International Graduate non-degree/Certificate Applicants

Welcome to step three of Kent State University’s online application process. Now that you have determined you are accessing the Graduate Admissions area and applying for a non-degree or certificate program, please review this tip sheet BEFORE completing the online application.

Step 3

General Information:

1. This option is for applicants who wish to take a limited number of graduate courses for self-improvement, intellectual curiosity or expansion of areas of professional expertise.
2. This classification is only for those students not working toward a graduate degree at Kent State University.
3. At most 12 semester hours of credit may be petitioned to satisfy requirements for a degree program. Such a petition must receive approval of the department/school and of the appropriate graduate dean.

   Note that only 6 semester credit hours can be transferred in some departments/schools graduate programs.

4. Non-degree students may not transfer credit earned at another university.

Anyone who has been denied admission to graduate studies, or is under dismissal from the University, is not eligible for non-degree student status.

Tips/Checklist for Application:

• Students who are pursuing graduate certificate programs should apply as a non-degree student, unless they are already in a degree program.
• There is a $60 nonrefundable application fee. You will be prompted to submit payment via the online application.
• You will be prompted to select the academic unit ( College of The Arts, College of Communication and Information, etc.) of your intended course work or certificate program, if applicable. Further information can be found in the Graduate Programs Listing.
• Submit official transcripts in a sealed envelope from every college or university (except Kent State University) in which 9 semester hours or more were earned and send directly to:

  Office of International Affairs
  Kent State University
  106 Van Campen Hall
  21 Loop Rd
  Kent OH 44242
  USA

• English proficiency examination. All applicants whose education has been primarily outside the United States must have objective evidence of proficiency in the English language, with the exception of those educated primarily in the following counties: Australia; Canada, except Quebec; Commonwealth Caribbean, including Belize; Liberia; New Zealand; United Kingdom; and the United States, except Puerto Rico.
• Applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents but who have been educated outside the countries listed above are also required to submit such evidence. Applicants who have recently completed three years of full-time study at a secondary institution in the United States OR two years of full-time academic study (64 semester hours) at a postsecondary institution in the United States may be exempted from this requirement, after supporting academic records have been received by the Admissions Office.
• Evidence of English language proficiency may be provided by submitting results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), OR the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB).
• A complete and official record of all institutions attended. If you have attended more than one secondary school, records for each must be submitted. School records must be submitted in their original language and should be accompanied by certified, literal English translations.
• Financial Information Worksheet. All applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must complete the Financial Information Worksheet for International Students. The worksheet must be accompanied by a current bank statement from the sponsor’s financial institution. Access this form.

Thank you for reviewing these items in the graduate guest applicant requirements tip sheet. Please move on to Step three and submit your application.

Step 4