International Undergraduate 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.

Admissions Criteria & Requirements

What type of student are you?

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

International Undergraduate Guest

You can choose this application route if you would like to take a limited number of undergraduate courses for credit at Kent State.

In order to apply as a guest, you must have graduated from high school or be currently enrolled at another institution. International guest students can only enroll for up to 18 hours each semester and are typically not looking to earn a degree from Kent State.

International Visiting Student

In order to apply as an international visiting student, you must have graduated from high school or be currently enrolled at another institution. Most of our visiting students are attending university outside of the U.S. and would like to study abroad at Kent State for an academic year or less.

As a short-term visitor, you will not be working toward a degree at Kent State. You can remain in this special status for one academic year or until a maximum of 45 semester hours of credit are earned.

If you are coming from a partner university, then your home university coordinator must first nominate you by filling in the nomination form.

Check Kent State's University Fact Sheet for additional information or email edabroad@kent.edu with any questions.

Student from an Exchange Partner

This student type is reserved for international applicants who are currently working toward the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree at their current tertiary-level institution.

You will take classes at Kent State University on a short-term basis and therefore, you will not work toward a degree at Kent State. Your current institution should have an exchange partnership with us, such as a Memorandum of Understanding or Agreement.

Prior to submitting an application, your home university coordinator must first nominate you by filling in the nomination form.

Check Kent State's University Fact Sheet for additional information or email edabroad@kent.edu with any questions.

 

Post-Undergraduate (Non-Degree Option)

You can apply via this route if you have received a baccalaureate degree from a college or university and you wish to take additional undergraduate courses. 

Post-undergraduate non-degree-seeking applicants are required to submit a college transcript (or detailed marksheets) and college graduation certificate or diploma to be considered for a Kent State program. 

Please Note: If you are a former Kent State University student who has not attended any other college or university since your prior enrollment, you do not need to reapply. Contact the Registrar’s Office (telephone number: 330–672–3131) or visit the Admissions homepage of the Regional Campus you plan to attend.

Insurance for International Students

We require all international students to enroll in the insurance provided by Kent State University. Students will be automatically enrolled and charged for this insurance; there are no exceptions to this policy.

Application Deadlines

  • Apr. 1  Fall Semester Application Deadline
  • Oct. 15 Spring Semester Application Deadline

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

Exchange and visiting students are required to submit their nomination form before applying. Please note:

  • Fall semester - Submit your nomination by March 1st and application by April 1st.
  • Spring semester - Submit your nomination by September 15th and application by October 15th.

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.