College of Education
Instructions for International Applicants
1. Applicants who completed all or part of their education abroad are required to have their foreign credentials translated by an independent service. We recommend one of the following translation services: Joseph Silny (www.jsilny.com) or ECE Edcuational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (http://www.ece.org/main/HomePage?OpenForm&SubSite=1&LeftNav=1).
If additional evaluation is needed, the applicant will be notified by the office of Academic Assistance.
The academic records MUST include original documents and a proof of degree letter, if receipt of degree is not indicated on the mark sheet. Documents must be provided for every school attended. Notarized copies are acceptable, or the original documents may be brought to the OAA Office for review and copying.
2. Photocopies of the official score report for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) must be submitted by International applicants whose native language is other than English in order for admission to be considered. TOEFL scores may not be more than two years old. If your test date does not meet this criterion, you must retake the TOEFL and submit current scores before your application will be considered. The correct Educational Testing Service institution code number is 8259 Exception: The TOEFL is not required of international applicants who have received an accredited bachelor’s degree or a higher degree from a U.S. institution or from applicants whose mother tongue is English. For international applicants located in Atlanta, the GSTEP can replace the TOEFL requirement.
The TOEFL became a computer-based test in many parts of the world in July 1998; an essay-writing score is now a standard part of the test. For international applicants who apply from countries where the TOEFL is still a paper-and- pencil test, we recommend that it be taken if possible at one of the five administrations where the Test of Written English (TWE) is also given.
Official scores must be sent to the Academic Assistance Office from Educational Testing Service by the deadline for completed files for the desired semester of entry. Applicants’ copies will not be sufficient if official scores are not available by the deadline.
Permanent residents of the USA whose native language is not English or who do not hold an American degree must also submit TOEFL scores to be considered for a GRA or GTA.
The Office of Academic Assistance has a separate department code for TOEFL scores. Please have TOEFL scores reported to institution code 8259.
3. Georgia State University Financial Statement. Admission cannot be granted to an international applicant who will need an immigration document (I-20 or DS-2019), regardless of academic credentials, until the Georgia State University Financial Statement and supporting documents have been submitted and approved showing that the minimum financial requirements have been met. All supporting documents must be originals, not faxes or photocopies.
4. When associated documents submitted are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by official translations. These translations must be original and should be made by the American Embassy, the home country Embassy or an appropriate government official.
5. International applicants should be aware that collecting the documents to support applications may take additional time. Time must be allowed to submit the Georgia State University Financial Affidavit and supporting documentation about financial resources.
Instructions for Exchange Students
International students engaged in a formal exchange program between their home institution and Georgia State University comprise a special relationship in the College of Education. Please contact the Office of Academic Assistance, College of Education, for specifics of applying to Georgia State University.