International Admissions

English Proficiency

We accept the following language exams and scores for non-native English speakers:

You can also demonstrate English proficiency by achieving:

*Accelerate-U Delaware program

**Cambridge, Oxford, AQA and Pearson Edexcel score reports accepted

***Students may choose to send a copy of their score report to international-admissions@udel.edu and we will verify your scores

Conditional Admission

Applying for conditional admission is easy. When completing your application, please select Academic Transitions (AT) at UD’s English Language Institute (ELI).

Conditional admission applicants can apply for any of our 150+ majors (except nursing). Upon successful completion of either conditional admission program, students transition to full-time undergraduate study.

TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required to apply for conditional admission, although a minimum 65 TOEFL or 5.5 IELTS is suggested to achieve student success during their time at the ELI.

Click here for information on admission to the Honors College.

Click here to view the requirements for music auditions.

There is no portfolio required to apply to the art major at UD. Students are welcome to submit an optional portfolio in PDF format through their My Blue Hen Home portal to be reviewed with their application.

We do not require a portfolio for admissions decisions. However, we know you have a creative spirit, and we would love to see your work! Please feel free to upload a prepared portfolio (or link to an online portfolio) or no more than 5 artifacts/examples of your creative work that you would like to share with our design faculty.

Example submissions can include but are not limited to:

• Garments, accessories, illustrations, flats, styling or a creative journal
• Mood boards, collages or textile designs
• Links to blogs, vlogs, websites, YouTube channels or social media accounts
• Any other artistic or creative work such as painting, sculpture, experimental and mixed media, craftwork or wearable art

Am I considered an international student?

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States, you will be considered an international student. U.S. citizens with dual citizenship are not considered international students. 

Students who fall within the following categories may also apply as U.S. residents: U.S. refugee or asylee, DACA, Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), undocumented students, students eligible for noncitizen U.S. federal aid, and students whose status is pending.

Is tuition more expensive for international students?

Only Delaware residents receive discounted tuition. International students pay the same tuition costs as U.S. citizens who are not residents of the state of Delaware.

Will my application be considered differently depending on whether I attend high school in the U.S. or internationally?

There is no preferential treatment. Every application is read individually and measured based on the opportunities and curriculum offered at your school and in your country.

What happens if I apply late?

The deadlines for international applicants are listed above in the Freshman Fall Applicant Timeline. Certain academic programs do reach capacity sooner than others, and admission is granted based on space availability. Any applicants who submit an application after January 15 will only be considered on a space-available basis.

What standardized test scores will I need to submit to UD?

English proficiency exams such as TOEFL or IELTS are required for students applying for direct admission (either exam satisfies the requirement). International students are not required to submit standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT.

I was admitted to University Studies instead of my selected major. What does this mean?

University Studies is our undeclared major. Students who begin in University Studies receive specialized advising and fulfill degree requirements as they explore the many majors available at UD before declaring a major by the end of their sophomore year. In our admissions process, we carefully evaluate each application, taking into consideration qualifications and preparation for selected majors. We may admit you to University Studies if space no longer remains in your selected major(s) or if your application does not meet the requirements of your selected major(s).

My student portal says I can submit an interest form for the Accelerate-U Delaware (A-UD) program. What does that mean?

This means you can take advantage of the University of Delaware's support as a student in the Accelerate-U Delaware (A-UD) program, which is designed to help new international students build a strong academic, linguistic and cultural foundation during their first semester at UD. A-UD offers specialized support to each student, ensuring a smooth transition to college life and preparing students for success. A-UD is only offered in fall semesters.

My portal says I have been conditionally admitted and placed in Academic Transitions. What does that mean?

This means that your application has been approved for admission, though your English proficiency does not meet UD requirements. UD’s English Language Institute offers the Academic Transitions program, which allows you to gain English proficiency and get a head start on your university coursework. By successfully completing the Academic Transitions program, you can begin full-time studies at UD without the need to take the TOEFL or IELTS.  For more information, visit the Academic Transitions website.

Can I apply for spring admission as an international student?

Yes. International students may apply to start in the spring semester (which begins in February), though most students choose to begin at the start of the academic year, in the fall.

Note: Space in engineering majors is quite limited during the spring semester. For those interested in the College of Engineering, we recommend beginning in the fall semester, especially for international students not currently studying in the U.S.

Do APs, A-levels or IB’s give me college credit?

Yes, UD awards credit for some secondary and post-secondary examinations and education programs. Official AP or IB test scores must be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to be considered in your admissions evaluation and to receive credit upon enrollment.

Test Credit Information

Can I send my documents electronically, or do I need to mail them?

You may submit electronic documents for admission consideration, but we require official sealed transcripts before you are permitted to enroll in classes.

Documents can be sent to international-admissions@udel.edu, or you may upload them directly using the UD student portal, My Blue Hen Home.

Please note: All credentials submitted in support of an application become the property of the University of Delaware and are not returnable. We ask that you not mail original documents to our office. Attested copies of certificates can be mailed by your institution to our office, or original documents can be presented to our office to be witnessed, photocopied and returned to you.

I have been admitted and would like to change my major. Can I do so?

Log in to your student portal, My Blue Hen Home, complete the Change My Major form, and an admissions representative will review the change. Not all requests can be approved.

I have questions about payment. Where can I find help?

To read more about Student Financial Services or set up an appointment, visit their website.

Can I apply after completing my International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)?

We require a minimum of IGCSE plus Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Levels.

Who should I contact with visa questions?

Please contact the UD Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) with questions regarding your visa. Detailed information about your I-20 or DS-2019, how to obtain your visa and more can be found on their pre-arrival website. You may also contact them directly at ISSS-newUD@udel.edu.

If I’m currently attending college and want to transfer to UD, can I do so?

Yes, you can apply as a transfer student after completing at least one semester at your current college or university. You will need to submit your current college transcripts, along with your official, final high school transcripts.

What documents do I need to submit to have my credits transfer?

At a minimum, you will need to provide an official or attested copy of your transcripts in English. Applicants who are attending or have previously attended an international college/university must provide a credential evaluation from International Education Research Foundation (IERF). Please visit IERF’s website for instructions and further information, such as  how to request a Standard Application with a Detail Report and where to mail your documents. IERF will send your credential evaluation directly to the University of Delaware.

For complete information on how credits from institutions outside of the U.S. may be transferred, please visit the Office of the Registrar's website.

Is a credential evaluation necessary when applying?

Only applicants to the Lerner College of Business and Economics or to the College of Engineering must submit an IERF credential evaluation. This is a required component of the application process. 

Students applying to majors in all other colleges do not need to submit an IERF credential evaluation. If you are offered admission and intend to enroll and transfer credit, an IERF credential evaluation will be required at that time.

Will all of my courses transfer?

We cannot guarantee that all credits will transfer. After your IERF report is complete, courses that are evaluated to be level 100 or higher with a grade of C or above will transfer.

For more information about transferring credits, please visit the registrar's website.

When will I get my completed list of transferred credits?

Once all required documents are submitted, the evaluation of your transfer credits should be completed within three weeks.

Will the examination credit I received at my previous college or university transfer?

We cannot guarantee that credits awarded at other colleges or universities will be awarded at UD. We will examine all of your original transcripts, as well as your IERF report, and make a decision about which courses will transfer.

How many credits must I complete at UD to qualify for a degree?

You must complete at least 30 of the last 36 credits of your degree (one full year) to be awarded a UD degree.

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