Mar 29, 2024  
2012-2013 Graduate Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

International Student Admissions


International Students interested in attending one of ULM’s graduate programs are required to meet all the standards outlined for admissions. These standards are:

Application and Fee

Students can apply online (www.ulm.edu/gradschool/gradapply.html) or mail a completed application with a non-refundable fee of $30.00 (U.S.) check or money order to the ULM Graduate School. If completing the application online, a credit card is required. Please note, ULM does not currently accept Visa. The application fee must be paid before any evaluation of credentials will be made.

International Students Fees

In addition to non-resident fees, student assessed fees, and tuition, international students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe will be charged with an International Student Fee of $50.00 per semester. International students are also required to carry international student insurance each semester.

For questions about fee payment and assessment, students are encouraged to contact Student Account Services at (318) 342-5116.

Submit Transcripts

To be considered for admissions, the applicant must send one official copy of each transcript (native language and certified English translation) describing all academic studies completed and attempted. All information must be submitted whether or not credit was earned. No portion of the applicant’s previous academic records will be disregarded.

The transcripts should indicate the dates each subject began and ended, and the grades (marks) earned.

An “official” transcript is one issued by the Registrar, Principal, or responsible school administrator and forwarded directly to the ULM Graduate School. When this is not possible, documents certified as true copies are acceptable. Request all required officials transcripts (native language and certified English translation) to be sent to ULM Graduate School.

International college transcripts require an official evaluation by a professional evaluation service. The ULM Graduate School prefers a four year WES evaluation with your final degree on the WES evaluation. To request a form or for more information, e-mail: mwiggins@ulm.edu.

Students seeking transfer credit for university level courses must submit a syllabus, catalog, or bulletin which describes the courses in detail.

All transcripts become the property of the ULM Graduate School upon receipt and cannot be returned to the applicant. Students attending a school in the United States need to provide the contact information for the school’s International Office.

Submit Official GRE or GMAT Scores

In addition to the overall score required for entrance into the Graduate School, all graduate programs at ULM have a minimum standard GRE or GMAT (for the College of Business) score. The official scores should be submitted to the ULM Graduate School (institutional code #6482).

English Language Requirement

All international students are required to submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score to be admitted to the Graduate School at ULM. The minimum official TOEFL score (institution code: #6482) of no less than 61 internet-based (or 500 paper-based or 173 computer-based). The minimum IELTS score is 5.5. International students who have an IELTS score less than 5.5 will be required to take the English proficiency test.

If an English language deficiency is determined, a student will be required to enroll in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program until an acceptable level of English proficiency has been attained. Enrollment in academic courses may not be allowed until this deficiency is addressed. When the student has satisfied all ESL requirements, the student will be allowed to pursue courses toward degree completion.

An international applicant may be exempt from the English language proficiency test if one of the following applies:

  1. The student’s native language is English; or
  2. The student submits an official TOEFL score of 100 or more on the internet-based (600 paper-based or 250 computer-based); or
  3. The student has graduated from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university with a full four-year baccalaureate degree or a two year masters degree (all credits must be earned in the U.S.); or
  4. The student submits an official IELTS score of 7 or more.

Statement of Financial Backing and Understanding

International students interested in pursing a graduate degree at ULM are required to submit a one-page form with the appropriate signatures. The student must complete the Statement of Financial Backing which must include the graduate student’s sponsor signature on the form to ensure sufficient funds will be provided for the academic studies. The student must also sign the Statement of Understanding to confirm that they have read and understood the admissions requirements and the financial responsibilities.

Both the Statement of Financial Backing and Statement of Understanding forms can be found online at: http://www.ulm.edu/enrollment/international/documents.html

Submit Other Required Forms

International students must also complete and provide the ULM  Student Health Center with a valid proof of immunization form (available online at http://www.ulm.edu/enroll/IForm.pdf. If the international student is interested in holding a graduate assistantship on campus, they must fill out the Graduate Assistantship application and submit three letters of recommendation to the department in which they wish to hold the assistantship. These forms can be located online at http://ulm.edu/gradschool/GradAssist.html.

Send Completed Documentation Before Deadlines

The deadlines for consideration for international students for all semesters are:

Fall semester applicants -March 1
Spring semester applicants -August 1
Summer session applicants -January 1
Winter intersession applicants -April 1

Applications will not be processed and/or evaluated until they have been submitted with all supporting documentation and application fee. Each program may have additional deadlines for applicants. To ensure that these are met, contact the Graduate Coordinator in the department in which you are interested in studying.

Please note, when all application materials have been received, the admission credentials will be sent to the appropriate department to be evaluated. Applicants will be notified of the admission decision by mail and a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or IAP-66) will be sent if admission is granted. The university reserves the right to deny any application.

For help or additional information, please contact Misty Wiggins in the ULM Graduate School at mwiggins@ulm.edu or (318) 342-1036.

Send all application materials to:

University of Louisiana at Monroe
Graduate School Admissions
700 University Avenue
Admin 1-142
Monroe, LA 71209

Eligibility to hold Graduate Assistantships

International students regularly admitted to a degree program (or conditionally admitted on the basis of missing prerequisite courses only) are eligible to hold a graduate assistantship position with an academic or non-academic unit. Student must be in residence at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, or admitted to an on campus degree program, prior to appointment to be considered eligible to hold a graduate assistantship. International students admitted to an online degree program will not be issued an I-20 and thus will not be eligible to hold a graduate assistantship.

International Student Office

Under the direction of Dr. Mara Loeb (loeb@ulm.edu), the International Student Office was created to assist ULM’s foreign students with the cultural transition to attending school in the United States.  To find out answers to any of your international student questions, or to get more information from the International Student Office, contact:

International Student Office
207 Hanna Hall
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209

Phone: (318) 342-5225
Fax: (318) 342-6764
E-mail: international@ulm.edu