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International Students

International flags at DSU entrance

Students from around the world choose Delaware State University for its small, family-like campus and welcoming spirit. At DSU, we offer opportunities for international students to pursue their degrees here or attend our USA Culture Enrichment Program, a non-degree program. Home to hundreds of international students, DSU has a supportive international affairs staff to help you adjust to life in the U.S. We even match you with an ambassador to ease the transition. Plus, you’ll enjoy many opportunities to make friends outside of the classroom, both on campus and as you explore nearby Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington, D.C.

Following are the steps you’ll need to take if you are a non-U.S. student seeking admission to DSU:

  1. Start admissions process no later than 90 days prior to start of classes.
  2. Review the DSU International admissions requirements to determine eligibility.
  3. Create an account to get started on your online application.
  4. Have your academic transcripts evaluated by a DSU recognized credential agency. 
  5. Forward all test scores, which includes one of the following; TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, ELI, to the admissionsdocs [at] desu.edu (Office of Admissions).
  6. Submit all required financial documents to the cmoore [at] desu.edu (Office of International Affairs).

Admissions for International Students

International students are encouraged to begin the admissions process no later than 90 days prior to the start of classes for the semester for which they are applying. Applications submitted less than 90 days before the start of classes may take longer to process.

International students interested in applying to DSU should:

  • Apply online, create an account to get started on your application.
  • Have transcripts evaluated by the World Education Service (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) and then forwarded by the evaluating organization to the Office of Admissions. All academic records must be converted into their U.S. education equivalents by a University-recognized credential agency, to obtain transfer credit for education completed at non-U.S. postsecondary institutions. Please note that a course-by-course evaluation needs to be completed which provides the US equivalency of your credentials and US GPA. Transcript evaluations must be submitted either: sealed or electronically sent directly from the evaluating organization.  PLEASE NOTE: The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request that transcripts from international English-speaking institutions must be evaluated by WES or any of the other recognized credential agencies if educational equivalency cannot clearly be determined by the Office of Admissions.
  • The University will also consider international applicants who have taken the General Education Development (GED) test. Applicants must submit a notarized copy of their GED certificate with their application and fee to be considered for admission.
  • Test Scores are required if English is not the Country’s Native Language, which will be determined once the WES or ECE is submitted to Delaware State University, the Office of Admissions.
  • Acceptable English Test Scores include; TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, ACT, Delaware State University ELI Certificate
    • TOEFL:
      • 550 or higher paper-based test is acceptable before 2021
      • 79 or higher Online Test
      • 79 or higher Paper Test after 2021
    • IELTS:
      • 6.5 or higher
    • SAT:
    • ACT:
    • DSU ELI:
      • Certificate from Delaware State University
      • In lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS exams, students can enroll in Delaware State University’s English Language Institute (ELI).  Upon successful completion of the ELI program, students will receive a certificate that fulfills the University’ English language requirement for enrollment into a regular degree-seeking program.  For more information, please visit the English Language Institute.
  • Submit an I-20 Application, a F-1 Student Seeking Financial Statement and an Affidavit of Support for Free Room & Board to: Delaware State University, Office of International Affairs.

If you are an international student seeking graduate admissions, please visit Graduate Admissions.