International Prospective Students | Admissions | Graduate School (2024)

  • TTU
  • Graduate School
  • Admissions

For students who are not citizens/permanent residents of the U.S.

Texas Tech fosters an environment of support and engagement and encourages original critical and creative thinking in a personalized setting. Along the way, you'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, an internationally renowned faculty, comprehensive professional and career development activities, and numerous internship and other opportunities to enhance your experience as a graduate student at Texas Tech University.

Recommended Deadlines for International Students

  • Recommended deadlines for international students are as follows:
    • January 15 for Fall and Summer semesters
    • June 15 for Spring semesters
  • International applicants may apply after these preferred deadlines. However, the Office of Graduate Admissions cannot guarantee there will be sufficient time for late applications to be evaluated and make any necessary visa/travel arrangements if admitted.
  • Certain departments have more specific and strict deadlines for applications to be considered for admission and funding. We recommend that you contact the department that houses your intended program and confirm the deadline to ensure you submit your application on time.
  • Submitting incorrect information on your application or failing to include important details can delay the admissions process.

Nonrefundable Application Fee

  • $75 initial application fee (non-refundable)
    • $100 after January 15 for Summer applications
    • $100 after April 15 for Fall applications
    • $100 after September 15 for Spring applications
  • $25 for each subsequent application for the same term (non-refundable)
  • The fee will be paid online with a credit card as part of the application process.
  • Full-time and at least half-time employees (staff or faculty) of TTU/TTUHSC may qualify for an application fee waiver. Please complete this form and email it to graduate.admissions@ttu.edubeforesubmitting your application.

Transcripts & Required Documents

  • All applicants must provide transcripts for each degree-awarding post-secondary college or university attended.
    • Transcripts must contain a record of all courses taken and all grades received - This includes mark sheets, examination results, etc.
    • All applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution in the United States or its equivalent from a foreign institution. Non-US institutions must be recognized by their government/government ministry or department to award undergraduate and/or post-graduate degrees.
    • For more specified information on required transcripts, see the "Country-Specific Document Information" section below.
  • If the transcripts are NOT provided in English or the institution does NOT issue transcripts in English, an official word for word English translation of all transcripts and/or all mark sheets is required. The Office of Graduate Admissions will not accept a public notary certification.
  • All documents submitted with the application are unofficial. If admitted, the applicant will be required to submit official transcripts, diplomas/degree certificates, English translations, and test scores by the 12th class day of the term to which the applicant is admitted. If official documents are not submitted 12 days after the first day of class, an admissions hold will be placed on the admitted students' academic record preventing future registration.

    What is the difference between offical and unnofficial documents?"Official"academic documents (transcripts and diplomas) reflect the final graduation status and are sent directly to Texas Tech University Graduate Admissions from the issuing institution.

    "Unofficial" academic documents (transcripts and diplomas) include the following:

    • Transcripts that have been opened by the student.
    • Transcripts printed from an institution's student portal.
    • Transcripts that do not yet reflect graduation status.
    • Any document uploaded as part of the application process.
  • All international applicants must be in good academic standing at any school they are currently attending. All international applicants must have been in good standing in all schools they previously attended at their final matriculation. If the degree is not complete when the application is made, six semesters or three years of course work are required.

