International Admissions
Who is Considered an International Student?
An international student is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and is in the United States on a temporary visa. The most common visa for international students is the F-1 visa, which is specifically for those pursuing academic studies at an accredited institution.
How to Apply for Admission
Step 1: Complete & Submit an Online Application
Start your journey at SIU by submitting an online application. A $40 non-refundable application fee is required at the time of submission.
Step 2: Upload Your Transcripts
All transcripts and academic documents must be original and bear the official seal of the issuing institution.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, scanned copies will be accepted for admission purposes. However, students must submit official original documents before or upon arrival at SIU.
Important:
- All transcripts must be translated into English.
- Transcripts in any language other than English will not be accepted.
International Admission Requirements & Policies
English Language Requirement
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by meeting one of the following minimum test scores:
- TOEFL (iBT - Internet-Based Test): 68
- TOEFL (Paper-Based Test): 520
- ITEP (Academic Plus Only): 3.6
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 95
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): 47
Waiving the English Language Proficiency Requirement
The English proficiency requirement may be waived if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Successfully completed two face-to-face English composition courses at a U.S. college with grades of A or B.
- Earned more than 48 college-level credit hours at a U.S. institution.
- Are from a country where English is the primary language (Exempt Countries List).
- Graduated from a U.S. high school after completing the final two years in the U.S.
- Meet domestic freshman admission requirements through standardized tests:
- ACT: 23+
- SAT: 1140+
Important: Official SAT and TOEFL score reports must be sent directly from the testing agency to SIU. We do not accept uploaded copies of these documents.
Conditional Admission
Students who do not meet the required English proficiency score may still be eligible for Conditional Admission. If your academic records meet SIU’s standards, you may receive a conditional offer, allowing you to first enroll in our Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) before starting your degree program.
Students admitted conditionally must complete CESL before being fully admitted to their academic program.
High Achiever’s Alternate Tuition Rate
Since Fall 2013, SIU has offered the High Achiever’s Alternate Tuition Rate, allowing high-achieving international undergraduate students to pay in-state tuition.
Eligibility Requirements:
Incoming Freshmen:
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) OR
- Minimum ACT score of 26 OR
- Minimum SAT score of 1240 (Critical Reading + Mathematics)
Transfer Students:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) from a previous institution
- Must have completed at least 26 credit hours to qualify
- If fewer than 26 credit hours, a high school transcript is required for consideration
This merit-based tuition rate helps eligible students save significantly by paying in-state tuition. Make sure to check full eligibility requirements before applying!
Transfer Course Articulation
Wondering how your previous coursework will transfer to SIU? Explore our International Course Articulation Guides to see how credits from U.S. and international institutions apply toward your degree at SIU.
After Admission
Once your admission is confirmed, the International Students & Scholars (ISS) office will contact you to request:
- A copy of your passport
- A financial statement
- An affidavit of support for I-20 processing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the academic requirements for undergraduate admission?
- Freshman applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from high school.
- Transfer applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale from all previous college coursework.
What majors can I choose from?
SIU offers a wide range of academic programs to help you achieve your career goals. You can explore all available majors by visiting SIU’s Academic Programs. Once you find a program that interests you, you can apply directly for that major.
Can I apply as “Undecided” for my major?
No, international applicants must select a specific major when completing their application. "Undecided" is not an option.
Do you accept admission documents via email?
Yes, we can accept documents by email. However, we strongly recommend uploading all required documents when submitting your online application. If you encounter any issues with the portal, you can email your documents to us at ia@siu.edu.
I’m having trouble logging into my application portal. What should I do?
If you're experiencing login issues, please refer to our Application Portal Help Guide for step-by-step troubleshooting instructions.
What is NOT required for admission?
For international undergraduate admission, the following are not required:
- Personal essays
- Letters of recommendation
- SAT or ACT test scores*
SIU only requires academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency. In some cases, the English requirement may be waived—please check the Admissions Requirements for more details.
How do I know how many of my previous credits are transferable?
Credit transfer evaluations are completed after you are admitted to SIU. Once you receive your admission confirmation, our team will assess your previous coursework and determine which credits are transferable.
Can I change the term of my application?
Can I apply to Graduate School?
The Center for International Education (CIE) handles undergraduate international admissions only. If you are interested in graduate-level admission, please contact the SIU Graduate School.
How much does it cost to attend SIU?
For the latest tuition and fee information, please visit SIU Tuition & Fees.