International Graduate Non-Degree Requirements

Approximately 1,500 international students from 100 countries are currently enrolled at Kent State. We’re excited to have you join us and are here to help you every step of the way. We take a holistic approach to the application review process and consider a variety of factors in the admissions decision. Good luck!

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Finish of Check the Status of Your Existing Application

Which type of student are you?

Before you begin your application, please review the following categories to ensure you choose the correct application path.

Graduate Non-Degree Students

This is a great option if you are not looking to earn a graduate degree and instead you wish to take a limited number of graduate courses for self-improvement, intellectual curiosity or expansion of professional expertise.

Please note the following:

  • If you choose to transfer into a graduate degree program, a maximum of 12 semester hours of non-degree credit may be considered to satisfy requirements for a degree program. Only 6 semester credit hours can be transferred into some graduate programs.
  • Non-degree students may not transfer credits earned at another university.
  • Students who are pursuing graduate certificate programs should apply as a non-degree student, unless they are already in a degree program.
  • Anyone who has been denied admission to graduate studies, or is under dismissal from the university, is not eligible for non-degree student status.
Guest Students

Guest students typically take courses for job enhancement or personal enrichment, and have no current interest in pursuing a degree. To be admitted in this category, you must have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. 

Please note the following:

  • If you choose to transfer into a graduate degree program, a maximum of 6 semester hours of non-degree credit may be considered to satisfy requirements for a degree program.
  • Guest students who wish to pursue a degree program or continue after 6 semester hours must apply for regular admission. Guest students must meet all prerequisites for courses (or obtain permission of the instructor) and must obtain approval from the corresponding program coordinator.
  • Guest students are not eligible for financial aid.
  • Anyone who has been denied admission to graduate studies, or is under dismissal from the university, is not eligible for guest student status.
Exchange Students

You can enroll at Kent State University for one or two semesters on a non-degree basis as an international exchange student. 

As an exchange student, you will be a short-term student coming from a Kent State partner institution, and not working toward a degree at Kent State.

 

Application Deadlines

  • Oct. 1 Spring Semester Application Deadline
  • June 1 Fall Semester Application Deadline

Late applications are accepted but we recommend that international students apply as early as possible to allow for pre-departure requirements.

 

Application Process & Steps

Follow the steps below to become part of the Kent State community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at any time. 

Submit an online application and non-refundable application fee

There is a $70 nonrefundable application fee. 

 An application fee is not required if applying as:

  • Guest
  • Exchange
  • Admitted with an academic condition and reapplying as non-degree for immigration purposes 
Prepare application documents to upload as you apply
  • Passport Biographical Page
  • English Language Proficiency official results report 
  • College transcript/detailed marksheets (Certified English translation and original language) 
  • Permission form
  • College Graduation Certificate/Diploma if already issued (Certified English translation and original language) 
  • Additional documents if required *review requirements from individual department or school
  • Financial documents that show sufficient funds to cover educational expenses.
Upload All Required Documents to the Online Application System

For faster processing, all the documents should be uploaded in the online application system to complete the application.

Check Your Admission Status

Please remember that it is your responsibility to check your application status to ensure that we have received all the documents. As a reminder, you are able to monitor the status of your application online. Please note that items sent to Kent State become the property of the university and will not be returned.

Apply for Immigration Documents (I-20)

Now that you are admitted, you will need an immigration document in order to obtain your student visa. Please check the immigration document page for additional information.

Transfer Your SEVIS record (If Applicable)

If you are an F-1 student transferring from a school in the United States, please review the Transfer In Guide regarding your SEVIS record transfer. F-1 students must transfer their SEVIS record in order to maintain their F-1 status.

Provide Final and Official Documents After Arrival

For admissions purposes, we accept scanned documents of international credentials and scanned copies of official U.S. transcripts. When an applicant is admitted, his/her final and official transcripts and diploma should be brought to the International Admissions Office for verification. This should be done within the first semester (or the first module for ESL students). Otherwise, the student's account will be put on HOLD.

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