Dec 14, 2024  
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

International Student Admissions


  • Application and Fee
  • International Student Fees
  • Submitting Transcripts
  • Submitting Official Test Scores
  • English Language Requirement
  • Statement of Financial Backing and Understanding
  • Other Required Forms
  • Application Deadlines

International students interested in attending one of ULM’s graduate programs are required to meet all the standards outlined for Graduate School admission and must also submit all documents outlined below. 

Application and Fee

Applicants must submit a completed application with a non-refundable fee of $30.00 made payable to University of Louisiana at Monroe. Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit card. If applying online, a credit card is the only accepted form of payment. The application fee must be paid before any evaluation of the application will be made.

International Student Fees

In addition to non-resident fees, student-assessed fees, and tuition, international students 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.

Submitting 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.

International college transcripts require an official evaluation by World Education Services (WES). To request a form or for more information about this process, please email our International Admissions Office at international@ulm.edu.


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

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 University and cannot be returned to the applicant. Students attending a school in the U.S. need to provide the contact information for the school’s International Office.

Submitting Official Test Scores

Applicants must submit satisfactory results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants for the master’s degree in business administration will submit results of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or a converted GRE. GRE and GMAT scores more than five years old are typically not accepted. Test scores should be sent to institution code 6482.

The GRE and TOEFL tests, administered by the Educational Testing Service, can be scheduled at various centers throughout the United States and internationally. The GMAT exam can be scheduled at various centers throughout the United States as well as internationally on regularly established dates. For information or to register for these exams, visit www.ets.org for GRE and TOEFL tests or www.mba.com for the GMAT.

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 TOEFL score required is 61 for the internet-based test, 500 for the paper-based test, or 173 for the computer-based test. The minimum IELTS score required is 5.5.

International students whose language of instruction is English or who score between 61-99 on the TOEFL test or betweem 5.5 and 6.5 on the IELTS test will be required to take an English proficiency 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 English language 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 submits an official TOEFL score of 100 or more on the internet-based test, 600 on the paper-based test, or 250 on the computer-based test; or
  2. The student has graduated from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States with a full four-year baccalaureate degree or a two-year master’s degree. All credits must be earned in the US; or
  3. The student submits an official IELTS score of 7 or higher.

New international students are tested for English language proficiency before classes begin. An international student may apply for exemption from the ULM English proficiency test if the student has a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, has submitted a minimum TOEFL score of 500, has submitted a satisfactory passing score in English language on the University of Cambridge/London GCE examination, or a minimum score of 85 on the Michigan Test.

Statement of Financial Backing and Understanding

International students interested in pursuing a graduate degree at ULM are required to submit a one-page Statement of Financial Backing and Statement of Understanding forms with the appropriate signatures. This must include the graduate student’s sponsor signature on the form to ensure sufficient funds will be provided for the student’s 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

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 www.ulm.edu/gradschool/.

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for international applicants are:

If applying for the Fall semester, materials must be received no later than March 1.
If applying for the Spring semester, materials must be received no later than August 1.
If applying for the Summer semester, materials must be received no later than January 1.

Applications will not be evaluated until they have been submitted with all supporting documentation and application fee. Each program may have additional deadlines and application materials that are required for applicants. Admission requirements to specific degree programs vary, and prospective students should contact their desired program for information about additional requirements. No particular level of academic performance or test score can guarantee acceptance to or rejection from any program.


When all application materials are received, they will be sent to the appropriate program for evaluation. 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 admission to any applicant.

Send all application materials to:

University of Louisiana at Monroe
Graduate School Admissions
241 Hanna Hall
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209-0600

International Student Office

The International Student Office was created to assist ULM’s international students with the cultural transition in attending school in the United States.  For information about international student programs, please contact:

International Student Office
201-D University Library
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209

Phone: 318-342-5225
Fax: 318-342-6766
E-mail: international@ulm.edu

Eligibility for Graduate Assistantships

International students who are interested in obtaining a Graduate Assistantship should see the appropriate catalog section for more information.