Graduate School students talking outside of University Hall entrance

International Graduate Applicants

The Office of Global Engagement staff at Montclair State University are available to assist international students through every stage of the journey from new applicant through to graduation.

If you are still completing your last semester of study at a university, or have completed your bachelor’s degree, you may apply for admission as an international graduate student.

Rolling Admissions Program Deadlines for International Students:

If you are outside the U.S.:

  • Fall/August semester: June 1
  • Spring/January semester: November 1

If you are in the U.S.:

  • Fall/August semester:
    • August 15 (students who are required to submit a credit evaluation* and do not currently have one)
    • September 1 (students who do not require a credential evaluation OR already have a NACES evaluation)
  • Spring/January semester:
    • November 15 (students who are required to submit a credit evaluation* and do not currently have one)
    • Early January (students who do not require a credential evaluation OR already have a NACES evaluation)

*All graduate students are required to submit a transcript evaluation for any courses taken outside of the U.S. See step 3 below.

International students currently in the U.S. may have additional flexibility.

Some programs may be rolling but may offer priority deadlines. Select your major on our programs of study page for additional information.

Non-Rolling Admissions Program Deadlines:

All PhD programs, Audiology (AUD), as well as select master’s programs (including Athletic Training, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Counseling, Dance, Educational Leadership, Nursing Pre-Licensure, and Public Health) have earlier deadlines. Select your major on our programs of study page for additional information.

Graduate Assistantship Deadlines:

  • Fall/August semester: March 1
  • Spring/January semester: Spring assistantships are limited. Students will be considered for assistantships on a case-by-case basis. Early application submission is encouraged.
Step 1
Online Application

Submit your application by clicking on the button below:

Submit the Online Application

Step 2
Application Fee

After you submit the application, you will see instructions for paying the $60 non-refundable application fee on the status page of your application portal.

International students have the option of paying the application fee via wire transfer if unable to pay online or by check/money order. For more information, please contact the Students Accounts office at studentaccou@montclair.edu

Please note: after your application is submitted and before an admission decision has been rendered, you may request a one-time change to the academic program to which you’ve applied. If we’ve already made an admission decision, you’ll need to complete a new application – including another payment of our application fee.

Step 3
Transcripts and Transcript Evaluation

A requirement of your application is to list the name of every institution that you’ve previously attended or are currently attending, regardless of the length of attendance.

If you are an undergraduate student in your last term, you may upload an unofficial copy of your current transcript. Upon acceptance into a graduate program, a final transcript indicating that you have completed your undergraduate studies will be required before the start of classes.

The Office of Graduate Admissions does not evaluate international transcripts. In lieu of a transcript, applicants with a non-U.S. degree must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their academic record. We accept evaluations from any NACES member organization. If you do not have or plan to obtain a transcript evaluation, you should upload your unofficial transcripts to your portal for further consideration*.

OFFICIAL transcript evaluations sent directly from the NACES-approved company are required.

*Note: The Office of Graduate Admissions will offer a limited number of free transcript evaluations for eligible F-1 and J-1 visa applicants. After the application is completed (with exception of the transcript evaluation), students will receive an email with their next steps to request this service. We will review all requests received to determine eligibility and will notify the applicants accordingly. Note that, due to a number of factors, we cannot guarantee this service will be provided to all students who request it.  

See additional information about transcript evaluations here.

Step 4
English Language Proficiency Test Scores (If Required)

International students, with the exception of those eligible for waivers (noted below), must submit proof of English proficiency. Unofficial score reports are not accepted. Students must have official scores sent directly from the testing service to Montclair State University. Students must submit one of the following as proof:

Exam Minimum Required Score School Code
TOEFL IBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet Based Test) 83 2520
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.5
Duolingo 105
PTE-A (Pearson Test of English-Academic) 53
iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency) 4.5

Exemptions from English Language Proficiency requirement:

The English Language Proficiency requirement can be waived if you meet one of the criteria listed below:

  • Students who are citizens of the United States.
  • Students who are citizens of one of the countries noted here.
  • Provide a transcript from a regionally accredited university or college located in the United States reflecting a minimum of one academic year (3 quarters or 2 semesters) of full-time enrollment, not including ESL courses
  • Provide a transcript from a university or college located in or that follows the curricula of one of these listed countries (example, American University of Beirut) reflecting a minimum of one academic year (3 quarters or 2 semesters) of full-time enrollment, not including ESL courses.
  • Note: Proof of medium of instruction (MOI) in English is NOT sufficient unless the above criteria are met.
Step 5
GRE/GMAT Test Scores

The GRE/GMAT is NOT required for many of Montclair State University’s graduate programs. Consult our programs of study page to see if the exam is required for your major.

Programs that do ask for submission of a GRE/GMAT exam will often offer waivers for students who meet specific criteria. Visit the GRE/GMAT exam waiver page to view test exemption criteria.

The institutional codes for reporting are as follows:

  • GRE: 2520
  • GMAT: full time MBA: 1T2-NK-86
Step 6
Letters of Recommendation

The majority of graduate programs require two (2) letters of recommendation. Some programs may not require any, and some may require as many as three. As requirements vary by major, please consult our programs of study page for information specific to your program.

  • During the application process, the online system will give you the option to provide the contact information of your recommenders in the recommendations tab of your application. You will also have the opportunity to add their contact information after you submit in your application portal. They will then receive instructions from Graduate Admissions on how to submit their recommendations electronically.
  • Whenever possible, recommendations should be from professors in your undergraduate and graduate field of study who are familiar with your academic work.
  • If a significant amount of time has passed since you graduated, recommendation letters can be submitted from employers, supervisors or other professionals who can comment on your background, work experience, and motivation to succeed.
  • Friends, family members, or fellow students are not considered appropriate sources for a recommendation letter.
Step 7
Additional Supplemental Application Requirements

Some programs may require submission of additional application items including a resume, a statement of purpose (SOP), an essay, an audition, or a portfolio. As requirements vary by major, please consult our programs of study page for information specific to your program.