Incoming Freshman Requirements

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.

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.