International students interested in attending one of ULM’s graduate programs are required to meet all the standards outlined for admissions.
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. 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 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 admission, 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 that all required official transcripts (native language and certified English translation) 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. Visit www.WES.org for more information. To request a form or for more information, e-mail gradadmissions@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 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. For admission, the minimum official TOEFL score (institution code: #6482) is no less than 61, internet-based (or 500, paper-based, or 173, computer-based). The minimum IELTS score is 5.5. International students whose language of instruction is English or who score between 61-99 on TOEFL or 5.5-6.5 on IELTS will be required to take a placement test. The results will determine the need to enroll in English as a Second Language classes.
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:
- The student submits an official TOEFL score of 100 or more on the internet-based exam (600, paper-based, or 250, computer-based); or
- The student has graduated from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university with a full four-year baccalaureate degree or a two-year master’s degree (all credits must be earned in the U.S.); or
- The student submits an official IELTS score of 7 or higher.
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 financial responsibilities. A bank statement is required showing sufficient funds to cover the cost of the student’s education.
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 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 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 the ULM Graduate School at gradadmissions@ulm.edu or (318) 342-1036.
Send all application materials to:
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Graduate School Admissions
700 University Avenue
Hanna Hall, Room 221
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 Ms. Sami Owens (owens@ulm.edu), the International Student Office was created to assist ULM’s international students with the cultural transition of attending school in the United States. To find answers to international student questions, or to get more information from the International Student Office, contact:
International Student Office
University Library, 201-D
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209
Phone: (318) 342-5225
Fax: (318) 342-6766
E-mail: international@ulm.edu
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