• International Student Requirements

  • If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident or you’ve attended college outside of the United States, you may be required to submit additional application materials. Please read all information below for additional details and requirements. 

    English Proficiency Exam

    International applicants must submit proof of English Language Proficiency unless they are eligible for a waiver. To be eligible for a waiver, an applicant must meet one or more of the following criteria:

    • Have citizenship from a recognized English-speaking country
    • Have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from a recognized English-speaking country
    • Have worked in the United States for 5 or more years
    • Completed full bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree that was delivered entirely in English

    The College of Nursing & Health Professions and the College of Medicine have different requirements – please see the “Requirements by College” section below.

    The following are English-speaking countries as recognized by Drexel University:

    Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British West Indies, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad/Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), United States territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands), Virgin Islands, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

    If required, the following tests are accepted by Drexel University:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language - TOEFL (Drexel school code:  2194)
    • International English Language Testing System - IELTS
    • Pearson Test of English - PTE
    • Duolingo English Test
    • Cambridge English C1 Advanced Proficiency Exam
    • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam

    Transcript Evaluations

    If you've previously attended college outside of the United States, an official course-by-course transcript evaluation may be required for specific colleges listed in the “Requirements by College” section below. If so, you are responsible for contacting your previous schools and requesting that official transcripts be sent to a current NACES-member agency for evaluation.

    Study abroad experiences are exempt as long as the facilitating U.S. school provides an official transcript of those courses on your behalf. Drexel University reserves the right to request transcripts from study abroad experiences if needed.

    If a transcript evaluation is not initially required for admission to your program, you may be contacted to submit an evaluation during the review process.

    Visa Support for International Students

    Drexel University is unable to provide visa support for international students who are enrolled in fully online or hybrid programs. Visa support is only available to students enrolled in full-time, on-campus programs. For more information about available visa support, please visit International Students & Scholars Services.

    Requirements by College

    Each college department sets their own standards for what documents are required, as well as which evaluation agencies and score ranges are acceptable.

    Outside transcript evaluation is not required unless the program is in one of the colleges listed below. If a transcript evaluation is not initially required for admission to your program, you may be contacted to submit an evaluation during the review process.

    Undergraduate Programs

    RN to BSN

    • If you've previously attended college outside of the United States or its Territories (Guam, Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands) an official course-by-course transcript evaluation is required — Transcript review companies that may be used include: World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or International Consultants of Delaware.
    • All other applicants born outside of the US must submit one of the following:
      • TOEFL (Drexel's TOEFL school code is 2194)
      Minimum Score — 550 overall and 550 on the speaking section (paper exam), 79 overall and 26 on the speaking section (computer exam)
      • IELTS
      Minimum Score — 6.5 overall and 7.5 on the speaking section
      • PTE (Pearsons)
      • Duolingo English Test
    • These scores are only valid for up to two years from the test date
    • Test scores may be waived if — You've earned an associates degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited US institution and have a current, unrestricted US RN license; You've graduated from a high school in the US; You've passed the GED exam in the US; You grew up on an English-speaking military base; or You went to nursing school in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada (except Quebec), or Ireland (spoken language in nursing school was English and nursing school textbooks were written in English).

    All Other Undergraduate Programs

    • Outside transcript evaluation is not required — However, you still need complete, official transcripts and proof of degree conferral for all completed programs, as well as translations of all non-English documents. Many institutions will send transcripts in English only upon request, so please make sure to verify that they will do so. If your institution is unable to send an English translation, you will need to obtain one from World Education Services (WES) or another approved agency.
    • International Applicants whose first or native language is not English must take one of the following:
      • TOEFL (Drexel's TOEFL school code is 2194)
      Minimum Score — 550 (paper exam), 79 (computer exam)
      • IELTS
      Minimum Score — 6.5 overall
      • PTE (Pearsons)
      • Duolingo English Test
    • These scores are only valid for up to two years from the test date
    • Test scores may be waived if — You've completed English Composition I and II (III is required if attending a quarter institution), earning a grade of C or better from a regionally accredited institution in the United States; You've studied at, and subsequently graduated from, a high school or university where English is the primary language of instruction for a minimum of three years; or You've received a minimum score of 600 on the SAT Critical Reasoning section or a minimum score of 27 on the ACT English section within the last two years.
    • To request a waiver of the TOEFL exam based on high school or university credentials — You must submit a copy of your official transcript(s) reflecting years of attendance and graduation date.

    Graduate Programs

    College of Medicine – Biomedicine, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Molecular Medicine

    • If you've previously attended college outside of the United States an official course-by-course transcript evaluation is required — evaluations from an NACES-member agency are accepted
    • International Applicants whose first or native language is not English must take one of the following:
      •       Minimum TOEFL Score — 577 (paper exam), 90-91 (computer exam)
      • Minimum IELTS Score — 7.0
      • PTE (Pearsons)
      • Duolingo English Test
      • Cambridge English C1 Advanced Proficiency Exam
      • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam
      • Test scores may be waived if — You have earned a bachelor’s or an advanced degree (MS or Doctoral) from a US institution or from institutions in countries in which English is the official language. In all cases, we will request validation of foreign transcripts.
    • Letters of recommendations — Three letters of recommendation are required. If you received your degree within the last five years, it is strongly recommended that at least one letter of recommendation be provided by someone familiar with your academic qualifications and potential (e.g., your undergraduate advisor, a course instructor, or your research mentor). If you are requesting a letter from someone at your place of employment, the recommendation should be provided by a supervisor (or other more senior manager) with direct knowledge of your work and should address your scientific aptitude as well as your work ethic.
    • To request recommendations electronically, please review our letter of recommendations instructions.
    • Certain visa types do not permit you to enroll in online or hybrid programs. Foreign applicants should check with their visa sponsors for eligibility. Drexel University cannot sponsor F-1 or J1 visas for those interested in online, hybrid, or part-time programs.

