Savanna Hoffman
Howard University welcomes hundreds of talented international students each year. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs for international first-year students, as well as transfer and second-degree students. International applicants are encouraged to submit applications by February 1 (Fall) or October 1 (Spring) to allow sufficient time for visa processing. Howard University has an International Student Services (ISS) office that provides resources and support to international students and their families, including assistance with housing, federal immigration, and academic and social orientation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Howard University accept international students? | Yes |
| Application fee | US $45 |
| Application deadline for early applicants | November 1 |
| Application deadline for Theatre Arts performance majors | November 15 |
| Application deadline for regular decision applicants | February 1 |
| Requirements | Essays, academic records, SAT or ACT scores, recommendations, leadership in school and community activities, unique talents and skills, educational objectives |
| Number of letters of recommendation required | 2 |
| English proficiency test requirements | TOEFL score of 90 or IELTS score of 6.5; waived for students from nations where English is an official language or who have studied in the US for at least four years |
| Transfer credit hours accepted | Up to 60 |
| Minimum transferable credit hours required for admission consideration | 15 |
| Additional requirements for Music majors | Voice or instrument audition and portfolio of creative works |
| International student support services | Office of International Student Services provides assistance with federal immigration, labor regulations, and counseling on personal, academic, financial, and social matters |
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What You'll Learn
Howard University's international first-year admission requirements
Howard University welcomes applications from international students for its undergraduate first-year programme. Prospective students are advised to begin the admission process at least one year in advance to allow for the submission of required tests, academic documents, evaluations, and immigration-related matters.
Submission of the Common Application, including:
- Academic records for grades 9 to 12 (or 13, depending on the education system)
- Certified copies of internal high school academic transcripts, as well as external examination predicted grades and/or official national standardized examination certificates
- Two letters of recommendation from a school counsellor, principal, head of school, school official, teacher, or professor. While additional letters may be submitted, only two will be considered as part of the application review.
- High school transcript, official certified final secondary school records, or mark sheets including grades 9-12
- SAT or ACT scores (if submitted)
- Essays that reflect the applicant's passions, goals, and general interest in Howard University
- Submission of the Howard Supplement with a non-refundable $45 application fee. This fee may be waived in cases of financial hardship.
- Submission of a Statement of Financial Resources Form, including a sponsor's letter if the applicant is not self-sponsored.
- Submission of English language proficiency test scores:
- A score of 90 on the Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants whose native language is not English. This requirement may be waived for students from nations where English is an official language or who have studied in the United States for at least four years.
- In lieu of the TOEFL, applicants may submit results from the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with an overall score of 6.5.
- For prospective Music majors, a successful voice or instrument audition is required. DVDs or CDs are accepted from applicants who cannot audition in person.
- Submission of official transcripts, final certificates, and/or mark/grade sheets directly from the college or university to the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions. If the documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by an official translated copy.
- Submission of an academic evaluation by a NACES member for students who have studied outside the United States.
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Transferring to Howard University as an international student
Howard University welcomes hundreds of talented transfer students from institutions across the world. Transfer applicants are students who have completed academic studies at another college or university after graduating from high school.
Application Requirements
To be considered for admission as an international transfer student, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
- A passing grade of C or better in both a college-level English and college-level math course.
- A minimum of 15 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution (30 credits for the School of Business).
- A 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) (3.0 GPA for the School of Business).
In addition, you must submit the following documents for admission consideration:
- An online application with a non-refundable US$45 application fee.
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher or professor.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. If your transcript is in a foreign language or uses a different grade scale system, you must submit an official English translation.
- A score of 90 on the Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if your native language is not English. In lieu of the TOEFL, you may submit results from the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with an overall score of 6.5.
- A Statement of Financial Resources Form, which must be signed by you and your sponsor. If you are self-sponsored, you should sign both sponsor and student sections.
- A sponsor's letter stating their name, your name, your relationship, and their intent to be responsible for your expenses. If you are self-sponsored, you should submit a letter stating your ability to sponsor yourself.
