Where and when do I start?
Applying to study in the United States requires substantial preparation and careful advance planning. Giving sufficient time to prepare and take the required tests, understanding the specific requirements of the program you want to apply to, and developing the application materials accordingly will increase your chances of being accepted for admission and financial support.
What are the requirements for applying?
- The general directions and requirements for all graduate applicants include the online application for admission, $65 (US currency) application fee, official transcripts, test scores (GRE and TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS), and at least two letters of recommendation.
- The Graduate School will be accepting Duolingo scores as a substitute for TOEFL or IELTS scores for international applicants required to submit such scores starting April 2022. Only Duolingo English Test scores with sub scores will be accepted, and tests must have been taken after January 1, 2020. The minimum acceptable score will be 105 for Duolingo; 80 for TOEFL, and 6.5 for IELTS. Students recommended for admission may also be interviewed by the department.
- As an international applicant, you must also fulfill additional requirements as determined by your department. These may include, but are not limited to transcript evaluations, proof of English proficiency, resume/CV, personal statement, etc.
When is the best time to apply?
Typically, international graduate students apply to start in the fall to begin the following fall semester. Applying early allows sufficient time for departments to consider your application when making funding decisions for graduate assistantships and fellowships. However, each department does have a specified deadline to apply for admission that may be later than the funding deadlines. For specific deadlines, you should visit the admissions related pages on your intended department's website.
Note: Make sure to mail your application materials with sufficient time to reach the university. Please use a reliable courier.
How do I apply?
To apply for graduate study, you must
Where should I mail the application materials?
You should send all application materials to the following address:
Graduate Admissions
Office University of Louisville
2211 South Brook Street
105 Houchens Building
Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA
Admission Process
I've applied. What's next?
- You can check the status of your application online by visiting http://ulink.louisville.edu. Click on the student services tab and then view my graduate application status. If you are unable to obtain your user ID because you do not know your student ID number, please e-mail the graduate admissions office at [email protected] and your ID number can be sent to you.
- Make sure to have reliable mailing and email addresses for future contact from UofL. Update immediately if either change via ULink.
I have received the Form I-20 (or DS2019). Now what?
The Form I-20 (or DS2019) is a document that contains specific information about your admission status, tuition and stipend specifications, and the duration of time that the university requests the immigration department to allow you to stay in the US in order to complete your degree. When you receive this form:
- Apply for a student visa by using this document and other required materials. Contact your local consular office for more information.
- If you plan to have your spouse or dependent children accompany you, you should request the International Center to send you separate Form I-20s (or DS2019s) for each person. The department you apply to will only request the International Center to send one of those forms for you.
Note: It is advisable that you apply for your visa in advance because the influx of applicants at your local consular office can be longer than expected during admission seasons.
What considerations should I make to bring my spouse/family with me?
There are certainly some challenges for students with families. For instance, getting good health insurance coverage for dependents is hard. But there are a lot of positive sides to living with a family in Louisville.
- This southern city is home to welcoming, polite, and nice people.
- Louisville is a great environment with many nice facilities.
- School-aged children are able to attend the local public schools, where tuition is free.
To learn more about living in Louisville, visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov.
Are there any financial support options for international graduate students?
- Most international graduate students apply for service, research, or teaching assistantship positions along with admission.
- The Graduate School also provides fellowships to a limited number of graduate students. Since graduate applicants are nominated for these positions by departments, you only need to fulfill admission requirements to be considered.
Note: Assistantships and fellowships usually include full tuition and a stipend with which students cover their living expenses. If your I-20 shows sufficient support to cover tuition and living expenses, you will not need to submit any additional financial documents.
What are the work permit restrictions for international students?
- International students can only work up to 20 hours on campus during spring and fall semesters, which is normally assistantship positions assigned by departments.
- During summer (June-July), international students can work up to 40 hours, but only on campus. For permission to work off campus, you will need to apply to the International Center. Immigration law prohibits spouses and dependent children of international students on F-1 visa to work. However, the spouses and dependent children of exchange scholars/visitors on J-1 visas can apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to work in the United States.
Are offers of admission and stipends a guarantee for being granted a visa?
Unfortunately, no. Chances of obtaining a visa depend on:
- the size of your stipend or proof of financial ability
- your ability to demonstrate the intent to return home after study
- your academic records and/or Proof of English Proficiency
Students should be prepared to present strong evidence in the above areas to increase their chances of obtaining a visa.
What comes after I obtain my visa?
Congratulations! You are now ready to prepare and come to the University of Louisville.
- You may want to get in touch with other students in the US, if possible in Louisville, to find out about the city, the university, and so on.
- Make sure to read all information provided by the International Center, Graduate School, and your department.
- Take time to learn a little about the weather, transportation, accommodation, food, places, etc in advance, there won’t be too many surprises when you land here.
https://louisville.edu/graduate/futurestudents/international-applicants/international-students