    College of Medicine – Clinical Research

    • Includes the following programs: MS in Clinical Research Organization and Management, MS in Clinical Research for Health Professionals, Certificate of Study in Clinical Research, and Quantitative Principles for Clinical Research Certificate
    • If you've previously attended college outside of the United States an official course-by-course transcript evaluation is required — evaluations from an NACES-member agency are accepted
    • International Applicants whose first or native language is not English must take one of the following:
      •       Minimum TOEFL Score — 550 (paper exam), 90 (computer exam)
      • Minimum IETLS Score — 6.5
      • PTE (Pearsons)
      • Duolingo English Test
      • Cambridge English C1 Advanced Proficiency Exam
      • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam
      • Test scores may be waived if — You've worked full-time in an English-speaking country for more than two years; OR Your degree is from one of the following countries where English was the language of instruction: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British West Indies, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad/Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), United States territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands), Virgin Islands, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
    • No international transcripts, transcript evaluations, or TOEFL/IETLS scores are required if you are ECFMG certified and complete all three steps of the USMLE. You are required to submit the USMLE transcript.

    College of Medicine – Drug Discovery & Lab Animal Science

    • If you've previously attended college outside of the United States an official course-by-course transcript evaluation is required — evaluations from an NACES-member agency are accepted
    • International Applicants whose first or native language is not English must take one of the following:
      •       Minimum TOEFL Score — 550 (paper exam), 90 (computer exam)
      • PTE (Pearsons)
      • Duolingo English Test
      • Cambridge English C1 Advanced Proficiency Exam
      • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam
      • Test scores may be waived if — You've earned a bachelor’s or master's degree from a US institution; or You've worked full-time in an English-speaking country for more than two years.

    College of Nursing and Health Professions

    • If you've previously attended college outside of the United States an official course-by-course transcript evaluation is required — evaluations from an NACES-member agency are accepted
    • International Applicants whose first or native language is not English must take one of the following:
      •       Minimum TOEFL Score — 550 (paper exam), 79 (computer exam)
      • Minimum IELTS Score — 6.5
      • PTE (Pearsons)
      • Duolingo English Test
      • Cambridge English C1 Advanced Proficiency Exam
      • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam
      • Test scores may be waived if — Your bachelor’s or master’s degree is from a college in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland; or Your bachelor’s degree is from one of the following countries where English was the language of instruction: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British West Indies, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad/Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), United States territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands), Virgin Islands, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

    Kline School of Law

    • If you've previously attended college outside of the United States an official course-by-course transcript evaluation is required — evaluations from an NACES-member agency are accepted
    • International Applicants whose first or native language is not English must take one of the following:
      •       Minimum TOEFL Score — 550 (paper exam), 88 (computer exam)
      • Minimum IELTS Score — 6.5
      • PTE (Pearsons)
      • Duolingo English Test
      • Cambridge English C1 Advanced Proficiency Exam
      • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam
      • Test scores may be waived if — Your bachelor’s or master’s degree is from a college in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland; or Your bachelor’s degree is from one of the following countries where English was the language of instruction: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British West Indies, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad/Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), United States territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands), Virgin Islands, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

    School of Education

    • If you've previously attended college outside of the United States an official course-by-course transcript evaluation is required — evaluations from an NACES-member agency are accepted
    • International Applicants whose first or native language is not English must take one of the following:
      •       Minimum TOEFL Score — 550 (paper exam), 79 (computer exam)
      • Minimum IELTS Score — 6.5
      • PTE (Pearsons)
      • Duolingo English Test
      • Cambridge English C1 Advanced Proficiency Exam
      • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam
      • Test scores may be waived if — Your bachelor’s or master’s degree is from a college in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland; or Your bachelor’s degree is from one of the following countries where English was the language of instruction: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British West Indies, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad/Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), United States territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands), Virgin Islands, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

    School of Public Health

    • If you've previously attended college outside of the United States an official course-by-course transcript evaluation is required — evaluations from an NACES-member agency are accepted
    • International Applicants whose first or native language is not English must take one of the following:
      •       Minimum TOEFL Score — 600 (paper exam), 100 (computer exam)
      • Minimum IELTS Score — 7.0
      • PTE (Pearsons)
      • Duolingo English Test
      • Cambridge English C1 Advanced Proficiency Exam
      • Cambridge English C2 Proficiency Exam
      • Test scores may be waived if — Your bachelor’s or master’s degree is from a college in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland; or Your bachelor’s degree is from one of the following countries where English was the language of instruction: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British West Indies, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad/Tobago, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), United States territories (American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands), Virgin Islands, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.