Apply as an International Graduate Student

Your application process is based on your program and your eligibility. Follow these steps to complete your application:

START MY graduate APPLICATION

If you have questions at any point in the process, please reach out to our International Recruitment team at isr@cmich.edu. This is an exciting time, and we're here to support you!

Step 1: Find your program

Graduate programs have unique requirements and deadlines for their applications. To find the specific requirements and application dates for your graduate program, visit your program in the bulletin.

  • To start in the Fall Semester, apply by May 15
  • To start in the Spring Semester, apply by October 1 

Find my program requirements

Step 2: Submit your application

Submit an online application to the graduate program and pay the accompanying $65 application fee. The fee may be paid by credit card (at the end of the online application) or by check/money order payable to Central Michigan University and written from a U.S. bank.

    Step 3: Send your official transcripts

    Official transcripts should be sent directly to the Admissions Office by all post-secondary institutions you have attended. Transcripts must include English translations. 

    Mail your official transcripts from the school(s) you've attended in an envelope sealed by your previous school(s). You must not open this envelope before sending it to CMU.  You can also ask your school(s) to send your transcript directly to CMU, using the address below.

    Mailing Address (transcripts, exam results etc.): 
    Central Michigan University
    Attn: International Applications Processing 
    802 Industrial Drive, Global North 
    Mount Pleasant, MI 48858 USA 

    The school(s) you attended may also send them as official electronic copies. Transcripts must come directly from the institution(s) and NOT from a personal email address. Electronic copies can be sent to isr@cmich.edu.

    *Please ensure your certificate/evidence of degree indicating the degree you received and the date this was awarded are included with your official transcripts.

    Step 4: Provide proof of English proficiency

    If you are not from a country where English is considered a primary language, you must demonstrate English proficiency. You can view the list of countries where the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is waived, or refer to the table below.

    TOEFL Exempt Countries

    A - B

    C - F

    G - K

    		L - N P - S T - Z


    • Anguilla
    • Antigua and Barbuda
    • Australia
    • Bahamas
    • Barbados
    • Belize
    • Bermuda
    • Botswana
    • British Indian Ocean Territory
    • Brunei Darussalam


    • Canada
    • Cayman Islands
    • Christmas Islands
    • Cook Islands
    • Dominica
    • Ethiopia
    • Falkland Islands
    • Fiji


      • Gambia
      • Ghana
      • Gibraltar
      • Grenada
      • Guam
      • Guyana
      • Ireland, Republic of
      • Jamaica
      • Kenya
      • Kiribati


        • Lesotho
        • Liberia
        • Malawi
        • Malta
        • Mauritius
        • Micronesia
        • Montserrat
        • Nambia
        • New Zealand
        • Nigeria
        • Norfolk Island

         

        • Papua New Guinea
        • Philippines
        • Samoa, American
        • Samoa, Western
        • Sierra Leone
        • Singapore
        • Solomon Islands
        • South Africa
        • St. Helen
        • St. Kitts and Nevis
        • St. Lucia
        • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
        • Swaziland

         

        • Tanzania
        • Tonga
        • Trinidad and Tobago
        • Uganda
        • United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
        • Vanuatu
        • Virgin Islands, American
        • Virgin Islands, British
        • Zambia
        • Zimbabwe

        Step 5: Upload program-specific materials

        Some graduate programs require additional supplemental materials such as your résumé, a statement of purpose or letters of recommendation. Check your program page and the bulletin to ensure you have submitted all required application materials.

        Step 6: Submit and track your application

        Once you have submitted your application, check your application status to make sure you've completed your app and submitted all the appropriate materials. Please contact the International Recruitment team at isr@cmich.edu if you are still waiting to hear back within a month.

        Watch for your notification of admission!

        You will be notified of your admission electronically and then be contacted with further instructions regarding the steps to obtain your I-20. Your I-20 is required to obtain your student visa.

        The I-20 will not be issued until you are accepted and the required financial support information is received.

        After admission, you should monitor your email for additional information regarding the I-20 process. While you wait, check out the admitted international students page for an idea of your next steps.