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International Student Admission

The Catholic University of America welcomes applications from academically-qualified students from around the world consistent with its mission and commitment to diversity. The University admits academically-qualified students regardless of immigration status. See https://www.catholic.edu/admission/undergraduate/international-students/index.html for additional information regarding international student admission processes.

Application Method

Students applying to The Catholic University of America for fall admission should submit a completed Application for Admission by November 1 for Early Action and Early Decision I, and February 1 for both Early Decision II and Regular Decision. Students admitted through our Early Decision I deadline will have until January 15 to submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit. Admitted Early Decision II students will have until March 15. Admitted Early Action and Regular Decision students will have until May 1.

Required Credentials for International Candidates

International Applications are considered complete when the Office of Undergraduate Admission has received the following:

  1. The completed Common Application with all required essays;
  2. A completed Secondary School Report and recommendation from the student’s college or guidance counselor;
  3. An official high school transcript;
  4. Official college transcripts (transfer students);
  5. A teacher recommendation;
  6. A certified, translated copy of transcripts of all previous education equivalent to secondary and postsecondary education in the United States. All transcripts issued from outside the United States must be certified by a recognized evaluator of international educational records (such as WES or AACRAO), even if in the English language. Education completed at institutions outside of the United States, as shown by official documents, may be accepted as equivalent to educational experience in the United States;
  7. Supporting documentation that verifies the availability of sufficient funds (at time of I-20 application);
  8. Official documentation of English language proficiency (see requirements below).

English Language Proficiency

All students from countries and areas where English is not the common, spoken language (even if the student is already a resident of the United States) must have a practical understanding of spoken and written English to benefit from instruction, study, and examinations in that language. Course work at The Catholic University of America requires university-level English language proficiency and skills. The Catholic University of America, therefore, requires all applicants whose native language is not English to demonstrate language proficiency. Students can take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, Duolingo, Pearson PTE, or an International English Language Testing System exam before they can be considered for final admission. Minimally accepted undergraduate scores are set forth below. Students should have test results sent directly to The Catholic University of America.

University English Language Proficiency Minimums

Source of Evaluation Acceptable standard
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

 Paper: 150
Computer: 213
Internet: 80 (minimum of 20 in each category)
IELTS 6.5 Individual IELTS test module scores are also reviewed in addition to the overall IELTS score.
Duolingo 105
PTE 56

The testing requirement can be waived on a case-by-case basis should the applicant have appropriate documentation of successful completion of one of the following:

  1. The University’s Intensive English Program;
  2. Level 112 in the intensive English program offered by an ELS Language Center (http://www.els.com);
  3. An Intensive English program at an accredited institution of higher education or accredited English language training program;
  4. A college-level English Composition class determined to be the equivalent of or more advanced than the University’s English Composition 101 course, with a grade of B or above;
  5. A graduate degree, a Bachelor's Degree (B.A. or B.S.), or an Associate’s Degree (A. A.) from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education or a high school diploma.