International Students

The School of Graduate Studies encourages the enrollment of students from other countries. All international applicants must meet the School of Graduate Studies admissions requirements as well as any additional specific program requirements. International students with a student visa are required to carry a minimum of a full-time course load (9 credit hours) during fall and spring semesters and a minimum of six (6) credit hours during the summer semester. In addition, international applicants from non-English speaking countries will be required to demonstrate proficiency of English through one of the methods described in the English Proficiency Requirement section below.

Applicants requiring an F-1 visa to enter the United States must complete and submit the following:

  • Financial Verification form providing proof that adequate funds are available for educational and living expenses
  • Copy of passport
  • Transfer Clearance Form, if currently attending another institution in the US on F-1 visa

Additional information regarding requirements for international applicants is available at Clayton State's International Student Services website.

English Proficiency Requirement

English is the medium of instruction in all courses at Clayton State University, except foreign language courses. International applicants whose primary native language is not English must document proof of proficiency in English through one of the following options:

Note: Official test scores must arrive directly from the testing source. No photocopies, faxes, scans or email attachments are accepted.

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The internet based TOEFL, or “ibT”. The following TOEFL scores are acceptable:
    • 75 total on the internet-based TOEFL (ibT), or
    • 540+ on the paper-based TOEFL if the ibT is not available in your region
  • The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • 6.0 total minimum scores
  • For SAT and other testing requirements please visit: Freshman Requirements
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (Certificate of Advanced English)
    • 180 minimum scale score
  • Completion of an approved University System of Georgia (USG) intensive ESL program.
  • Completion of College English/English Composition and Rhetoric from a regionally accredited U.S. College or University with a minimum grade of “C”.
  • Two years of English (not ESL) taken in a U.S. high school with minimum grades of “C”.
  • Scores or performance on the following tests or examinations:
    • EIKEN - Pre-1     
    • MET (Michigan English Test) - 59
    • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE and “O” Level “English” exams “D” or Better     
    • UK GCSE “English” exam “C” or Better      
    • UK GCE A-Level “English” exam “C” or Better      
    • EdExcel International A-Levels and IGCSE English exams “D” or Better     
    • Pearson (PTE) Academic - 58

Applicants whose language of instruction was English should have the Registrar of the home institution submit a letter to Graduate Enrollment Services attesting/certifying that the language of instruction for the baccalaureate degree was English. If this documentation is unavailable, applicants must submit the official acceptable scores on the TOEFL or IELTS.

Academic credentials must be original documents with authorized signatures, seals, stamps, and must be evaluated by a credentialing evaluating organization. Graduate Enrollment Services accepts evaluations that are prepared by either Josef Silney and Associates or the World Education Services. Applicants will need to arrange individually with these organizations to have the transcript evaluations sent to Graduate Enrollment Services.