Country-Specific Application Information

Official Proof of English Proficiency

  • All international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency before their applications can be considered for admission. Only your most recent measure of English proficiency is considered for admission purposes. This test is waived only for graduates of U.S. universities or universities in English proficiency-exempt countries. Applicants who have completed at least two consecutive years at a college or university in the U.S. or in an English proficiency-exempt country, are also exempt from the English proficiency requirement.
  • Applicants may submit one of the following English proficiency measures:
  • Duolingo English Test (Online examination) - The minimum required Duolingo score is 100. There is no institutional code for Duolingo, but applicants will need to select "Texas Tech Graduate School" as the institution to send scores to. Duolingo scores are reported within 48 hours and are valid for two years. Coupon codes for the DET may be available. Email graduate.admissions@ttu.edu for for more information.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – We accept the TOEFL iBT test or the TOEFL Essentials test. The minimum TOEFL iBT score required is 79. The minimum TOEFL Essentials score required is 8.5. The TOEFL score must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service. Texas Tech University's institutional code is 6827. TOEFL scores are valid for only two years.
  • International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) – The minimum IELTS required score is an overall band score of 6.5 on the Academic version. IELTS General Training results are not acceptable. There is no IELTS institution code for Texas Tech University. IELTS scores are valid for only two years.
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) – The minimum required PTE Academic score is 60. PTE General and PTE Young Learners results are not acceptable. There is no PTE Academic institution code for Texas Tech University. PTE Academic scores are valid for only two years.
  • Cambridge C2 Proficiency Test (Cambridge CPE) – The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is a score of 180 or above There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CPE. The Cambridge CPE is valid for life.
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced Proficiency Test (Cambridge CAE) – The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is a score of 175 or above. There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CAE. The Cambridge CAE is valid for life.

Proof of Financial Support (Optional)

Applicants may provide proof of financial support as part of their application materials, or they may provide proof upon learning of their admission decision. This document is not necessary for application evaluation purposes. The Graduate School offers a limited number of fellowships. However, most financial assistance for new students is awarded by departments and not by the Graduate School. All correspondence regarding financial assistance should be conducted with the department to which the applicant is applying.

Funding Opportunities

International Students seeking funding opportunities offered outside of Texas Tech may visit https://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/financial/specialized_searches/international_student_specialized_searches.php for a list of resources. Information on General Fellowships provided by Texas Tech can be found at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/financial/GeneralFellowships.php.

Residency Questionnaire Information for Tuition

International applicants do not complete the core residency questions as part of the admissions application because there are few visa categories eligible to establish a domicile for residency for tuition purposes. You may view a list of visas eligible to establish a domicile for residency for tuition purposes here. If your visa category allows you to establish a domicile for residency for tuition purposes, please submit the Residency Questionnaire to graduate.admissions@ttu.edu, in-person in Administration Building Room 328, or by mail.

Requests for reclassification must be submitted by the tenth class day (the second class day for summer terms) of the semester for the term for which you are trying to establish residency. This is because your residency status must be updated by the twelfth class day (the fourth class day for summer terms) in order for the change to take effect for that term, and we must have time to review each set of questions. Questionnaires received after that date will still be reviewed, but any updates to your residency status will not take effect until the following term.

Restricted IP Addresses

Texas Tech Graduate School's chosen application system, in accordance with U.S. export control and economic sanctions laws and regulations, does not support users accessing online applications from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, or the region of Crimea without prior approval from the U.S. government.

If you are a student who has created an application account and you cannot access your application due to a restricted IP error, please email graduate.admissions@ttu.edu for more information on how Texas Tech Graduate School can adjust the admissions process for you.

Return of Documents

All submitted documents become the property of Texas Tech University and will not be returned. Questions? Comments? Contact us at graduate.admissions@ttu.edu.

    More Information

    See a list of Required Bachelor Degree Equivalents

    See a list of English proficiency-exempt countries.

    If you have any other questions, please email us at graduate.admissions@ttu.edu.

    From Here, It's Possible

    Texas Tech has a place ready for you.

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      Administration Building 328, Texas Tech University, 2625 Memorial Circle, Lubbock, TX 79409-1030
    • Phone

      806.742.2787
    International Prospective Students | Admissions | Graduate School (2024)

    FAQs

    Is it harder for international students to get accepted? ›

    The Competitive Edge

    One of the primary reasons it is more difficult for international students to gain admission is the heightened level of competition. American colleges and universities have limited seats reserved for international applicants.

    Can you get accepted to grad school without an interview? ›

    If you don't get an interview invitation, it's very unlikely you're going to be accepted.

