With over 900 international students from more than 80 countries, the University of Denver cultivates a rich, global community that supports your academic journey. Apply to graduate programs at DU to join our international scholars and achieve your professional goals.
Graduate Admission Requirements for International Applicants
International applicants applying to DU must meet the following criteria for consideration for admission:
Hold a baccalaureate degree (applicants must submit at least one transcript from all postsecondary institutions).
A minimum GPA of 2.5 for the baccalaureate degree or 3.0 for all completed graduate coursework, unless otherwise noted. Please review your program’s requirements.
Submit transcripts (DU requires a nonrefundable fee of $50 for third-party international credential evaluation).
Provide proof of degree (degree certificate or diploma).
Submit qualifying TOEFL, IELTS, CI Advanced, or Duolingo scores.
English proficiency scores may vary based on your chosen program. Please review your program’s requirements.
Due to the varying wait times of the transcript and international degree evaluation process, DU encourages international applicants to submit application materials in a timely fashion. Applying to DU by the priority deadline or international deadline helps applicants gain admission sooner, allowing them enough time to prepare for their relocation to the U.S. Please check your program's application deadlines.
Transcripts from institutions outside of the United States may be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to identify U.S. equivalencies of educational qualifications. Certified English translations must accompany all transcripts except for those provided by institutions that issue documents in English.
The transcript review process can take two to three weeks after your completed application is received. Be sure to complete your application ahead of time so that your transcripts can be evaluated before your program deadline.
Applicants who have earned a degree outside of the United States must submit proof of graduation, typically through a degree certificate or diploma. Certified English translations must accompany all proof of degree documents except for those provided by institutions that issue documents in English. If your international transcript includes the full name of your degree and the date (month and year, at minimum) it was awarded, a separate proof of degree document is not required.
Applicants educated outside the U.S. are encouraged to contact the Office of Graduate Education or the appropriate admission office for assistance regarding transcript-related materials.
Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned or in-progress from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. The evaluation report is for the exclusive use of the University of Denver and may not be released to the applicant or any other persons. A non-refundable fee of $50.00 for this service will be required before the application is processed.
If English is not your native language, you must prove English proficiency by submitting official test scores.
We accept these tests with minimum scores:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Minimum score: 80 (iBT)
Institution Code for TOEFL: 4842
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Minimum Score: 6.5
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced
Minimum Score: 176
Duolingo English Test
Minimum Score: 115
Duolingo scores DO NOT meet the GTA eligibility requirement for non-native English speakers.
Your application will not be considered complete until your TOEFL, IELTS, CAE or Duolingo score is received. Scores are valid for two years.
Some programs may require higher minimum scores for admission than those listed above. Please visit your program requirements or contact your academic program of interest for specific information.
Students are generally exempt from the English language proficiency test requirement if they have any of the following:
Secondary/high school diploma from a school where the language of instruction is English.
Have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from a formally-recognized/accredited university where the institution's sole language of instruction and examination is English.
Last 30 semester credits (45 quarter credits) of coursework were successfully completed with a 3.0 GPA or better from a formally-recognized/accredited university where the institution's sole language of instruction and examination is English.
Submit transcripts or other supporting documents with your application materials. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for exemption.
As our graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) deliver lectures and communicate often with students, you need to demonstrate fluency in spoken English to become a GTA.
Minimum TOEFL Speaking Section Score: 26 (iBT)
Minimum IELTS Speaking Section Score: 8
Minimum CAE Speaking Section Score: 200
Duolingo scores do not meet the GTA eligibility requirement for non-native English speakers.
Prospective GTAs may be exempted from submitting TOEFL/IELTS/CAE scores if they have earned a baccalaureate degree or higher from a formally-recognized/accredited university where the institution's sole language of instruction and examination is English and, in addition, have four or more consecutive years of work/instructional experience in countries with an official native language of English and the language of employment/instruction is English.
Note: GTA awards may be revoked or restricted to non-teaching assistantship responsibilities at the discretion of the division if the GTA does not demonstrate sufficient English fluency in the classroom.
Prior to receiving an admission offer, we encourage non-U.S. citizens to upload or submit a copy of the photograph and legal name page of your passport. We cannot issue your I-20 or DS-2019 without your passport.
We ask that all international students submit a financial verification form. You will need to submit this form along with a bank statement or certificate of deposit showing sufficient liquid funds for your estimated cost of attendance.
You are required to submit these forms and statements in order to be provided with an I-20. You will be prompted to submit this information upon admission.
You need to submit your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Supplement Form. We use this form to verify your information so your I-20 or DS-2019 is accurate. We cannot issue your I-20 or DS-2019 without your SEVIS Supplement Form.
We encourage you to submit this form with your application.
Apply for admission
Go to our online application and begin submitting your materials.
After You Are Admitted: Immigration and Enrollment
Once you are admitted to your program of choice, you must take several steps to successfully immigrate to the United States and enroll in our university.
Required Paperwork
1-20 & DS-2019
The I-20 is the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status". DS-2019 is the "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status". Either an I-20 or a DS-2019 is required by the U.S. government as part of your visa application.
We can only issue an I-20 or DS-2019 once you have been admitted and submitted all necessary paperwork. You will also need to show you have sufficient funds for your degree program to receive an I-20 or DS-2019. You can speed up this process by submitting your financial verification form with your application.
You will need to take several steps to immigrate to the U.S. after admission. You can speed up this process by submitting your financial verification form and SEVIS Supplement Form with your application.
Office of International Student & Scholar Services
If you have any questions regarding your visa, housing or employment, our Office of International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) can provide information and support.
