Application Procedures for Undergraduate Admissions for International Students

International students are encouraged to begin the admissions process no later than 60 days prior to the start of classes for the semester for which they are applying.  Please understand that failure to timely comply with the following policies could interfere with the timely processing of a student’s application.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. However, if English is the official language of your country of origin, SAT and/or ACT test scores will be acceptable. Students should submit the three-section test for consideration for admission.  Delaware State University requires a minimum SAT score of 800 (math and critical reading sections combined) or better and an ACT composite score of 17 or better.  The TOEFL score determines the student’s initial level of English proficiency.  Students must submit a satisfactory score of a minimum of 550 on the paper-based test, or a 79-80 on the new internet based TOEFL, 5.5 minimum IELTS score or documentation (i.e., a transcript, certificate of completion of a program, etc.) of satisfactory completion of an intensive curriculum of English instruction. The University will also consider international applicants who have taken the General Education Development (GED) test.  Applicants must submit a notarized copy of their GED certificate with their application and fee to be considered for admission. 

If educated outside of the continental United States (U.S.) at a non English speaking institution, transcripts must be evaluated by the World Education Service (WES) – ww.wes.org, the Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) –www.ece.org, or the Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO)—www.aacroa.org and forwarded from the evaluating organization to the Office of Admissions. All academic records must be converted into their U.S. education equivalents by a University recognized credential agency, to obtain transfer credit for education completed at non U.S. postsecondary institutions.  Transcript evaluations must be submitted sealed from the evaluating organization. PLEASE NOTE:  The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request that transcripts from international English speaking institutions be evaluated by WES or any of the other recognized credential agencies if educational equivalency can not clearly be determined by the Office of Admissions.

International applicants must also submit an affidavit of Annual Cash Support with the following attachments:

• Proof of sponsor’s employment on employer’s business stationery;
• Official bank statements in U.S. Dollars no less than two (2) months old; a letter from the bank on letterhead stationary which states the date the account was opened and current balance in U.S. Dollars; or an award letter from the University stating the length of time and amount of the award.

International students must not only submit financial documents  that show funds exist to pay the total amount of at least the student’s first year of study, but students’ accounts must be paid in full for the first year of study.  Moreover, except for unanticipated conditions, students must also indicate how they will be supported for the remaining years of his/her program of study.

If residing with a friend or relative, the student must submit an Affidavit of Free Room & Board with the following attachments

• Copy of the deed, lease or rent receipts and
• Proof of sponsor’s employment on employer’s business stationery.

Affidavits along with their attachments should be submitted to:  DSU, 1200 N, Dupont Highway, Office of International Student Services, Dover, Delaware, 19901.