International Admission

International Applicants Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Applicants

• Do you require an English Language Test?

  Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) assessment are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. We are currently accepting Duolingo as proof of English language as well. Duolingo scores DO NOT meet the GTA eligibility requirement for non-native English speakers.

  Please see DU’s English proficiency requirements for more information about English language requirements and exemptions.

• What is OPT?

  Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a work benefit allowed to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing a degree program in the U.S. This employment can be used pre-completion of studies, over the annual vacation or leave term, or post-completion of studies, after the student finishes the degree. For more information on OPT, please visit DU’s International Student & Scholars Services OPT website.

• Will I be eligible for OPT?

  F-1 students who have been enrolled for a minimum of nine months are eligible for up to twelve (12) months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Employment under OPT must be directly related to a student's field of study and appropriate to the level of education.

• Are your programs eligible for an OPT STEM extension?

  Yes. Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for an OPT STEM extension. The OPT STEM extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field.

• Where can I find more information about international student employment?

  For immigration purposes, employment is the exchange of services for any form of compensation, monetary or otherwise. Compensation can be hourly pay, a stipend, a tuition waiver, reduced rent, or a bus pass. You should verify that you have authorization before beginning any form of employment.

  DU proudly offers graduate assistantship positions to an average of 570 students every quarter, with department support from 35 programs. To see if you are qualified to become a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA), visit the Graduate Bulletin. Please note that these positions are not available to students in our professional programs, and students in traditional programs apply for positions once they are admitted to a program. 

  For more information on international student employment, please visit DU’s International Student & Scholars Services website. 

International Graduate Application Materials

To apply, there is a $65 application fee. The University of Denver also requires a nonrefundable fee of $50 for third-party international credential evaluation before the application is processed.

• 

  Professional Background

  Upload your current resume or CV. 

• 

  Academic Background

  Fill out this section with all institutions attended, including transfer credits (but not study abroad). Unofficial transcripts can be used for the application process, but we will need your official transcripts before school starts. If they are sent electronically, send them to gradinfo@du.edu. If physical mail is the only option, mail them to:

  Office of Graduate Admissions

  Mary Reed Building Room 5

  2199 S. University Blvd. Denver, Colorado 80208

  International applicants should also upload a copy of their proof of degree (diploma/certificate) under "miscellaneous documents."  

• 

  Letters of Recommendation

  You will provide contact information for two or three recommenders, depending on the program, and we will send them a questionnaire via email. Recommenders can be from your professional or academic background. We encourage you to list their professional email addresses and not to use gmail or hotmail email address.

• 

  Personal Statement

  Your personal statement should be at least 300 words and include information concerning your life, education, practical experience, special interests, and specific purpose for applying to the University of Denver.

• 

  Additional Requirements for International Students

  Please note that while Duolingo can be used to meet admissions requirements, it does not meet the English language requirement for GTA positions.

  View more about English language requirements