Admission Requirements


The International Admission Process

Applying to TU is easier than ever when you submit your application on-line. However, applying for admission to an American university is a time-consuming process. In order to allow sufficient time for the processing of your application and for you to receive necessary documentation to obtain a visa, allow four months to complete the entire procedure.

The admission policy is designed to seek international students who demonstrate intellectual promise in a challenging curriculum, and are committed to the liberal education reflected in the Mission of The University of Tulsa and to upholding the Student Code of Conduct.

Admission Application Checklist

In order to be considered for admission, the following items must be received.

  • A fully completed and signed International Application for Admission Form. Forms can easily be completed online via the Internet, or applicants may download a paper form from this website.
  • Nonrefundable application fee of $50. This may be paid with check or money order made payable to ‘The University of Tulsa’ or online.
  • Original or certified copies of all secondary (high school) and post-secondary school transcripts. If your transcripts are printed in a foreign language, we will need a certified English translation of any documents. For applicants with their secondary education completed in China, the final official transcript must be received directly from the China Academic Degree and Graduate Education Development Center (CDGDC). See details of this process on their website at: http://cqv.chinadegrees.cn/en/  
  • A photocopy of the personal data page of your passport. 
  • Scores and results of A Levels, International Baccalaureate, and Advanced Placement coursework for consideration of advanced standing credit at our university. 
  • A completed Confirmation of Financial Resources (CFR).  This requirement applies to all applicants who are not United States Citizens or who are not holding permanent resident visas at the time they apply for admission. These statements must be on file at the University of Tulsa before final admission is granted. 
  • Evidence of English proficiency: a thorough knowledge of written and spoken English is essential for successful study at The University of Tulsa. All international students (freshman and transfer) whose first language is not English are required to provide proof of English proficiency by submitting one of the following to be granted full admission to TU:
    • an official TOEFL score report (paper-based 500 or above, or Internet-based 61 or above)
    • IELTS report (5.0 or higher on all sub-scores as well as cumulative score)
    • Completion of ELS Level 112
    • We strongly encourage students to provide a student essay and counselor or teacher recommendation letters, and SAT/ACT tests where applicable.

    If a student is academically admissible, but lacks the necessary English proficiency, he/she may be advised to enroll in the English Institute for International Students located on the TU campus. Students transferring from a college or university in the US with at least 30 semester hours of academic coursework are exempt from this requirement. 

    Upon the receipt of the above items, The International Student Services Office will conduct a review of eligibility and then contact the applicant with an admissions decision. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing.

    Please note that as of April 26th, 2013, we are no longer accepting applications for summer only enrollment.