Graduate Admission Requirements

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Steps on how to apply to Eastern Michigan University.

See below for step-by-step instructions on how to apply to EMU as an international applicant. Below the instructions we have also listed our Frequently Asked Questions.

Step 1: Submit an Application 

Please carefully follow the directions on the application portal. EMU will not have access to your application until the application fee is paid and the application is submitted. 

Step 2: Submit Transcript Evaluations

EMU requires ALL post secondary coursework that has been completed outside the U.S. to be evaluated by one of the four approved evaluation agencies linked below for a course-by-course evaluation. If you have completed multiple degrees we will require each degree to be evaluated. Acceptable evaluations must also include a copy of the original transcripts. Make sure that all of the evaluations are sent directly from the evaluation agency to [email protected].

These evaluation services are accredited through NACES. EMU will not accept evaluations from any other agency. Multiple evaluations will not be accepted, and EMU will only use the first submitted evaluation to make an admission decision.

Step 3: Submit English Proficiency Test Results

Submit your English proficiency test results through the testing agency to Eastern Michigan University. If you have taken the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE you can email a copy of your official test results sheet to [email protected] and we add the test score to your application after verification. All other tests must be sent directly through the testing agency. 

  • TOEFL: 79 iBT** (TOEFL Home Edition also accepted)
    • Effective Winter 2026: 85 (straight admission) or 71-84 (ESL Placement & potentially 500-level/advanced speaking and writing courses)
  • TOEFL Essentials: 9
    • Effective Winter 2026: 9.5
  • IELTS: 6.5 (IELTS Indicator also accepted)
  • Pearson English Language Test (PTE): 53
    • Effective Winter 2026: 70 (59-75 academic), 50 (straight admission) or 44-49 (ESL Placement Test & potentially 500-level advanced speaking and writing courses)
  • Michigan English Test (MET): 57
    • Effective Winter 2026: 60
  • Duolingo: 105
    • Effective Winter 2026: 115 (straight admission) or 105-110 (ESL Placement Test & potentially 500-level advanced speaking and writing courses)

**The Graduate School accepts both MyBest scores and single-test-date TOEFL scores. Individual programs may choose not to accept MyBest scores and may require a higher level of English proficiency than required by the Graduate School. 

Test scores are only valid for 2 years from the date of the application. 

Some students may be eligible for an English testing waiver depending on where your education was completed, please review the ESL Testing Waiver [PDF]. If you believe that you should be eligible for a waiver, please email [email protected] after your evaluation has been submitted. We can only grant waivers based on official documents.

Step 4: Submit Remaining Application Documents

Each department may have specific requirements that you need to turn in before your application can be completed. Items like resumes, references, GRE/GMAT results, etc. Please follow the requirements listed on your application, or check out the programs catalog page for any additional requirements that need to be turned in. 

Step 5: Submit Financial Documentation for the I-20 Process

If you are admitted by the university and meet the English language requirements you are eligible to receive an I-20 from Eastern Michigan University. The Form I-20 is required to apply for an F-1 visa to study in the United States.

In order to process the I-20, you will be required to fill out the Financial Statement of Responsibility and Affidavit of Support Form [PDF] along with acceptable financial documents and a copy of your passport to [email protected].

Eastern Michigan University will only accept bank statements with liquid funds, acceptable bank statements must include the following information to be accepted:

  1. Statement Date (No more than a year old from the time of program start date)
  2. Name of the bank on letterhead or bank seal with signatures
  3. Account Holder's Full Name
  4. Account Type (Checking, Savings, Current, Private, etc.)
  5. Type of Currency
  6. For Fixed/Term Deposits, statement must list maturity date (must be BEFORE the intended program start date) or that the funds are able to be withdrawn without penalty
  7. All statements must be in English

Types of financial statements that will not be accepted: 

  1. Screenshots of account details will not be accepted
  2. Any type of investment or investment account
  3. Mutual Funds
  4. Student Loans
  5. Real Estate Holdings
  6. Fixed/Term Deposits that mature AFTER the intended program start date
  7. Company account or any similar account deemed to not be personal account
  8. Any other type of account that is determined to not be liquid

EMU reserves the right to deny financial documents for any reason. 

If you are currently in the U.S. on an eligible visa that allows study (H-1B, H-4, L-1, L-2, etc.) you will not need to apply for an I-20 unless you plan to change to an F-1 visa. Students who plan to study in another visa category will need to submit a copy of their visa along with their application materials before a decision can be made. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

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