Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Graduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 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 $40.00 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 $200.00 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 ULM institutional 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 applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.  Every applicant must submit either a TOEFL or IELTS score to be considered for admission to the Graduate School at ULM.  The minimum TOEFL score required is 61 on the internet-based test, 500 on the paper-based test, or 173 on the computer-based test.  The minimum IELTS score required is 5.5.  TOEFL scores are only accepted by electronic submission using the ULM Institutional Code of 6482.  IELTS paper score reports are acceptable.

Applicants are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores if:

  • 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 with all credits earned in the US.
  • The student’s native language AND the language of instruction while pursuing a four-year baccalaureate degree or two-year master’s degree is English.

International students who score between 61-99 on the ibt TOEFL exam, OR between 5.5-7 on the IELTS exam, AND international students whose language of instruction is English, will be required to take the English as a Second Language placement test upon arrival at ULM before enrollment in classes is allowed.

Statement of Financial Backing and Understanding

International students interested in pursuing a graduate degree at ULM are required to submit a Statement of Financial Backing 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.  A bank statement is required showing sufficient funds to cover the cost of the student’s education.

The Statement of Financial Backing can be found online at http://www.ulm.edu/international/forms.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/immunization). 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 are available 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 June 1.
If applying for the Spring semester, materials must be received no later than November 1.
If applying for the Summer semester, materials must be received no later than March 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
Sandel Hall 243
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
Sandel Hall 200
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209

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

Eligibility for Graduate Assistantships

International students who are interested in obtaining a Graduate Assistantship can find more information at http://www.ulm.edu/gradschool/.