Explanation of Supporting Documents for International Applicants
Please use the Check-Off List for International Applicants to determine the supporting documents you need to send with your application. You should also read the information on the Admissions page where you can download the Application for Graduate Admission, and get important information on topics such as standardized testing and recommended application deadlines.
Go to the Check-Off List for International Applicants >>
The following is an explanation of those parts of the application that are specific to international applicants:
Application Fee
All international applicants are required to submit a $50.00 non-refundable application fee, along with the application for admission. This is a processing fee and may not be waived, deferred or applied toward tuition or other charges. Payment should be made by check, credit card, bank draft or money order payable to Bradley University. Always keep the receipt from your bank draft or money order, or your canceled check, in case you need to verify that your payment has been made.
Transcripts/Mark Sheets
In the United States, a transcript is the name given to the official university report that lists the subjects, grades, and dates of attendance and other information reflecting a student's academic performance in a specific university. In the US, a transcript is considered official only when it has been prepared by the registrar's office and submitted in a sealed envelope to another given office.
Two sets of official copies of transcripts, academic records, mark sheets, etc. should be sent directly from the academic institution (normally the registrar's office) to the Graduate School at Bradley University. Transcripts should reflect subjects and examination results on a year-by-year or semester-by-semester basis. Transcripts in a language other than English must be accompanied by an official translation. An explanation of the grading system should be included, if not noted on the document. A rank in class, or a student's positing in relation to other students, is helpful. Certification of the degree and the date the degree was awarded is required as a separate document, unless this information is indicated on the transcript itself.
Applicants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any country using statements of marks, memorandum of marks, mark sheets, etc., are required to submit official (attested) copies of the annual and semester mark sheets from every examination session for all subjects passed, failed and repeated. These documents must be provided by the university registrar's office and mailed directly to the Graduate School. Consolidated mark sheets are not accepted. Transcripts prepared by the college or institute where the study has been completed are not accepted in place of university mark sheets. On a temporary basis we will accept university mark sheets that have been attested by the college or institute, if they are stamped, signed and submitted in a sealed, official envelope and prepared by an authorized official of the institution.
Applicants from China are required to submit official transcripts in Chinese with official, literal translations in English. The graduation diploma and degree certification are also required to be submitted in Chinese, accompanied by official, literal translations. These documents must be sent from the university registrar's office to the Graduate School and should be unopened, stamped, signed, and dated.
English Proficiency Examination (TOEFL)
All applicants, regardless of nationality, whose native language is not English are required to submit evidence of proficiency in the English language as demonstrated by results on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This test is administered internationally by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). You are required to submit an official TOEFL score through ETS by designating Bradley University as a recipient of the score and using the Bradley University institutional code 1070. Copies of the TOEFL are accepted on a temporary basis, only. Scores are considered valid for two years beyond the test date, after which time the test must be retaken.
The Graduate School requires a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (iBT internet-based test). The Physical Therapy program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 600. It is reasonable to assume that any program may be more selective and may give preference to applicants with higher scores. Exemption from the TOEFL may be considered for applicants who have earned a degree at a US college or university. If you are requesting an exemption for any other reason, you must submit a written request for exemption.
Additional information on the TOEFL examination can be obtained by contacting the nearest US embassy, consulate or US Information Agency, or by directly contacting the Educational Testing Service, Box 899, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA. Detailed information about the test, test sites and test reservation is also available at the ETS web site.
Financial Certification
The purpose of financial certification: The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), requires universities to have documented proof that an admitted student has sufficient financial resources (support) for the length of the program of study before issuing the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20). The I-20 is the document a student presents to the US Visa Section of the US Embassy or Consulate with their application for a student (F-1) visa. Presentation of accurate, complete and current documentation is critical for issuance of the I-20 and approval of a visa application. Bradley University requires this information in compliance with regulations set forth by USCIS for all students planning to enter the US for the purpose of studying, or for transferring from one institution to another within the US.
Determining Financial Ability: Bradley University estimates the cost of graduate study at $21,000 each calendar year for two years, the normal length of time required to complete a master's degree. USCIS and Bradley University require evidence of funds for living expenses during the summer, regardless of whether or not you register for classes (which is not required). Employment in the US cannot be assumed or considered as part of your financial resources. The estimated cost does not include travel to, from or within the US, nor additional initial start-up expenses such as rent and utility deposits, bedding and linens, clothing, and staples. Payment of tuition is required at the start of each semester immediately after registering for corpuses. The breakdown of these estimated expenses is provided under "Estimated Expenses."
Certification and Documentation Requirements: You and your financial sponsor are required to read the Bradley University Financial Information and Certification form and complete it as appropriate. It can be viewed or printed from the Forms page or you can request it from our office, if preferred. This form requires that your sponsor complete Section 1 and attach a current bank statement that specifies the sponsor's account balance. Also acceptable is an Affidavit of Support from your sponsor that indicates his/her intent and ability to provide you with at least $21,000 each year for two years, along with a bank statement as described above. Documents that do not meet this requirement include: solvency statements, bank statements in the name of the applicant, bank statements that allude to the presumed ability of the sponsor, company sponsors and company bank statements (unless the applicant is an employee of the company or has a contract to return employment services to the company), accountant's reports of the sponsor's worth. The bank statement required is simply a dated official letter from the sponsor's bank that states the sponsor's current account balance. The bank statement must be in English, indicate what currency is being reported, the value in US dollars, and give the currency exchange rate.
Additional Requirements
Other required documents used in the evaluation of prospective students may include essays, letters of recommendation, a resume, a portfolio (for art applicants) or any other information considered appropriate by the department. Please check the Graduate Catalog for additional departmental application requirements.