International Graduate Student Applications

In addition to our general graduate admission requirements, international students may need to submit supplemental admission materials.

As you gather your application requirements, keep in mind that you have a few more steps to take.

International Transcripts and Evaluation

Students who have attended an institution of higher education outside of the United States are strongly encouraged (and may be required) to submit an official course-by-course evaluation of their academic credentials. You may use any NACES-member organization to complete the evaluation. NACES-member organizations typically provide us with your official documents, so separate transcripts may not need to be submitted to our office. The course-by-course evaluation can greatly assist your academic department in determining any possible course waivers or transfer credits, as applicable.

If you choose not to submit a course-by-course evaluation, you must provide us with official academic transcripts and marks sheets from all post-secondary work, as well as an official English translation (if applicable). If your institution does not provide more than one official document, a certified, notarized copy of your transcripts is required.

It is recognized that educational systems in other countries differ from that of the United States. Generally, a first university degree can be considered as comparable to its U.S. counterpart, provided that the degree was earned at an institution that is officially recognized by its country's Ministry of Education. The comparability of international coursework and degrees will be determined exclusively by Suffolk University's Office of Graduate Admission.

English Proficiency Requirement

Proficiency in English is required of all international applicants. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from one of the following exams:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Suffolk welcomes both the TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials. To be considered for full admission, a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80, with no subscore lower than 17, or a minimal TOEFL Essentials overall band score of 8.5, with no subsection below 8, is required. Suffolk University's code for TOEFL test scores is 3771.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A minimum score of 6.5 (with no subscore below 6.0) is required to be considered for full admission. IELTS One Skill Retake is also considered for those who would like to improve their score in one section.
  • PTE-Academic (Pearson Test of English). A minimum score of 65 is required to be considered for full admission.
  • Duolingo. A minimum score of 110 is required to be considered for full admission, along with the following subscores:
    • Literacy: 110
    • Conversation: 100
    • Comprehension: 120
    • Production: 85
    • Please indicate that your test scores should be sent to Suffolk University Graduate Admission.

You must have an official copy of the test result sent directly from the testing service. Only the most recent English Proficiency Test is considered for admission. Scores are valid for two (2) years from the date the exam is taken.

As an applicant, you are exempt from submitting the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE-Academic/Duolingo if:

  • You have received a degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. within the last two (2) years
    -or-
  • You have received a degree from an accredited college or university where the documented language of instruction was English within the last two (2) years
    -or-
  • You are a permanent resident of the U.S. (and must submit a copy of your Permanent Resident card, front and back)
    -or-
  • Your first/native language is English, and you are from one of the following countries:
    • Australia
    • Bahamas
    • Barbados
    • Belize
    • Bermuda
    • British West Indies
    • Canada
    • Cayman Islands
    • The Gambia
    • Ghana
    • Ireland
    • Jamaica
    • Kenya
    • Liberia
    • Mauritius
    • New Zealand
    • Nigeria
    • Sierra Leone
    • South Africa
    • Tanzania
    • Trinidad and Tobago
    • Uganda
    • United Kingdom
    • Virgin Islands
    • Zambia
    • Zimbabwe

Visa Documents

Visa documents, including financial certifications, are neither considered as part of an admission application nor required at admission, but students may choose to submit supporting documentation or upload it at any time through their applicant portal. Getting documents in ahead of time can speed the issuing of an I-20. A checklist for documents appears upon application submission.

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