- A recent monthly bank statement. If the statement is in a foreign currency, you must state the US dollar equivalence and conversion rate. The balance must match or exceed the total amount stated in the first column of the Financial Resources Form.
- A copy of your passport photo page and visa page.
- A completed Transfer Form from the immigration advisor at your current school.
- An Immigration Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility), which is required to obtain a student visa. This will not be issued until you have been accepted by the university, paid the enrollment fee, and submitted a financial statement.
If you are applying as a Music major, you must also present a successful voice or instrument audition. DVDs or CDs are accepted from applicants who are unable to audition in person. Additionally, all prospective Fine Arts students must submit a portfolio of creative works containing a minimum of one and a maximum of three examples of creative expression in graphic, written, or audiovisual form.
Additional Information
- Howard University will accept up to 60 transferable credit hours.
- If you are unable to pay the application fee due to financial hardship, you may submit the Common App fee waiver form.
- All essays and supporting documents must be submitted with your Common Application by the application deadline, which is November 1 for early applicants, November 15 for Theatre Arts performance majors, and February 1 for regular decision applicants.
- Official transcripts should not be mailed directly to Howard University, but to the Common App Centralized Transcript Service.
- If your previous institution is a college or university within the United States, you must also send a copy of your I-94 and current I-20.
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Application fee waivers
Howard University, a private, federally chartered historically Black university in Washington, D.C., welcomes international students and offers application fee waivers under certain circumstances.
The university has a diverse student body, with students from
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English language requirements
Howard University requires prospective students whose first language is not English to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of at least 90 on the Internet-based (IBT) TOEFL is required. Official TOEFL scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
The TOEFL test is waived if the applicant has received a degree in the US, is from a nation where English is an official language, or has studied in the United States for at least four years. The requirement may also be waived for students whose language of instruction in secondary school was English, provided they submit a letter and supporting documentation from an administrator at their school.
In lieu 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 at this time.
All transcripts from non-US post-secondary educational institutions must be sent directly to the evaluation agency by the issuing institution. If the transcript is in a foreign language, an official English translation is required.
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International student services
Howard University does accept international students and offers a range of services to support them. The Office of International Student Services (ISS) assists international students, scholars, staff members, and their families by providing advice and guidance on various matters.
Application Process
International first-year applicants are required to submit academic records, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS). The TOEFL/IELTS requirement may be waived for students from English-speaking countries or those who have studied in the US for at least four years. Transfer applicants must meet additional requirements, including earning transferable credit hours from accredited institutions.
Immigration and Visa Services
The ISS office helps international students navigate immigration regulations and maintain their legal status in the United States. Students are responsible for ensuring their passports are valid and registering as full-time students each semester. The ISS provides information and support for extending authorized stays, obtaining work permits, and transferring between institutions.
Housing Assistance
Upon arrival, international students seeking housing assistance can contact the Office of Residence Life or the Office of International Student Services.
Academic and Personal Counselling
The ISS offers counselling services to international students on academic, financial, and social matters. They also promote cross-cultural awareness within the Howard University community through educational programming on cultural adjustment and cross-cultural communication.
Graduate Admissions
International graduate applicants must submit official transcripts, final certificates, mark sheets, and English translations if the documents are not originally in English. An academic evaluation by a NACES member is required for students who have studied outside the US. TOEFL scores are mandatory for non-native English speakers, and the test is waived only if the applicant has received a degree in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Howard University has a global community of students, scholars, and their families.
International first-time applicants must submit:
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or results from IELTS with an overall score of 6.5
- Official final secondary school records
- A completed Statement of Financial Resources Form
- High school transcripts, including grades 9-12
- SAT or ACT scores (if submitted)
Yes, Howard University accepts transfer students from institutions worldwide. Transfer applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Earned 15 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution
- Official transcripts
- Final certificates and/or mark/grade sheets
- A score of 90 on the Internet-based TOEFL test
The Office of International Student Services (ISS) provides resources and programs to assist international students, faculty, and their families. The ISS advises students on federal immigration, labour regulations, and provides counselling on personal, academic, financial, and social matters.
