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International

At Oakland University, we welcome students from all over the world. International students can come to OU as a/an:

  • Undergraduate Student: Students who are degree-seeking and who have met the English proficiency requirement.
  • Undergraduate GAPP student: The Global Achievement Pathways Program (GAPP) allows students to come to OU with lower English proficiency and begin academic study for a degree while taking English classes.
  • ESL student: (apply here). Students who need to improve their English proficiency before applying for a degree program.
  • ASAP student: The American Semester Abroad Program (ASAP) allows students to study abroad at Oakland for a semester or a year and transfer credits back to their home university.

Want to know more about OU or have questions about applying? Check out our International Student Viewbook or contact us at [email protected] or (248) 370-3360.

Apply NowMeet Your Admissions Adviser

  1. Complete the online application. Please submit your completed application for the desired term by:
    • July 1 for the fall semester
    • November 1 for the winter semester
    • March 1 for the summer semester

Oakland University is committed to supporting students whose application process is impacted by COVID-19. For students who are unable to obtain required documentation (official transcripts, English proficiency test scores) due to closures of schools and test centers, we are making the following allowances:

Unofficial transcripts and copies of current English language proficiency test score reports (TOEFL, IELTS, IELTS Indicator, Duolingo and PTE Academic) will be accepted by emailing [email protected].

Undergraduate English Proficiency Policy
A reasonable level of English proficiency is needed for students to be successful when completing an academic degree in the United States. All international applicants, other visa holders, permanent residents, and applicants whose first language is not English, must be proficient in English as a requirement to enroll in courses for credit at Oakland University. Such applicants will be required to demonstrate English proficiency by meeting one of the following conditions listed below.

Admission based on English Proficiency Testing for Undergraduate students

 

Regular Admission Minimum scores

Global Achievement Pathways Program (GAPP), or

American Semester Abroad Program

(ASAP)

ESL Institute

Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test

(TOEFL iBT)

79

One semester
69 to 78

(Minimum section

score 16)
----
Two semesters
62 to 68

61 or lower

International English Language

Testing System

(IELTS)

6.5

One semester
IELTS 6.0
(Minimum section

score 5.5)
----
Two semesters
IELTS 6.0

5.5 or lower

PTE Academic

53

One semester
48 - 52
----
Two semesters
44 - 47

43 or lower

Duolingo

100

One semester
95
----
Two semesters
90

85 or lower


Additional ways to demonstrate English Proficiency

  • One year of study and a diploma from a U.S. high school.
  • Completion of all coursework to earn a high school diploma at an institution outside of the U.S. where the language of instruction was English.
  • 24 transferable credits, excluding ESL coursework, from a U.S. community college or baccalaureate institution.
  • A degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
  • Completion of three level 7 courses with a minimum of a B- in the ESL Institute at Oakland University.
  • Completion of ELS Level 112 Intensive program.

The following criteria only apply to students who do not hold and are not seeking an F or a J visa to study at Oakland University.

  • The student has worked full-time in the United States for at least three years in an English speaking environment. Evidence must be provided such as a letter of support from human resources to confirm employment.
  • The student has worked full-time for at least three years in an English speaking environment outside of the United States. Evidence must be provided such as a letter of support from human resources that confirms English as the primary language of written and oral communication.
  • A letter of support or comment from the ESL Institute at Oakland University based on an interview and completion of the ESL placement test.

Some programs at Oakland University may require a higher level of English 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.

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

Tuition and expenses illustrated below are for fall and winter semesters, based on a 12-14 credit schedule per semester. Students who will enroll in summer courses should plan for additional financial support. Students should also budget an additional $4,000 per year for books, supplies and other personal costs. Students who plan to bring dependents on an F-2 visa, should add $6,500 (including insurance) per year for the first dependent and $4,900 per year for each additional dependent. (A dependent is a spouse or a child 20 years of age or younger).

  • International Undergraduate
    Tuition (out-of-state) $19,788
    Living expenses $11,416
    Medical insurance $1,930
    TOTAL $33,134
  • Canadian/Mexican/ASAP Undergraduate
    Tuition (out-of-state) $13,503*
    Living expenses $11,416
    Medical insurance $1,930
    TOTAL $26,849
  • GAPP 1
    Tuition (out-of-state) $21,438
    Living expenses $11,416
    Medical insurance $1,930
    TOTAL $34,784

  • GAPP 2
    Tuition (out-of-state) $18,150
    Living expenses $11,416
    Medical insurance $1,930
    TOTAL $31,496

    *Freshman and transfer students from Canada or Mexico may qualify for the Non-Resident Award, which would cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. The rate on this chart reflects this award. Students pursuing a second undergraduate degree do not qualify for this award. Tuition is subject to change at the discretion of the university.

Oakland University welcomes any individual on a valid F-2 visa to benefit from part-time study even if their F-1 visa holder attends another institution. Academic study as a degree-seeking candidate at OU will require an F-2 student to meet all university and departmental admissions requirements.

Undergraduate Admissions

Wilson Hall, Room 2000
371 Wilson Boulevard
Rochester, MI 48309-4486
(location map)
(248) 370-3360
Text: (248) 712-3361


Office Hours
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Appointments
M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Make an appointment