Office of International Affairs
Undergraduate Admission
Admission Requirements
The following information will help you prepare a complete application for admission. Please note that the university is unable to review incomplete applications, and all required documents must be submitted before an admission decision can be made. Once all materials have been received, processing may take up to 30 days.
Additionally, some programs may require a separate application or have their own eligibility requirements. We strongly encourage students to review their intended program’s website for detailed information.
Online Application
- You may apply online even if you do not yet have all the required documents. Please submit only one application per semester
- The application has a non-refundable fee of $30 USD. A credit card is required for the application fee payment.
- Once you pay the application fee, a university ID/M Number will be assigned to you.
Proof of English Proficiency
Students attending on an F-1 visa must submit proof of English proficiency with the exception of those who fall under the categories listed on this page/section. Please note that test scores are considered valid for up to two years from the test date. If you are funded by an organization, please make sure the type of English test is also acceptable to the funding organization.
Official scores must be sent directly to our office by the testing agency. We are unable to accept score reports submitted by students. Listed below are the accepted tests and minimum score requirements.
- General
- IELTS – 5.5
- TOEFL iBT – 61
- Computer-based – 173
- Paper-based – 500
- Duolingo English Test – 85
- iTEP – 3.5
- Pearson Test of English – 59
- ELS – Level 110 Certificate (email nsh@els.edu)
- Nursing/Professional Pilot Programs
- IELTS – 6.0
- TOEFL iBT – 70
- Computer-based – 173
- Paper-based – 500
- Duolingo English Test – 95
- iTEP – 3.8
- Pearson Test of English – 70
- ELS – Level 112 Certificate (email nsh@els.edu)
Please Note: Proof of English Proficiency is not required if any of the following statements apply to you
- English is the native language of your country of citizenship
- You have graduated from a U.S. high school or a high school outside of the U.S where the primary language of instruction is English (not all cases apply)
- SAT Critical Reading (Verbal) score of 510 or higher
- ACT Composite score of 22 or higher
- Completion of ENGL 1010 and 1020 at a U.S. college or university
- You have earned an associate degree or higher at a U.S. college or university
- One academic year (two semesters, or four quarters) of English courses at a university with grades of B or higher.
Official Academic Transcripts
As part of the admissions review process, applicants must submit official academic transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. While unofficial transcripts may be used for preliminary or conditional admission, official documents are required before full admission can be granted and an I-20 can be issued.
Whenever possible, the Office of International Affairs strongly prefers electronic submission to international@mtsu.edu. If documents must be mailed, they may be sent to one of the addresses below.
| Postal Service Delivery Address International Enrollment and Services Middle Tennessee State University 1301 E Main St Box 120 Murfreesboro, TN 37132 USA | Courier/Express Delivery: International Enrollment and Services Middle Tennessee State University 1672 Greenland Dr, MTSU Box 0120 Murfreesboro, TN 37132 USA Fax: 615-494-8935 |
Students who have completed or will complete high school/secondary level education and have not attended a college/university other than for dual enrollment courses. MTSU also accepts Credit by Examination.
Non-U.S. High Schools
Official transcripts from non-U.S. secondary schools must be sent directly to from the institution’s official school email address.
If the school does not maintain an official website, applicants must provide sufficient contact information so the Office of International Affairs can verify the institution and academic records. In some cases, transcripts may also be reviewed if they can be verified through an official government or educational authority website.
Transcripts submitted directly by the student are considered unofficial. Unofficial transcripts may be used for conditional admission review; however, official transcripts are required for full admission and I-20 issuance.
The transcript requirements by country can be found here (insert transcript requirements widget or link?)
U.S. High Schools
Official transcripts from U.S. high schools cannot be accepted through email and must be submitted through a secure and verifiable electronic transcript service such as:
- Slate.org (our preferred method)
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Parchment (also known as Naviance)
- Scribbles
Students who have attended college/university. Please note that students have earned less than 24 U.S. credit hours must also submit their high school transcripts in addition to their college transcripts.
Non-U.S. Colleges and Universities
Applicants who have attended a non-U.S. college or university must submit a course-by-course evaluation completed by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), such as:
- Global Credential Evaluators, Inc
- TEC, The Evaluation Company (formerly SpanTran) (discount available for MTSU Applicants)
- World Education Services, Inc
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc
- Foundation for International Services, Inc
A full course-by-course evaluation is required for all foreign, post-secondary course work. You must submit any and all post-secondary course work prior to being admitted. Failure to submit all transcripts can result in your dismissal from our university.
Photocopies of transcripts cannot be accepted. The evaluation service must send the report directly to the Office of International Affairs.
General evaluations are not accepted.
U.S. Colleges and Universities
Official transcripts from U.S. colleges and universities must be submitted through a secure electronic transcript provider such as:
- Parchment
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Other verifiable electronic transcript services
Form of Identification
Applicants must submit proof of identity with the date of expiration indicated. Valid forms of identification are:
- Passport
- Tennessee Driver’s License or Permit
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card)
- I-797 Approval Form
If you will not be attending MTSU on an F-1 visa, we must receive identification such as an EAD card to confirm your status. This is required to ensure we review and process your application accordingly.
Applicants requiring an F-1 student visa must also complete additional immigration and financial documentation requirements before an I-20 can be issued. Please visit the I-20 and immigration requirements page for detailed instructions and next steps.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact our office at international@mtsu.edu.
