EIU Office of International Students and Scholars

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ADMISSIONS - GRADUATE

What kinds of graduate programs do you offer at Eastern Illinois University?

You can find a list of available graduate programs on this site: https://www.eiu.edu/graduate/index.php#programs

I am interested in a graduate program at Eastern Illinois University. How do I apply as an international graduate student?

To apply at Eastern Illinois University, you will need:

1. To apply at https://www.eiu.edu/myeiu/. This will be your MyEIU portal.
2. Complete the program application on your MyEIU portal.
3. Submit a copy of the biographical page of your passport.
4. Submit transcripts/marksheets for your completed undergraduate degree.
5. Submit a financial affidavit and supporting bank statement. You can find the financial affidavit here: https://www.eiu.edu/international/docs/FinancialAffidavit.pdf
6. Submit evidence of English proficiency.

Please upload your documents to your MyEIU portal. You may find additional information on this website: https://www.eiu.edu/international/graduateapplication.php

The deadline to apply for the Fall semester is May 15.

I have a three-year degree. Am I eligible to apply for graduate programs at Eastern Illinois University?

Our office will need to review your transcripts/marksheets. Please email international@eiu.edu directly.

Is the GRE/GMAT required?

Requirements vary by graduate programs. You may find information about individual programs on this site: https://www.eiu.edu/international/grequirements.php

I am an international graduate transfer student. How do I transfer my credits?

Please provide an official transcript from your former US institution to the EIU Graduate School for review.

ADMISSIONS - UNDERGRADUATE

What kinds of majors and minors do you offer at Eastern Illinois University for undergraduate students?

You can find a list of all undergraduate majors and minors on this site: https://www.eiu.edu/majors/

I am interested in an undergraduate program at Eastern Illinois University. How do I apply as an international undergraduate student (freshman and transfer)?

To apply at Eastern Illinois University, you will need to complete the following steps:

MY EIU: https://www.eiu.edu/myeiu/.

1. Submit the program application on your MyEIU portal.
2. Submit transcripts/marksheets and diplomas for your completed high-school/secondary education.
3. If applying as a transfer student, submit transcripts/marksheets for any and all undergraduate work.

TERRA DOTTA: https://eiu-isss.terradotta.com/_portal/

1. Submit a copy of the biographical page of your passport.
2. Submit a financial affidavit and supporting bank statement.
3. Submit evidence of English proficiency.

The deadline to apply for the Fall semester is May 15.

Is the SAT/ACT required for international undergraduate applications?

No, international undergraduate applicants do not need to provide SAT or ACT results.

I am an international undergraduate transfer student. How do I transfer my credits?

If you are transferring credits from a US school/institution, please provide an official transcript from your former institution for review.

If you are transferring credits from a foreign school/institution, please arrange to have an official score report from SpanTran to determine your eligibility for transfer credit.

You may contact The Evaluation Company here: https://evalcompany.com/

ADMISSIONS - GENERAL

Do you offer an Application Fee Waiver?

Currently, Eastern Illinois University provides an application fee waiver for all new undergraduate applicants for the Fall semester.

There is currently no application fee waiver for all new international graduate applicants for the Fall semester.

If you have previously applied, you are not eligible for an application fee waiver.

How do I defer my admission?

Currently, EIU no longer defers applications/admissions. Applicants who cannot attend for the admitted term are required to submit new applications for the next available term.

How do I change my application? (Major, etc.)

You can change your application by completing a request on Terra Dotta: https://eiu-isss.terradotta.com/_portal/

What is an E number?

An E# is a unique identifier assigned to you upon your application to Eastern Illinois University. You can find this on your MyEIU portal.

Where is my checklist?

Please allow 24 hours for your checklist to populate after you apply on your MyEIU portal.

Do you accept Duolingo?

Yes, Eastern Illinois University does accept Duolingo as proof of English proficiency. You must achieve a score of 105 to qualify. You may also provide score reports from TOEFL, IELTS or Pearson’s.

English proficiency can be waived under certain circumstances, including the medium of instruction in your home country/institution.

• For undergraduate applications, you can find them here: https://www.eiu.edu/international/ugrequirements.php
• For graduate applications, you can find them here: https://www.eiu.edu/international/grequirements.php

I am from an English-speaking country. Will the English language proficiency requirement be waived?

Please submit a copy of your passport to the MyEIU portal. Once this is reviewed, your English language proficiency requirement will be waived on your MyEIU portal.

Can I get conditional admission?

If you are planning to attend training in the US for English as a Second Language, you can receive conditional admission for the following academic semester/year. Please notify our office at international@eiu.edu.

COSTS, SCHOLARSHIPS & ASSISTANTSHIPS

How much does it cost to attend Eastern Illinois University as an international student?

International Undergraduate costs of study are available here: https://www.eiu.edu/international/ucost.php

International Graduate costs of study are available here: https://www.eiu.edu/international/gcost.php

Do you offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, you can apply for the International Student Scholarship - more information and an application is available here: https://www.eiu.edu/international/prospectiveinternationalscholarship.php.

Do I qualify for the Undergraduate International Excellence Award?

Incoming international undergraduates who have a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale are automatically provided the Undergraduate International Excellence Award (in-state tuition).

Can international students apply for financial aid or any other kind of scholarship?

International students are not eligible for financial aid.

Once enrolled, international students may apply for scholarships available at Eastern Illinois University. Information about scholarships is available here: https://www.eiu.edu/scholarships/

Do you offer graduate assistantships?

Yes, you can apply for a Graduate Assistantship - more information and an application is available here: https://www.eiu.edu/international/graduateassistantship.php

IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS

What is a Form I-20?

All F and M students that study in the United States need a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status". Once fully admitted to Eastern Illinois University, international students will receive a Form I-20 from their designated school official (DSO). Once you receive a Form I-20, please print and sign to bring to a visa interview.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For more information, please visit: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/prepare/students-and-the-form-i-20

How do I pay the SEVIS fee?

To pay the SEVIS fee, please go to: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html. You will need to bring a receipt for payment of the SEVIS fee to a visa interview.

What is a DSO?

A DSO is a Designated School Official. You can contact the Office of International Students and Scholars at:

2170 Blair Hall
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-2321
international@eiu.edu

I submitted all my documents. When do I receive a Form I-20?

Once all your documents have been submitted, please allow 5-7 business days for a decision to be made on your file. If you are admitted, you will receive an admission letter and a Form I-20 electronically in your documents folder on Terra Dotta.

Please do not submit your documents more than once - this delays processing time.

When do I receive a status update?

You can view the status of your application on your MyEIU portal.

I've received my I-20. Now what?

You will receive visa tips on securing your visa. You can also view pre-arrival and Orientation information on the following site: https://www.eiu.edu/international/pre-departure.php

I am an international transfer student. When will I get my I-20?

Once your SEVIS record has been verified and registered, you will receive your Form I-20. You will be notified via email.