Incoming Transfer Requirements

Academic Requirements

Students transferring from a university outside of the U.S.

Students transferring from a U.S. university

Documentation Requirements

Transfer students will need to submit the following to be considered for admission to NIU:

Note: students coming on F-1 (student) visas also need to submit proof of financial ability to receive their immigration documents.


Completed NIU Application

Apply online through Undergraduate Admissions.


Final Secondary School Transcript and/or Exam Results

These documents must be official originals or attested copies. Please submit the documents in their original language and also provide an official English translation.


Official or Attested Transcripts of All of Your University Work

This includes all post-secondary schools you have been enrolled in. Please submit the documents in their original language and also provide an official English translation.


Proof of English Ability

Students enrolling at NIU must first prove they can communicate in English at a university level.

Any one of the following will be considered as adequate proof of English proficiency:

  • Attended a US high school for more than two years by the time you graduate.
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS score report
    • TOEFL: Either an Internet-based or paper-based test. Required minimum scores:
      • 71 on an Internet-based test- use NIU’s TOEFL Code 1559
      • 527 on a paper-based test
    • IELTS: Minimum required overall band score of 6.0
  • PTE Academic English: minimum score of 48
  • Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 105
  • IGCSE, GCSE, or GCE O-level or A-Level English test subject. Minimum passing grade of C.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): Score of 4 of higher on English A Standard Level exam
  • Completion of ELS level 112 for Academic Purpose offered by ELS Language Centers
  • High school diploma from Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales).
    • Students will need to submit official school records
  • Official transcripts from an accredited U.S. university/college
    • Students will need to submit transcripts showing they have passed two university-level English courses

Contact Us

All supporting documents necessary to process your application must be sent to:

International Admissions
Northern Illinois University
1425 West Lincoln Highway
DeKalb, IL 60115
USA
Phone: 815-753-8276
Email: IntlAdmissions@niu.edu

Request More Information

Register as a prospective student to receive more information about NIU.