International Students At Howard University: Who Gets Accepted?

Howard University welcomes applications from international students, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university offers a holistic admission process that considers students' academic records, test scores, leadership skills, and unique talents and skills. International students are advised to begin the admission process at least a year in advance due to the additional time needed for submitting the required tests, academic documents, evaluations, and managing immigration-related matters. The university provides an International Student Services (ISS) office that assists international students and their families by offering advice on federal immigration, labour regulations, and counselling on personal, academic, financial, and social matters.

Application process and requirements

Howard University welcomes applications from international students. The application process and requirements vary depending on whether you are applying as a first-year student or a transfer student. Here is an overview of the process and requirements for each type of applicant:

First-Year International Applicants:

• Application Timeline: Howard University's application for Spring/Fall 2025 is currently open. International students are advised to begin the admission process at least one year in advance due to the additional time needed for submitting the required tests, academic documents, evaluations, and addressing immigration-related matters.
• Application Method: First-year international applicants should apply via the Common Application during their final year of secondary school (12th or 13th grade, depending on the education system).
• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $45 is charged as part of the Common Application process. Payment must be made through the Common App, and personal checks are not accepted. However, the university will accept a Common App fee waiver if the application fee causes financial hardship.
• Academic Records: Students must submit academic records for grades 9 to 12 (or 13). Official high school transcripts should be sent directly from the school via an e-transcript system or mail.
• Standardized Tests: As part of the holistic admission process, Howard University considers standardized college entrance exam scores (SAT or ACT). These are not mandatory for the 2023-24 admission cycle, and students who choose not to submit test scores will not be disadvantaged.
• English Language Proficiency: International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 90 on the Internet-based Test (IBT). Alternatively, applicants may submit results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall score of 6.5. The TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived for students from countries where English is an official language or who have studied in the US for at least four years.
• Letters of Recommendation: Howard University requires two letters of recommendation: one from a high school counsellor and one from a high school teacher. These should be submitted via Common App/Naviance.
• Essays: As part of the Common Application, students must submit the main Common App essay. Additionally, Howard University has one optional essay that can be accessed through the Writing section of the Common App.
• Additional Program-Specific Requirements: Some programs, such as Studio Art, Theatre Arts, Music, and Architecture & Design Studies, have additional portfolio, audition, or interview requirements.
• Financial Aid: International students should complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for financial aid consideration.

International Transfer Applicants:

• Application Timeline: The application for Spring/Fall 2025 is currently open for transfer students.
• Application Method and Fee: Applications for admission are made via the Common Application, with a non-refundable application fee of $45.
• Minimum Admission Requirements: Transfer applicants must meet certain minimum requirements, including earning 15 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution and earning a cumulative GPA of 2.5. They must also receive a passing grade of C or better in both a college-level English course and a college-level Math course.
• Official Transcript Submission: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions are required for admission. International students who have studied outside the US must submit their transcripts to a NACES member evaluation agency for academic evaluation.
• Letter of Recommendation: One letter of recommendation from a professor or academic advisor, submitted via Common App, is required.
• English Language Proficiency: International applicants whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL scores with a minimum score of 90 on the IBT. Alternatively, they may submit IELTS scores with an overall score of 6.5. The TOEFL/IELTS requirement is waived for students from English-speaking nations or those who have studied in the US for at least four years.
• Additional Program-Specific Requirements: Similar to first-year applicants, transfer applicants for certain programs, such as Studio Art, Theatre Arts, Music, and Architecture & Design Studies, have additional portfolio, audition, or interview requirements.
• Financial Aid: International transfer students must submit the CSS Profile in addition to the ISFAA and FAFSA for financial aid consideration.

English language requirements

International students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of 90 on the Internet-based (IBT) test. Only official reports from ETS will be accepted. In place of the TOEFL, applicants may submit results from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with an overall score of 6.5. Only the TOEFL and IELTS exams are accepted.

International students from countries where English is an official language or who have studied in the United States for at least four years are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. Students whose language of instruction in secondary school was English may also be exempt, provided they submit a letter and supporting documentation from an administrator at their school stating that the official language of instruction is English and that they took classes taught in English.

All international students who have studied outside of the United States are required to submit an academic evaluation by a NACES member. All transcripts from non-US educational institutions must be sent directly to the evaluation agency by the issuing institution. This requirement cannot be waived. If the transcript is in a foreign language, an official English translation is required.

