Graduate Admission Requirements

Apply Now

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 via GradCAS. 

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

Step 2: Submit Official Documents

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].

• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• Educational Perspectives (EP)
• SpanTran
• World Education Service(WES)

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 application decision.  

Step 3: Submit English Proficiency

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)
• TOEFL Essentials: 9
• IELTS: 6.5 (IELTS Indicator also accepted)
• Pearson English Language Test (PTE): 53
• Michigan English Test (MET): 57
• Duolingo: 105

**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 specific GradCAS 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 department and meet the English language requirements you would be 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
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. 

Applicants who are currently in the U.S. on an eligible visa that allows study (H-1B, H-4, L-1, L-2, etc.) 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 

• How long will it take for admissions and the department to make a decision?  Expand dropdown
  Once your application has been completed and ALL materials have been turned in we will send your application to the department for their review. Department review times may vary, so you should apply early.
• Does EMU offer conditional admission? Expand dropdown
  No. The Grad School may offer you a "pathway" admission where you will need to fulfill certain requirements before entering your program of study. Per SEVIS regulations, an I-20 cannot be created for a student who has been conditionally admitted. 
• What happens if I do not meet the English language requirements? Expand dropdown
  If your English score falls just below the minimum requirement, there may be an opportunity to go into the ESL Pathway Program if you are academically admissible. If your score is too low, you can enter the Intensive English Program at EMU to work on your English. 
• Does EMU offer Graduate Assistantships?  Expand dropdown
  Yes, occasionally the department may offer you a GA position as a part of your admissions offer, if not you can apply for any other available GA position on campus. See the Graduate Assistantships page for additional information.  
• Do grad students need to live in on campus housing? Expand dropdown
  No, international students are not required to live on campus. 
• I got a GA position, can you put that on my I-20?  Expand dropdown

  If you have gotten a GA position and have not yet gone through the I-20 process you can submit the offer letter with you other financial documents.

  If you have already received the I-20, you can submit the letter to our office and ask to have it added to your I-20. We will process a new I-20 with the GA information on it. 

• Should I contact Graduate Admissions, Grad School, International Admissions, or the program for my questions?   Expand dropdown

  If your question pertains to your application you should always contact International Admissions at [email protected]. If you have specific questions about your intended program of study we suggest reaching out to the program directly. 

• Will I be able to work while I attend EMU? Expand dropdown

  Off campus employment is not allowed without authorization per F-1 visa regulations. You should talk to the Office of International Students and Scholars if you would like to explore internship opportunities. 

  On campus employment is allowed, and F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours a week. 

   

Skip Section Navigation