will be tested when you arrive on campus and automatically placed in the appropriate level based on your test score.)
Learn more about the Ohio Program of Intensive English
Apply Now
Ready to take the next step? Ohio University is a member of The Common Application. Applicants are encouraged to apply using the Common App, which opens annually in August. For international applicants who do not want to use the Common App, please visit our alternative online application or print and mail the alternative printable application form that corresponds to the academic year for which you are applying.
