Application Requirements
The deadline for applicants seeking financial aid and admission—a graduate assistantship or tuition scholarship (Graduate Recruitment Scholarship)—is January 15. Individual files will not be reviewed until all supporting documents have been received.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, equivalent to a U.S. four-year degree, from an accredited university or college with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent (7.5 on a 10 point scale, for example).
- Two official transcripts from an accredited university or college.
- $50 (US applicants) or $55 (International applicants) non-refundable application fee (applications will not be processed without fee).
- If your native language is not English, you must provide evidence of proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and understanding English by submitting test scores with your application. The minimum required score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is 550 (old test) or 213 (new test); for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the minimum is 6.5 across all bands. This requirement can be waived for applicants holding a degree from an English-language university within the past two years. You will be required to retake an English proficiency test (which includes composition) when you arrive on campus. Information about the English proficiency test.
- If your level of proficiency is not at the minimum level, you will be required to enroll in the Ohio Program of Intensive English. Financial aid cannot be used to pay for English language courses; you will have to cover the cost yourself.
- International students need to submit financial support form (link to the form). It is not required to submit the financial support form with the application document, but it is recommended. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services require that Ohio University establish that students have sufficient funds for the first year of study before a Form I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility can be issued. Having a complete Financial Support Form on file at the point you are admitted will speed up processing of your Certificate of Eligibility.
- Three letters of recommendation (at least two from people who can judge your academic abilities and achievements)
- A two-page statement of purpose, discussing your educational and professional goals and how the Asian Studies program will help meet those goals. Be specific in discussing aspects of your personal and academic background that may lead to success in the program. (This is perhaps the most important item in your application package!).
- An autobiographical sketch (A one page personal statement that is descriptive of your life.)
- A curriculum vita or a resume) - a comprehensive list of your academic and/or professional accomplishments, including degrees and diplomas, work experience, conference presentations, publications, internships, volunteer work, and prizes, honors or awards.
*You do not need to select an advisor on the application form. You can leave those fields empty*