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American University's School of Education receives many applications each year from all over the world, and we understand the difficulties students may have in communicating with universities in a different country. Our goal is to make the admissions process as smooth as possible.

All international applicants are required to meet with the School of Education's international student enrollment graduate coordinator, who can be reached at milycancino@american.edu

Selected
Language Proficiency
Transcripts
Visa Process
Financial Aid

English Language Proficiency Tests

All international students are required to submit official scores from Duolingo English Test, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL),  the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

Duolingo English Test
Minimum score is 120.

TOEFL

The minimum acceptable scores on the TOEFL exam is 100 for the Internet test (95 for the online Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) program). Registration materials for the TOEFL exam can be obtained from US consulates, embassies, binational centers, or the Educational Testing Service. Please have scores sent directly to the School of Education. Our TOEFL institutional code number is 5007.

IELTS

The minimum acceptable overall IELTS score is 7.0. there is no department code or institutional code for IELTS.

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

The minimum acceptable PTE score is 68. Our PTE institution code is X1Q-GB-05.

English Language Proficiency Exam Waivers
Applicants meeting the following criteria may request an English Proficiency Exam waiver.

Applicants who have completed a bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited university whose only language of instruction is English, AND the university is located in one of the following countries whose official language is English: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Dominica, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, India, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Liberia, Malawi, Micronesia, Montserrat, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Saint Maarten, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe.

Official Transcript Evaluation

The transcript evaluation is not required for international applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree in the United States.

All other international applicants are required to complete an official transcript evaluation. Transcript evaluations must be submitted to American University in lieu of the original international transcript.

In order to complete a transcript evaluation, candidates must submit their official transcript(s) to a transcript evaluation agency approved by NACES. The following transcript evaluators are recommended:

All transcript evaluations must indicate the following:

  • Course-by-course analysis: List of all classes and credits earned
  • Grade point average (4.0 scale)
  • Degree earned: Determine if the degree earned is equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree

Transcript evaluations may be electronically uploaded to your application or you sent directly to soeadmissions@american.edu

Visa Process

Please submit the following documentation to the SOE office of Graduate Admissions to soeadmissions@american.edu:

  1. A completed Certification of Finances for International Students (CFIS) form. Clearly indicate on the form which type of visa you plan to obtain for your studies with American University (F-1 or J-1) and your current visa type, if applicable. If you are pending U.S. permanent resident or asylum status, please indicate on the form accordingly.
  2. Supporting financial documents demonstrating financial ability to pay for at least one year of tuition, fees, and living expenses according to the current International Student Cost Guide. These financial documents will also be required at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when you apply for your visa. All financial documents must show available funds and must be dated within the past three months in order to be considered valid. Appropriate documents reflecting financial ability are listed here.
  3. Scanned passport copy (biographic page only).

Financial Aid

For information about financial aid for international students, visit this page.

International Student and Scholar Services

American University's International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office provides support services, including immigration forms, cultural adjustment assistance, pre-arrival and arrival orientation, and advising for personal, social, cultural, career, and employment matters. ISSS is authorized by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service and the US Information Agency to issue and sign the I-20 or DS-2019 forms.