International students who are currently attending a U.S. high school.
Academic Requirements
- High school diploma: You must have graduated by the time you start at NIU in order to be admitted.
- Grades: You must have passing grades equivalent to a U.S. C+ average on all transcripts and/or exam scores
Documentation Requirements
Incoming freshmen 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.
Official Transcripts From All High Schools Attended
- If you attended secondary school(s) outside of the U.S. in addition to a U.S. high school, you must submit a transcript and/or final exam score from each. These documents must be official originals or attested copies. Please submit the documents in their original language and also provide an official English translation.
ACT/SAT Score
You don't need to send your ACT or SAT score. Read more about test-free admission requirements for fall 2021.
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 U.S. 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.
