International Student Eligibility Requirements
Basic Requirements
Basic requirements for admission as an international student to a bachelor's degree program include the following:
- Completion of formal secondary education in a pre-university curriculum.
This education must culminate in the award of a diploma or the issuance of a leaving certificate or matriculation certificate generally recognized as the educational qualification necessary for admission to higher studies. - English language ability at a level sufficient to undertake a full course of study.
For more information on meeting this qualification, see Miami University's English language proficiency requirements. (Official test scores must be sent directly to Miami University.) - Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores (if applicable).
Most international students are not required to provide an ACT or SAT score, but they may use the ACT or SAT to satisfy English language proficiency requirements.
Canadian students and international students who have attended a U.S. high school for three or more years should be aware of Miami's test-optional policies. Read our test-optional FAQs.
Financial Support Documentation
- Documentation of financial support adequate to cover all educational and living expenses
Applicants requiring I-20 or DS-2019 documents (F-1 or J-1 visa) to attend Miami University are required to show proof of financial support. Additionally, if you are an F-1 or J-1 visa holder in the U.S., you MUST provide a copy of your current visa status. Applicants who are in the U.S. with any other visa type (e.g., H-4, L-2, etc.) MUST send a copy of their current visa or immigration status to waive the financial support requirement. These documents may be sent after a student receives an admission decision.
Transfer Credit
Miami University recognizes the differences in educational systems and takes these into account when placing international undergraduate students at the appropriate level in their degree programs. Academic credentials are evaluated within the context of the educational system of the country where the student has studied. Comparisons are made with educational programs in the U.S., and students are placed at levels that are suitable to their educational background.
Miami University may accept credit you have earned in university-level studies at other recognized post-secondary institutions, and if so, you may use these credits to complete degree requirements.
Applicants from an overseas post-secondary institution must provide course descriptions or syllabi for EACH subject to be considered for transfer credit. These descriptions should include a list of required readings, the number of class hours required for each course, and the length of the academic term(s) when enrolled. Since the academic departments at Miami University determine whether credits earned abroad will be accepted as equivalent to courses offered at Miami University, credit is awarded on a subject-by-subject basis. When an offer of admission is made, students are provided with tentative transfer credit information upon request.
Learn more about transfer credit at Miami University.