    What TOEFL score do you need for Rutgers? ›

    For TOEFL a minimum score of 80 being expected. You may be exempt from submitting the TOEFL if you have attended a school in the United States. Visa forms cannot be sent until you have been accepted by the Graduate School and we receive evidence that the degree has been awarded.

    What are the odds of getting into grad school? ›

    Is it Hard to Get into Graduate School? It is typical for a single program to receive about 200 or so applications for between 5 and 8 admission spots, making the chances of being admitted less than 5%. This article describes how you can increase your chances of being offered admission into a graduate program.

    Which US school has high acceptance rate for international students? ›

    The University of Colorado at Boulder boasts a wide range of academic programs, with 160 fields of study available to students. It is also known for its high acceptance rate of international students, with 85% of applicants being admitted in the most recent class.

    Which university is easiest to get into as an international student? ›

    The Easiest Universities To Get Into For International Students in 2024
    • Which Are The Easiest Universities To Get Into In The USA?
    • University of Kentucky.
    • University Of Wyoming.
    • University of Aberystwyth.
    • Nottingham Trent University.

    Is it common to get rejected from grad school? ›

    I'd start by trying to remember that rejections are extremely common. Remember that space is limited and not everyone who is qualified gets in every time. Even the founder of Google Sergey Brin got rejected from MIT before applying to and graduating from Stanford University!

    Can I accept an offer and then reject grad school? ›

    Can you reject a college after accepting? Certainly! From the day you accept your acceptance offer to the day of your graduation, you can choose to no longer attend the university you're currently at. This is even true for those who accept an early decision acceptance offer, which are usually binding.

    Does everyone who applies to grad school get an interview? ›

    Some schools interview everyone, while others only interview their top candidates. Look at the websites of the schools you're applying to for more information on whether they conduct interviews.

    What GPA do you need to get into Rutgers University for international students? ›

    There is no minimum GPA required to apply as a transfer student to Rutgers–Camden.

    Does Rutgers accept international students? ›

    About Rutgers Global–International Student and Scholar Services. We coordinate cultural programs and immigration-related services for approximately 9,000 international students, scholars, faculty, and their dependents, and serves the broader campus community in an administrative and advisory capacity.

    Does Rutgers accept 3.7 GPA? ›

    Average GPA: 3.73

    With a GPA of 3.73, Rutgers requires you to be above average in your high school class. You'll need at least a mix of A's and B's, with more A's than B's. You can compensate for a lower GPA with harder classes, like AP or IB classes.

    What is the hardest grad school to get into? ›

    They have built up a reputation for providing quality education and kicking out very capable graduates. They also tend to have been around the longest. The most selective grad schools, with the lowest acceptance rates, include Harvard Graduate School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Columbia Business School.

    Can I get a Masters with a 2.8 GPA? ›

    Many grad programs call for a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. However, some programs may admit you with a 2.5 or even 2.0 GPA. Online graduate programs with low GPA requirements allow you to continue your education even if you didn't do great in undergrad. It never hurts to talk to a grad program about your GPA.

    Is it smart to go straight to grad school? ›

    Attending Grad School Right After College

    Some students are ready to start another degree program immediately following undergraduate graduation. Some of the benefits of continuing your education include: You're accustomed to the routine of studying and test-taking. If you wait, your life may change in unforeseen ways.

    Is acceptance rate lower for international students? ›

    International students applying to colleges in the United States have LOWER acceptance rates than those who are U.S. citizens…overall.

    Is it hard to get into a university as an international student? ›

    For international students, the college admissions process can be more intensive and challenging than it is for American students. If you're an international student looking to attend college in the U.S., you need to take extra steps to maximize your chance of admission and stand out from other applicants.

    Is it harder for international students to get a job? ›

    You have to keep on top of the rules and regulations around visas - which can be complex and confusing, you might find that many companies are reluctant to sponsor international students because the process can be expensive and take a long time, and there is a greater risk that if the new hire doesn't work out, all ...

    Do US universities prefer international students? ›

    The biggest reason international students are so highly sought by US universities though, is the tuition dollars they bring in.

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