Kent State University (KSU) has the distinction of being one of the highest-ranking public universities in the United States, according to 2021 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings. This esteemed post-secondary institution, whose roots date back to its founding as a teacher–training college in 1910, is also a popular destination for international students, as Kent State’s international student body represents 98 countries with 258,000 alumni worldwide.

A great educational choice for international students

Kent State is committed to training tomorrow’s leaders, not only for the United States but for the world. Each year, 1,800 students representing a mosaic of cultures choose this beautiful campus in northeastern Ohio to receive a great education. 

Kent State is a short drive from many major U.S. cities including the Ohio cities of Cleveland, Akron, Columbus as well as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Admissions process

Kent State University has a straightforward admissions process for degree and non-degree-seeking students. To get specific admissions information, please click the desired category.

Degree-seeking students apply based on the following categories:

Undergraduate

• Freshmen
• Undergraduate Transfer
• Post Undergraduate

Graduate

Graduate Students

Non-Degree seeking students apply based on the following categories:

Undergraduate   

• Undergraduate Guest
• International Visiting Students
• Exchange Students

Graduate

• Certificate
• Graduate non-degree
• Graduate Guest
• Exchange Students

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Undergraduate

All undergraduate applicants must obtain one of the following:

• TOEFL iBT: 71
• Revised PBT: 18 (average score)
• IELTS Academic and IELTS indicator: 6.0
• Duolingo:100
• PTE Academic: 48
• MELAB: 75
• ELS Level 112 Intensive English Program completion
• SAT: a minimum of 510 evidence-based reading and writing
• ACT: a minimum of 21 in English

Please note, Kent State accepts MyBest™ scores for the TOEFL iBT® test, in addition to TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date.

Graduate

All graduate applicants must obtain one of the following:

• A minimum TOEFL score of 525 (71 on the Internet-based version)
• A minimum MELAB score of 75 or IELTS score of 6.0
• A minimum PTE score of 48 for full-time academic admission

There are exceptions for many graduate programs. To find out more information regarding specific requirements, please consult the KSU website.

ESL Learning Centre

While most international students come to KSU to enter either graduate or undergraduate programs, some have a sole interest in improving their English. Therefore, the KSU ESL (English as a Second Language) Centre offers various programs that provide intensive English language instruction designed to enable international students to develop a greater understanding of the English language as well as American culture. Courses at the ESL Center are available to students of all proficiency levels.

Tuitional and Fees

International undergraduate students studying full-time (for immigration purposes) can expect to pay approximately $40,373 per year, which includes tuition, living expenses, and other costs such as medical insurance.

Graduate students studying full-time can expect to pay $38,848 per year.

Scholarships for International Students

The following scholarships are available to international students:

Undergraduate:

• Global Scholarship - Automatic consideration

Freshman Only:

• International Freshman Scholarship

Graduate:

• Graduate Assistance

Programs Offered Include:

Undergraduate

• Accounting
• Biochemistry
• Career and Community Studies
• Office Technology

Graduate

• Knowledge Management
• Materials Science
• Urban Design
• Geography

https://www.kent.edu/