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International
Thank you for considering Oakland University, where we welcome students from all corners of the world. If it at any time you would like to know more about OU or have any questions about applying as an international student, do not hesitate to contact us at international@oakland.edu or (800) OAK-UNIV.
CRITERIA
APPLY
TUITION
& COSTS
ENGLISH
PROFICIENCY
ADMITTED

International students are admitted based on the same criteria for domestic freshmen or transfer students. Click on the heading to view the admissions criteria. 
Freshman admissions criteria

Generally, freshman admission to Oakland University is based on a combination of criteria: 

  • Cumulative high school grade point averages of 3.2 or above. Applicants with cumulative grade point averages below 3.2, but above 2.5, may be admitted after consideration of the quality of academic preparation.
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Number and types of college preparatory courses
  • Positive trend of grades
We strongly encourage students to follow a college preparatory curriculum that includes:
  • Four years of English
  • A minimum of three years of mathematics, including intermediate algebra
  • A minimum of three years in social sciences
  • A minimum of three years in biological/physical sciences
  • A minimum of two years in a foreign language

Transfer admissions criteria

Admissions criteria for transfer students depends on how many credits you have already earned from another institution at the time of application:

  • 24 or more college credits: GPA of at least 2.5 will be considered for admission to Oakland University. OU will also consider positive trends of most recent grades.
  • fewer than 24 college credits: Admission will be based on both college and high school records; you must send both transcripts.


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NOT a U.S. citizen and need to obtain or transfer an F1 or J1 

  1. Create an Admissions login and record your login and PIN so you can check your application status.
  2. Complete the online application. When selecting the application type, choose freshman, transfer or the option that best describes you. 
  3. Download and complete the supplemental application, and submit it along with all required materials.

When
Please submit your completed application for the desired term by the following deadlines: 
  • Fall semester — by August 1
  • Winter semester — by December 1
  • Summer semester — by April 1

NOT a U.S. citizen, but have a U.S. visa (not an F1 or J1) 

  1. Create an Admissions login and record your login and PIN so you can check your application status.
  2. Complete the online application. When selecting the application type, choose freshman, transfer or the option that best describes you. 
  3. Submit all transcripts.
    • If you attended high school or college at a U.S. institution, have an official transcript (bearing that institution's seal) sent to the address below. 
    • Submit all foreign credentials to World Education Service or Educational Credential Evaluator and have them send a detailed, course-by-course evaluation to Oakland University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
  4. Provide a copy of your visa status or both sides of your permanent resident card, whichever one applies.
  5. Provide proof that you meet Oakland University's English Proficiency requirements (if English is not your native language).

When
Please submit your completed application at least 12 weeks prior to the start of your desired term.

U.S. citizen with international credits

  1. Create an Admissions login and record your login and PIN so you can check your application status.
  2. Complete the online application. When selecting the application type, choose freshman, transfer or the option that best describes you. 
  3. Submit all transcripts.
    • If you attended high school or college at a U.S. institution, have an official transcript (bearing that institution's seal) sent to the address below. 
    • Submit all foreign credentials to World Education Service or Educational Credential Evaluator and have them send a detailed, course-by-course evaluation to Oakland University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
When
Please submit your completed application at least 12 weeks prior to the start of your desired term.


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International students pay the "out-of-state" tuition rate. 

The rates for fall 2012, winter 2013 and summer 2013 are:
  • $795.75 per credit hour for undergraduate students with fewer than 56 credits
  • $853.25 per credit hour for undergraduate students with 56 or more credits
International students who plan to attend Oakland University on a student visa (F-1) or an exchange visa (J-1) may qualify for a scholarship award from the International Students and Scholars Office. International transfer students who are currently in the U.S. are also eligible. An application is required for this award. 

International students who are citizens of Canada and Mexico may qualify for the Non-Resident Award from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. The scholarship allows students to pay in-state tuition rates. Learn more on the general scholarships website

Estimated Tuition and Living Expenses
Tuition and expenses illustrated below are for fall and winter semesters, based on a 12-14 credit schedule per semester. Students who plan to enroll in summer courses should plan for additional financial support. 

 Description International Undergraduate
Canadian/Mexican Undergraduate
Tuition (out-of-state)
Tuition (in-state)
$19,103
$10,093
$7,668*
Living Expenses $12,829 $12,829
School Supplies & Misc
 $2,375  $2,375
Medical Insurance $1,448 $1,448
TOTAL $35,755  $24,320


*Many students qualify for the Non-Resident Award that would cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. The rate on this chart reflects this award.

Dependents 

Add 6,500 USD (including insurance) per year for the first dependent and 3,400 USD per year for each additional dependent who will accompany you. (A dependent is a spouse of any age or a child 20 years of age or younger.)

Special Note: Tuition shown above is subject to change at the discretion of the university.



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International applicants, other visa holders, permanent residents, and exchange students whose native language* is not English must provide proof of English proficiency.

One of the following constitutes proof:

1. TOEFL
  • 550 minimum on paper-based TOEFL**
  • 213 minimum on computer-based TOEFL**
  • 79 minimum on Internet-based TOEFL**
2. MELAB 
  • 77 minimum
3. IELTS
  • 6.5 minimum
4. 24 transferable credits, excluding ESL coursework, from a U.S. community college or baccalaureate institution.

5. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university

6. One year of study at and a diploma from a U.S. high school

** Some programs at Oakland University may require a higher level of proficiency than listed above. Applicants should examine the program description for their field of study for information about additional English proficiency requirements and furnish proof as part of the admission process.

Admission with ESL coursework

Oakland University offers admission to non-native English speakers in a number of  undergraduate programs for those students who are academically qualified, but who have not met the English language proficiency requirement. These students may be conditionally admitted and are required to enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes until proficiency is met.

One of the following constitutes proof:

1. TOEFL
  • 520-549 on paper-based TOEFL
  • 190-212 on computer-based TOEFL
  • 69-78 on internet-based TOEFL
2. MELAB
  • 73-76
3. IELTS
  • 6

ESL placement is done by the ESL Center using the Institutional TOEFL and other assessment tools. Upon completion of the individualized ESL instruction sequence, students' English proficiency will be evaluated using the Institutional TOEFL. 


Admission to the Intensive English program (ESL Institute)
Prospective students who do not have adequate English proficiency for admission or admission with ESL coursework to the university can be admitted to the Intensive English program. ESL placement is done by the ESL Center using the Institutional TOEFL and other assessment tools. Upon completion of the individualized ESL instruction sequence, students' English proficiency will be evaluated using the Institutional TOEFL to determine whether additional ESL coursework is necessary to achieve English proficiency. The individualized ESL instruction sequence designed by the Center is not negotiable.

Upon completion of the Intensive English program, students may (re)apply for admission to Oakland University; applicants are evaluated using the admission criteria described above.

*A native language is a language that is acquired naturally during childhood and is usually spoken at home, as opposed to a language that is learned later in life, for example, as part of a person's formal education. Students whose native language is not English are encouraged to visit the ESL Center to discuss any language difficulties they may have while attending Oakland University.




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Now that you have been accepted, you can download and print the step-by-step enrollment guide for international students to stay on track during the enrollment process (you should also receive one with your acceptance letter).

International students will be invited to an orientation. Find more resources and helpful information for international students on the International Students and Scholars Office website. 

Click here for a list of frequently asked questions

Orientation Housing


    
current students enter here


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Picture of Chris Goeth 
Chris Goeth
Senior Recruitment Adviser
(248) 370-4478
Anthony Gallina
Admissions Adviser
(248) 370-2336
request info
apply now
international students and scholars office

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