Steps to Apply

Submit Your Application and $60 Application Fee

Go to Portland State University's online application system and select Create Account. If you have already started an application, or created one for a past term, select Log In.

Submit Academic Records

You are required to submit complete academic records. We accept high school transcripts, grades and other relevant academic records along with your graduation certificate, diploma or exam results or certificates. If you have taken any college or university classes, submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. You can submit unofficial transcripts from non-U.S. institutions for review of your application and to receive an admission decision. Official transcripts are required for enrollment. See our official records policy for details.

Electronic Submission: Transcripts may be submitted via Parchment or sent directly from a school official to intladm@pdx.edu.

In Person Submission: You can bring these directly to our office upon arrival to Portland State University.

Mail Submission: Submit official transcripts in their original sealed envelopes from all schools attended and mail them to PSU.

Portland State University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751
USA

Submit Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Request official test results to be sent directly to Portland State University by ETS (TOEFL), PTE, or IELTS. Students who meet the academic requirements for admission to PSU, but have not yet met English proficiency requirements, will be admitted to PSU and placed into one of our ESL programs. Review PSU’s English Language Proficiency Requirements for more details.

  • TOEFL Code: 4610, department code 00
  • SAT Code: 4610

Check Your Application Status

If you have submitted an application to Portland State University, you can log in to PSU's application portal to review the status of your application. You will be notified via email for each document you submit and your admission decision.

If you are not receiving email communications from Portland State University, be sure to check your @pdx.edu email account. Once you set up your student account all communications will be sent to that email address. If you are not receiving information from us in any email inboxes, please contact us at admissions@pdx.edu.

ONCE YOU COMPLETE THE STEPS ABOVE YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REVIEWED FOR ADMISSION.

Submit Documents to Obtain Your Student Visa

Most international students who wish to study full-time in the United States must apply for either an F-1 or J-1 (Student) visa through a U.S. Consulate. If you are currently in the U.S. and studying on an F1 or J1 visa you will transfer your SEVIS record from your current U.S. school to Portland State University. This documentation is not required to make an admission decision. However, if you submit financial documentation with your other application materials it will greatly reduce the processing time of your application and I-20 issuance.

Additional Information

PSU's Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathways are for students who want to improve their academic English skills and avoid having to take high stakes language tests. Through these pathways students take their first PSU classes in a supportive environment while taking English courses. Students can meet other international students who are studying at PSU. Pathway students are members of the PSU community, earn college credits and have access to PSU’s international achievement scholarship. 

The application process is simple. Apply using Portland State's online application following the steps for First Year or Transfer students. PSU will place students into the appropriate Pathway Program based on the information supplied in their application. Students will transition to full time enrollment in their degree program when they complete their Pathway Program. No additional applications are required.

Students applying for undergraduate admission are not required to provide proof of English proficiency to be admitted at Portland State University. First year undergraduate admission is based on high school GPA. Transfer student admission is based on college GPA (30 credits or more).

  • Students who want to immediately begin their university coursework must meet PSU’s Direct to Degree language proficiency requirement.
  • Students who do not meet PSU’s Direct to Degree language requirement or who want to improve their academic English can enroll in one of two Pathway Program options. Placement into the Direct to Degree or Pathway Program Option is determined at the time of admission. Learn more about tuition and fees.

IELP Pathways Placement

Students who meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirements will not be placed in a pathway and will be able to begin taking courses toward their degree.

Test Pre-Pathway 9 Month Pathway 6 Month Pathway
IELTS No score below 5.0

5.0 overall

5.0 reading and writing

5.5 overall

5.5 reading and writing

TOEFL No score below 50

IBT: 50 overall; 9 reading and writing

IBT: 60 overall; 12 reading and writing
PTE No score below 40

40

45