International Graduate Admission
Welcome to Admissions at Portland State University! As an international student, we know you have special needs and have personalized this web site with you in mind. Learn about the student visa process, our English language proficiency requirement, and find financial assistance resources. We are delighted that you are interested in Portland State and hope you'll spend a few moments browsing our pages to discover what Portland State can offer you!
Graduate applicants are required to submit two sets of application materials, one set to the university Admissions office and one set to the academic department. The following checklist outlines the set of materials required for university admission; contact the academic department for information on their application requirements.
How to Apply to the University
Complete and submit each of the following documents that apply to your situation. The documents and forms referenced on this page are
available in the International Graduate Application Packet 
[You'll need Acrobat Reader to view and print all files.]
Application and $50 Application Fee
Your application cannot be processed without the $50 (U.S. dollars) non-refundable application fee.
We require official transcripts from every institute, college, university, or post-secondary school you have attended. To be considered official, your documents must arrive in our office in a sealed (unopened) envelope from the issuing institution. Without your transcripts, we cannot make an admission decision.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Portland State accepts two test scores as proof of English language proficiency: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
| Minimum Test Score Requirements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL | IELTS | ||
| Paper-based | Computer-based | Internet-based | |
| 550* | 213* | minimum per section: 18* reading 18* listening 16* speaking 16* writing |
7.0* |
*Some graduate programs require a higher test score. Consult the graduate coordinator in your academic department to verify the minimum score requirement.
Graduate applicants who meet minimum academic requirements, are admitted to a graduate program, but have not met the English language proficiency requirement are restricted to English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
Financial Certification & Immigration Information
The information you provide on this form helps is to quickly and accurately process your application.
Financial Certification is required for applicants who plan to reside in the United States with an F-1 or a J-1 visa. You
must show proof of adequate financial support for at least your first
year of study at Portland State University. Please be aware that you do
not need to show financial resources to be admitted to the university.
We can admit you if you apply and meet the minimum academic requirements. However, the financial certification is required to issues an I-20 to you, which you will need to obtain a student visa.
SEVIS Transfer
Required for applicants who currently reside in the United States with an F-1 or J-1 visa.
Please take this step after you receive formal notification of university admission from the Office of Admissions, Registration, and Records. If you are transferring from a school within the United States, an International Student Adviser at your current school must verify that you are in compliance with United States immigration regulations. After certifying your eligibility to transfer to Portland State, your adviser will forward the Transfer Information Form to Portland State and make an entry in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Please disregard this step if you are not currently studying in the United States with a student visa.
Failure to submit a required document may cause a delay in your evaluation or possible rejection of your application. All submitted documents become the property of Portland State University and cannot be photocopied or returned.
