International Admissions
Discover Your Community
ĚěĚěłÔąĎ is located in Chicago, the third largest city in the United States with a very diverse economy. Established in 1867 this highly respected public university welcomes students from around the world. NEIU has been recognized for having one of the most diverse student populations. You can thrive at NEIU by engaging with our excellent faculty, getting involved in clubs, events and research, meeting students from many different communities, and taking advantage of the many services and resources we offer, which are all designed to help you develop your talents and achieve your goals.
Shape your future at NEIU! We are wholly invested in your success, from your degree to research, internships and other opportunities that pave the way toward a career here or beyond the US. Below learn more about how to apply, find requirements and information about obtaining a visa.
Our International Student Body
NEIU welcomes students from over 40 different countries. We embrace differences — in classroom discussions that encourage out-of-the-box thinking, to your desire to spark change on and off campus. Our university draws upon the greater Chicago metropolitan area and prepares you to compete and innovate in a globalized society.
Languages
Other than English spoken across our four campuses.
Countries
Represented in our student body, as well as a broad spectrum of cultures, religions, backgrounds and identities.
The most diverse Midwestern college or university
According to The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings
How to Apply as an International Student
NEIU accepts applications from prospective undergraduate first-year, transfer and graduate candidates intending to apply for an F-1 student visa or already living in the United States on a non-immigrant F-1 visa. To start your application, review the requirements based on how you plan to apply, as well as supplementary documentation for international students.
Review Requirements
Find admission requirements based on how you plan to start your journey at NEIU: an incoming first-year student, a transfer with some undergraduate credit hours or a graduate candidate expecting to pursue a master’s or doctoral program.
Undergraduate Checklist
Go through our undergraduate checklist for international students before submitting your application. We list test score, transcript and other requirements for incoming international first-year and transfer students.
Graduate Checklist
We summarize all documents that those about to start master’s or doctoral studies need to submit with their application. Understand that your program may have additional or more selective requirements.
Reach out to the Graduate Admission Office or the program advisor for additional clarification.
Deadlines for International Students
NEIU’s application deadlines for undergraduate and graduate (i.e., postgraduate) admissions differ from those for domestic students. Please note the deadlines below:
- Fall admission: June 15*
- Spring admission: October 1*
- Summer admission: March 1*
*These deadlines do not apply to the graduate Counseling and Social Work programs. Some programs admit only for specific semesters. Please locate these program-specific deadlines in the “Graduate” section of the Admission Requirements web page.
English Proficiency Requirements
As an international applicant, you must demonstrate English language proficiency. You can do this in four different ways:
- Achieve a for your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree application.
- Request to waive this requirement if you completed your previous studies from an English Medium school. You can fill out the and send it to the Office of International Programs at international-programs@neiu.edu
- Receive admission to NEIU with an below our minimum requirements and take English language classes before starting your program of study. This is known as “International Conditional Admission” (ICA).
- Students without English proficiency can study in our Intensive English Program, called SAELL (School for the Advancement of English Language and Learning) provides training for international students to meet the English language proficiency requirement.
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English proficiency for admission to a degree program but meet all other requirements, can be given “International Conditional Admission” (ICA). They first study in NEIU’s SAELL Intensive English Program. When they achieve the necessary English proficiency, the next semester they begin their degree program.
For questions about eligibility requirements for non-immigrant student visa status and English language proficiency or about the School for the Advancement of English Language and Learning, contact:
Office of International Programs
(773) 442-4796
international-programs@neiu.edu
The Office of International Programs
NEIU’s Office of International Programs (OIP) serves our diverse student body, including those attending on a visa or through an exchange program with one of our 40-plus partnering universities. Reach out to get support as you enroll at NEIU, find housing, register for classes or learn more about our welcoming community.
Contact Admissions
See why NEIU is for you as an international student. Have questions? Reach out to your respective admissions office:
Undergraduate Admissions
Admissions Office
(773) 442-4050
admrec@neiu.edu
Graduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions
(773) 442-6001
graduateadmissions@neiu.edu