Quick Facts on Applying to CU-Boulder for International Students

Before You Apply

Evaluate Your Level of Study
CU-Boulder students are expected to have completed appropriate coursework in mathematics, science, language, and the humanities. Complete the prescreening process to determine the academic credentials and grade standards that are expected for students applying from your country, and to determine your program level. Be aware that satisfaction of minimum academic standards, while mandatory, is only one factor in securing admission to the university.

Understanding Your Application Level

Undergraduate Freshman
Undergraduate Transfer
Graduate
You have completed or will complete a minimum of 12 years of primary and secondary schooling, and... You have completed a minimum of 12 years of primary and secondary schooling, and... You have completed or will complete requirements for and receive the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's or master's degree, and...
...you have earned or will earn the equivalent of a U.S. high school graduation diploma, and... ...you have earned the equivalent of a U.S. high school graduation diploma, and... ...you wish to pursue further education (a master's or doctoral degree).
...you have not enrolled in a college or university since graduation from secondary school. ...you have enrolled in another college or university since graduation from secondary school and are working toward a bachelor's degree.  

Take Required Tests

All international applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or an International English Language Testing System* (IELTS) score is required unless English is your native language. If you have completed at least one year of full-time academic study at a U.S. institution (or at an institution in a country where English is the native language) at the time you apply, you have fulfilled the English proficiency requirement for the Office of Admissions. Some graduate programs have higher English proficiency requirements.

*IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

Undergraduate freshman and undergraduate transfer applicants with fewer than the equivalent of 24 semester hours (usually one year) of transferable academic college or university-level work at the time of application, must take the SAT I or the ACT test.

Graduate applicants are usually required to take either the GRE or the GMAT test. For more information on specific testing requirements by level and department, refer to the international student Graduate Admission Requirements page.

Minimum IELTS Scores Required
Undergraduate Programs
Engineering majors 6.5
All other majors 6.0

Minimum IELTS Scores Required
Graduate Programs
All majors 6.0

TOEFL or IELTS Not Required
Countries
Australia   Ireland
Belize   New Zealand
Botswana   Nigeria
Canada (except Quebec)   Scotland
Commonwealth Caribbean   Singapore
Ghana   South Africa
Great Britain   Zimbabwe
India    
Minimum TOEFL Scores Required
Undergraduate Programs
Engineering majors 560 83*
All other majors 500 61*
*Score on the internet based TOEFL.

Minimum TOEFL Scores Required
Graduate Programs
Aerospace engineering 560 83*
Applied Math 600 100*
Biological sciences — ecology and evolutionary biology 520 68*
Biological sciences — molecular, cellular, and developmental biology 600 100*
Business (master's in accounting) 550 79*
Business (doctoral) 620 105*
Chemical Engineering 600 100*
Chemistry 600 100*
Civil engineering 530 71*
Communications (master's and doctoral) 550 79*
Computer science 560 83*
Dance 550 79*
Economics 525 71*
Education 650 114*
Electrical engineering 600 100*
Environmental Studies 600 100*
Journalism 550 79*
Linguistics 550 79*
Mathematics 560 83*
MBA 600 100*
Mechanical engineering (master's) 550 79*
Mechanical engineering (doctoral) 600 100*
Music (doctoral) 550 79*
Physics 575 89*
Spanish 550 79*
Technology, Media and Society (ATLAS) 600 100*
Telecommunications 600 100*
Theater 550 79*
All others 500 61*
*Score on the internet based TOEFL.

 

Choose Your Academic Program

CU-Boulder offers over 3,400 courses in 150 fields of study. For specific information about academic departments/majors and their requirements, visit the 'Academics' tab of the undergraduate student website or the graduate student website.

It is also possible to take credit-bearing classes at CU-Boulder as a nondegree student. These classes are offered through the Division of Continuing Education. However, nondegree international students are not eligible to receive immigration documents from CU-Boulder. For more information on getting the required approval to register, visit the International English Center website.

When You Are Ready to Apply for Admission

Deadlines for Receipt of Application and Credentials

Undergraduate Application and Credentials
Level Term Early Notification (non-binding)** Application Deadline** Status

Freshman

Fall & Summer 2010 December 1
Notified by
January 15
January 15
Notified by
April 1
Open for applications August 2009

 

Spring 2010 Not available October 1
Rolling
notification
Open for applications August 2009
 

Transfer

Fall & Summer 2010> Not available April 1
Rolling
notification
Open for applications August 2009

 

Spring 2010 Not available October 1
Rolling
notification
Open for applications August 2009

Graduate Application and Credentials
Term Deadline** Status
Spring (begins early January) October 1* Check with department
Summer (terms begin June and July) December 1* Check with department
Fall (begins late August) December 1* Check with department
*Graduate students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before the stated deadlines. Not all departments consider applications for spring and/or summer terms. Be sure to check with your department for more information on application deadlines.

**Applications may be submitted after the deadlines and will be considered if space is still available.

Submit Required Materials

All non-United States citizens who are not permanent residents, asylees, or refugees of the U.S. are considered international student applicants. A complete international student application for admission and instructions can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/prospective/international/apply/index.html.

The following are required as a part of your application:

Undergraduate Applicants
1) Online Application for Admission
2) $70 nonrefundable application fee
3) Official scores on the TOEFL, IELTS, or acceptable equivalent
4) Official scores on the SAT I or the ACT test
5) Official or certified copies of all secondary school records
6) Official or certified copies of all college or university records, if applicable
7) Personal essay (required)
8) Financial statement and required documentation
 
Graduate Applicants
1) Online Application for Admission
2) $70 nonrefundable application fee
3) Official scores on the TOEFL, IELTS, or acceptable equivalent
4) Official scores on the GRE or the GMAT test depending on program
5) Official or certified copies of all college or university records
6) Application for Graduate Admission - Part II
7) Letters of recommendation
8) Financial statement and required documentation
 

Tuition and Costs

The charts below show the typical cost of being a full-time international student at CU-Boulder for one academic year (nine months) for a student in the College of Arts & Sciences:

Breakdown of Estimated Costs 2010-11
Cost per academic year (nine months)
Tuition and fees
$28,186

Living expenses, including health insurance, housing, and food

$11,880
Books and supplies
$1,750
TOTAL
$41,816
ossible additional expenses
Living expenses if you stay in the U.S. for the summer $3,960
Living expenses for spouse $6,000 for 12 months
Living expenses for dependent children $5,500 each for 12 months

You must show proof of sufficient funds before your admission can be finalized and an immigration form can be sent. The university is unable to provide scholarship support for undergraduate international students (rare exceptions occur in music and athletics). Graduate students may contact their departments about teaching or research assistantships. The Graduate School at the University of Colorado at Boulder also offers various awards, fellowships, and grants.

Living on and Around Campus

Finding reasonably priced housing in Boulder can be a challenge. Your options may include university residence halls, university family housing, and off-campus housing. For more information, visit: www.colorado.edu/oie/isss/housing.html

Admissions Contact Information
Office of Admissions
Regent Administrative Center 125
University of Colorado at Boulder
65 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309-0065
USA

Phone: 303-492-6301
E-mail: intladmin@colorado.edu
Web: http://www.colorado.edu/prospective
University Catalog: www.colorado.edu/catalog
Tours & Visits: www.colorado.edu/visit