Financial aid and scholarships

International students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships at Howard University. The university offers a range of financial aid options to help international students fund their studies. Here is an overview of the financial aid and scholarship process for international students:

• Early Decision (ED) Financial Aid: Students who apply through the Early Decision plan and require financial aid do not need to withdraw their applications from other universities until they have received a notification about financial aid from Howard University. If the university cannot meet the full financial need of an admitted ED applicant, they are not required to enrol.
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): All eligible students, including international students, are required to complete the FAFSA for financial aid consideration. The FAFSA code for Howard University is 001448.
• International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA): International students are required to submit the ISFAA form to be considered for financial aid. This form is used to evaluate a student's financial need and merit achievements.
• CSS Profile: International and DACA students must submit the CSS Profile to be considered for financial aid. The CSS profile opens on October 1 each year, and students must submit their forms by the corresponding application deadline for priority consideration. Awarding is subject to the availability of funds.
• Scholarships: Howard University offers scholarships to international students based on both need and merit. The scholarship amount is determined after reviewing a student's completed application, FAFSA/ISFAA, and other supporting documents.
• English Language Proficiency Test Fee Waiver: International students whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). However, the university may waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for students from nations where English is an official language or who have studied in the United States for at least four years.
• Financial Support: The Office of International Student Services (ISS) at Howard University provides resources and assistance to international students regarding financial matters. The office advises students on federal immigration, labour regulations, and offers counselling on personal, academic, and social matters related to their financial situation.

Student visas

Howard University does accept international students and has an Office of International Student Services (ISS) to assist them. The ISS advises students on federal immigration, labor regulations, and provides counselling on personal, academic, financial, and social matters. The ISS also helps students with their student visas.

To obtain a student visa, international students must first be accepted by the Office of Admissions. Once accepted, students will receive an Immigration Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility). This form is required to obtain a student visa. However, it is important to note that the I-20 form will only be issued once the student has:

• Been accepted by the Office of Admissions
• Paid the enrollment fee
• Submitted a financial statement indicating how expenses will be met while attending the University

The I-20 form will accompany the permit to register. It is important to note that regulations of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service require that all persons on F-1 (student) visas pursue a full course of study at all times. This means that graduate students must take a full course of study, which is 9 credit hours if it is only coursework, or some combination of coursework and research or writing of a thesis or dissertation.

Each international student is responsible for maintaining their immigration status while in the United States. Failure to do so may result in the student's stay in the country being jeopardized.

Student support and resources

The Office of International Student Services (ISS) at Howard University offers a range of support and resources for international students, scholars, and their families. The ISS office aims to assist students by providing advice and counselling on various matters, including federal immigration, labour regulations, personal, academic, financial, and social issues. They also promote cross-cultural awareness within the Howard University community through educational programming, such as cultural adjustment and cross-cultural communication.

The ISS office has a dedicated staff, including a Visa and Administrative Coordinator and an International Student Advisor, who are accessible and ready to help international students with their queries. Students are encouraged to make personal appointments to eliminate unnecessary wait times.

In terms of specific services, the ISS office plays a crucial role in safeguarding the ability to bring international students and scholars to the university and ensuring compliance with federal agency requirements, such as those set by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State. They also track laws and regulations, apply for certifications, ensure staff compliance through training, and act as a resource for university departments on immigration-related questions.

Additionally, the ISS office assists international students with maintaining and abiding by their Student Status as per US Immigration law, keeping them informed about any changes in immigration regulations. They provide essential immigration advising, including the production and updating of immigration documents, travel requirements, visa applications, and changes in immigration status.

The ISS office also offers orientation programs to help international students transition to academic and social life in the US, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported during their time at Howard University.

Furthermore, Howard University has a comprehensive admissions process for international students, with specific requirements and resources outlined on their website. International students are advised to begin the admissions process at least a year in advance due to the various tests, documents, and potential delays in international mail. The university also provides detailed information on application fees, required academic records, standardized tests, and English language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

Howard University also offers financial aid opportunities for international students, such as the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) and the CSS Profile for financial aid consideration. The university encourages students to refer to their international admissions webpages for detailed information on the admissions process and required documents.

Frequently asked questions