Office of International Affairs

Undergraduate Admission

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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.

Deadlines:

FallJuly 1 of the same year
SpringNovember 1 of the previous year
SummerApril 1 of the same year (Only for students already in the United States)

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 to pay the application fee. The fee is non-refundable. However, you will not be required to pay an additional fee if you defer or submit a new undergraduate application.

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.

Please Note: Proof of English Proficiency is not required if any of the following statements apply to you

  • English is the official 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, one academic year of English courses with grades of B or higher, or an associate degree or higher at a U.S. college or university

Official Academic Transcripts

As part of the admissions review process, applicants must submit official academic transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts containing in-progress coursework may be used for admissions review. Once your coursework has been completed, you must submit a final official transcript showing all completed coursework and final grades. 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.

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.

For guaranteed admission, applicants must have completed the recommended college preparatory courses and must present one of the following:

  • 3.0 GPA OR
  • Minimum composite ACT score of 22 OR minimum SAT total score of 1100 (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing & Math)
  • If you do not meet either of the above requirements, you will need: Minimum 2.7 GPA plus ACT score of 19 OR SAT score of 990 (Evidence-Based Reading/Writing & Math)

Applicants who cannot provide a satisfactory secondary school credential as defined by state law (T.C.A. 49-50-801) may substitute acceptable scores on either the HiSET (10 or higher) or GED (450 or higher) examination. Contact us for more information on the GED, HiSET, and TABE requirements.

Admission by review – Students who don’t meet the requirements for guaranteed admission can still be considered for admission through a review process. Students will be asked to submit a personal statement form.

Non-U.S. High Schools

Official transcripts from non-U.S. secondary schools must be sent directly to our office 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.

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.

To meet Guaranteed Admissions requirements, transfer students must either:

  • Earn 24 or more semester hours with a 2.00 or higher cumulative grade point average from all post-secondary institutions attended. OR
  • Meet the freshman guaranteed admission standards if they have earned less than 24 hours (or less than 35 quarter hours) AND have a cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher. OR
  • Not have been enrolled in any post-secondary institution in the 12 months preceding the term for which they are applying. They will be eligible for admission with 24 or more earned semester hours but will be admitted on academic probation if their cumulative grade point average is less than 2.00.

Applicants who do not meet the standards above, but who wish to be considered for admission to MTSU can fill out a personal statement form for consideration by the Admissions Review Board.

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:

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:

Students who wish to take courses at MTSU while continuing to pursue their degree at another college or university. For students on an F-1 visa, your SEVIS record will remain with your current institution while you are enrolled as a transient student at MTSU.

Your most recent transcript is required for submission.

For guaranteed admission, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Admission by review – Students who don’t meet the requirements for guaranteed admission can still be considered for admission through a review process. Students will be asked to submit a personal statement form.

Official transcripts from U.S. colleges and universities must be submitted through a secure electronic transcript provider such as:

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

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)

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.

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