How to Apply as an International Student

International Admission Guidelines

OHIO is home to a welcoming and diverse community of students from all over the world, and admission to the university at all levels is selective. To be competitive, you must complete the secondary education in your country of study with above-average grades. Please review the international qualifications page for your specific criteria by country of instruction.

Admission Requirements by Country

Please review the international qualifications page for your specific criteria by country of instruction.

International Qualifications By Country

Cambridge Curricula Requirements

For students participating in a Cambridge curricula, admissions decisions are based on the GSCE/IGCSE/O-level results, and we generally expect at least 6 passes, graded C or higher. Students who are going on to complete GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS-levels) and/or Advanced Levels (A-levels) may be awarded transfer credit for successfully completed exams.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum Requirements

For students studying an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, we generally expect an average of 5 out of 7 on your college-preparatory subjects. IB Higher Level examinations may also be eligible for transfer credit.

Guidelines for More Selective Programs

Some of our programs have more selective criteria above and beyond general admission guidelines.

More Selective Program Criteria for Freshman Admission

More Selective Program Criteria for Transfer Admission

How to Apply

To apply for admission as an international freshman or transfer student, you must complete each step in the application process.

Step 1: Complete the application form for the Athens campus.

You may either use the Common App application or OHIO's alternate online application. Additionally, if you are unable to complete your application online, you may print and mail the alternative printable application form that corresponds to the academic year for which you are applying.

Common App

Alternate Online Application

Alternative Printable Application form

Step 2: Submit the international application fee.

For consideration, you must submit the USD $70 international application fee.

Step 3: Submit your academic records (transcripts).

You must submit records from every secondary and/or post-secondary institution you have attended. If the original document is not in English, you must also supply a certified or attested English translation. For transfer applicants, official* academic records must be submitted for admission consideration. For freshman applicants, official or unofficial academic records* may be submitted. All documents should be submitted via email to admissions@ohio.edu or sent via postal mail or courier, as instructed in the postal mail section. If unofficial academic documents are submitted for an admission decision, official documents must be submitted prior to the first day of classes.

*To be considered official, an academic record must be submitted via one of four options:

• Option 1: Uploaded by your secondary school counselor or principal via the Common Application
• Option 2: Emailed directly to admissions@ohio.edu by your secondary school counselor or principal, or the university registrar
• Option 3: Sent via post or courier in an envelope that is sealed and stamped by one of the following:
  • The issuing secondary school or university
  • Ministry of Education of your home country
  • EducationUSA or related binational organization
    
    Mail or deliver to: Undergraduate Admissions
    Chubb Hall 120
    1 Ohio University
    Athens OH 45701 – USA
• Option 4: Bring a hard copy of the official documents to Undergraduate Admissions prior to the start of classes. The documents must be in an unopened envelope that has been sealed, signed and stamped by the institution.

Step 5: Submit a copy of your current passport information.

You must submit a copy of your current passport information page via email to admissions@ohio.edu.

Step 6: Submit optional materials as desired.

You may submit optional materials to Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admissions@ohio.edu or via post or courier to:

Undergraduate Admissions
Chubb Hall 120
1 Ohio University
Athens OH 45701 – USA

Optional materials may include:

• SAT or ACT scores. Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for first-year applicants to the Athens campus. If you choose to submit SAT/ACT scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency: SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314).
• Essay(s)
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Lists of extra-curricular interests and activities