International students having adequate preparation for graduate study may apply for admission, but applications should be filed at least six months prior to the anticipated date of enrollment. Midyear enrollment is strongly discouraged. In addition to the requirements mentioned in the paragraphs above, all students from non-English-speaking countries must submit proof of adequate training and ability in the use of English as evidenced by a satisfactory score on recognized and acceptable tests administered in the student's home country. Normally, it is expected that an applicant will submit a score of at least 525 (71 internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or base score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or 48 on the Pearson Test of English-Academic (PTE-A). A student may waive the TOEFL or IELTS requirements if they earn Level 6 in all course areas and receive a letter of recommendation from the administrators of the International English Institute (IEI). Not all programs permit this.  Please review the admissions criteria for your desired degree program. A TOEFL score of at least 550--79 internet-based or a PTE-A score of 53 is required for Agriculture & Human Ecology, Engineering, Interdisciplinary Studie, M.B.A. and Nursing.

 *Check requirements of the specific college or department to determine level needed for admissions.

Applicants must also give satisfactory proof of sufficient funds to cover all of their expenses including travel.

The Graduate School will not knowingly consider for admission any person who has entered the United States via an immigration visa issued for another university until that person has been enrolled in that university; thereafter, the usual transfer procedures would be implemented. International students who wish to transfer from another university to Tennessee Tech must submit the usual materials required for initial admission; additionally, each applicant must furnish:

1. official transcripts from the current institution;

2. a verification statement from that institution's international student advisor;

3. photocopies of Form I-20ID (front and back), the passport, the visa, and Form I-94.

Only transfer credit from an accredited university is permitted; each student is expected to complete a full program of study at Tennessee Technological University.

In cases where the undergraduate record may furnish insufficient evidence of any applicant's potential for success in graduate study, additional qualifying examinations may be administered by the department in which the applicant proposes to study. The cost of the tests will be borne by the applicant.

If admission is approved, Form I-20 will be issued as follows: not later than June 1 for the fall term, November 1 for the spring term, and April 1 for the summer term. These dates are consistent with immigration regulations and apply to all F-1 nonimmigrant students including those transferring from other U.S. institutions and those who are already enrolled at Tennessee Tech who wish to change from one degree program to another.

International students who are deficient in either written or spoken English are required to enroll in ESL 1010-1020 and to earn a grade of at least "C" in each course; waiver of this requirement may be permitted on the basis of satisfactory scores on the English Placement Test.