International Students

For international students who are currently in the United States, documentation of your current visa status must be submitted with your application. Proper documentation includes:

• Copy of I-20 and I-94 if on an F-1 visa
• Copy of visa stamp and I-94 if on another type of visa
• Copy of Resident Alien card, front and back, if classified as a Resident Alien

Please note: All documents submitted become property of John Carroll University and cannot be returned.

The following documents are required to process your application:

• Official Translations: Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by official translations.
• English Language Proficiency: Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate the necessary level of proficiency in the English language by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A student from abroad whose native language is English, who has completed his or her work at a foreign university where English is the language of instruction, or who has graduated from an American institution is exempt from this testing requirement. Unofficial copies of the score report may be included in the application for initial review and evaluation; however, official test scores must be sent directly to John Carroll University from the issuing service. No notice of admission will be sent to an applicant, nor will an I-20 be issued, until this requirement has been met.               
  • For the TOEFL, a minimum score of 79 on the IBT (internet-based test), 550 on the paper-based test, or 217 on the computer-based test is required. The John Carroll University code is 1342. Scores are valid for two years from the date that the test was taken.
  • For the IELTS, a minimum score of 6.5 is required. Scores are valid for two years from the date that the test was taken.
  • For students graduating from an ELS Language Center a final score of 112 will be accepted in place of either exam.
• Passport: A scanned copy of the photo page of your passport must be submitted. Please also indicate your country of birth and your country of citizenship. All documents become the property of John Carroll University and cannot be returned.
• Sponsored Students: Documentation, typically in the form of a bank statement with a current date must be submitted. If the applicant is being sponsored by a third party, then the sponsor must provide a letter stating intentions to finance the applicant’s education, along with the sponsor’s financial documentation.
• Tuition, Scholarships, Financial Aid: Tuition, room and board, and any associated fees for international students at John Carroll University is the same as for domestic students.

Students who lack the means to cover these costs are encouraged to explore the possibility of applying for external scholarships and loans. The International Student Organization headquartered in New York also maintains a good list of scholarship sources that are worth exploring.

Important: We do not offer full graduate scholarships other than the graduate assistantship which requires a separate application, due by February 15 for consideration of entry in the following fall semester.

Official scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are OPTIONAL. No code is required for the GMAT. Submit your GRE results with the John Carroll University code 1342.

GMAT/GRE is not required for admission; however, the scores may be required for consideration of some limited partial scholarships and graduate assistantships.

Housing Information for Cleveland, Ohio and surrounding areas may be found online:

• Apartments.com
• ApartmentAdvisor.com
• Rent.com
• Zillow.com

John Carroll University offers a very limited number of on-campus housing for graduate students, available through the Office of Residence Life. Since undergraduate students have priority, there are very limited options. 

There are also a number of apartment complexes surrounding Fairmount Circle, which are within walking distance to campus. These apartments are owned by the University and managed by the Coral Company. View their Fairmount Circle apartment listings on their website.

Global Cleveland attracts, welcomes, and connects international newcomers to economic and social opportunities in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. As an international student, you can get help from volunteers to get settled in Cleveland’s neighborhoods, schools, and jobs. Global Cleveland wants to get to know you and help you with your transition.

Learn More

The Cleveland Foreign Consular Corps, formed in 1925, is comprised of honorary consuls, (usually American citizens), or career consuls, (citizens of the countries they represent paid by those countries for their full-time service). Both groups aid nationals living (or studying/visiting) in the Cleveland area.

Learn More