Skip to main content

To Apply as an International Student

Boise State University welcomes applications from qualified students from around the world. The requirements described below apply to applicants in the United States with a visa or applicants who require a student visa to study in the United States.

Complete Application

International applicants may apply for admission as graduate students if they have earned, from an accredited institution, the equivalent of a U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree or a higher degree. To apply for admission to Boise State University, international applicants must complete the following steps before January 15 for Summer and Fall semester admission, or before October 15 for Spring semester admission, or by the deadline set by the graduate program if that deadline is earlier.

  • Submit a completed International Student Graduate Application along with the nonrefundable application fee.
  • Submit official transcripts and proof of degree from each educational institution attended beyond high school or the equivalent of high school. Instruct the educational institutions to send the transcripts directly to:
    • International Admissions Office
      Boise State University
      1910 University Dr.
      Boise, ID
      83725-1145

If written in a language other than English, these documents must be accompanied by an official English translation. If the institutions cannot submit these documents directly to the Boise State University International Admissions Office, certified or attested copies of official academic records and proof of four-year degree may be substituted. The certified copies must be issued or attested by an official of the institution and sent to Boise State University in the sealed official envelope of the institution, with the institution’s stamp across the seal of the envelope. Boise State University reserves the right to request that applicants submit a professional credential evaluation completed by an independent credential evaluation service in addition to official transcripts. Boise State University accepts evaluations completed by World Education Services.

International applicants may appeal this requirement in situations that meet all of the following requirements:

  • The transcript is for a degree or certificate that was not completed.
  • The application is for a Boise State graduate program at the same academic level (doctoral, master’s, certificate) as the previous incomplete graduate work.
  • The applicant is not transferring any credits from the incomplete degree or certificate.
  • The applicant submits to the Graduate College sufficient documentation showing that application of this requirement would result in an “undue hardship.” This must be a condition that is far more serious than simple inconvenience.

The documentation will be carefully reviewed by the Graduate College in consultation with the International Admissions Office and the timeliness of the appeal will be important. Applicants should submit their application and appeal at least 3 weeks before the application deadline for the specific graduate program. Appeals received after this date will still be reviewed but the review may not be completed in time to meet the specified deadline.

International applicants who appeal this requirement and are admitted to a graduate program will be admitted with “conditional” status pending submission of the official transcript(s).

Official Transcripts and English Proficiency

Guidelines for how to send official transcripts can be found on the International Admissions website: Official International Transcripts

  • Submit evidence of English proficiency that meets the minimum requirements for the Graduate College and the graduate program. The English Language Proficiency Requirement can be met by submitting official TOEFL or IELTS scores. Scores must be submitted directly from the testing agency and are valid if scored within two years of application to Boise State. The minimum score required for admission is:
    • TOEFL iBT score of 80
    • IELTS overall score of 6.5 or better

Some graduate programs may require higher TOEFL or IELTS scores. Prospective students should review the requirements of the specific program they are interested in.

Additional options for demonstrating English language proficiency exist. Please refer to the full list of proficiency options at the Admissions Office webpage – language requirements page.

Meeting score requirements does not guarantee admission. Boise State may request additional supporting documentation and/or an interview to validate English proficiency if deemed necessary during application review.

Other Standardized Exams

  • Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or any other standardized examination required by the graduate program. Ensure that the results of these examinations are forwarded to:
    • Graduate College
      Riverfront Hall, Rm. 307
      Boise State University
      Boise, ID 83725-1110

The institution code number for Boise State University for all examinations administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) including the TOEFL and GRE is 4018. For information about specific program requirements, refer to the Graduate College website.

Submitting Documentation

  • Submit all letters of recommendation and other materials required by the graduate program.
  • Submit documentation sufficient to show sufficient financial resources to cover one calendar year of living expenses, tuition, and fees. Send the documentation to the International Admissions Office after meeting all other requirements for admission and being accepted to a graduate program. This item is only required for students who require an F-1 student visa to complete their graduate program.

The International Admissions Office will issue an I-20 form for students who require an F-1 student visa, meet all admission requirements, supply the necessary financial documentation, and are accepted to a degree program. An I-20 form will be required to apply for an F-1 student visa. For additional information, refer to the International Admissions Office.

Note: All international students taking on-campus classes must purchase health insurance that meets Boise State University’s health insurance requirements.