When you apply to the University of Denver, your educational background is carefully analyzed on the basis of your school records and the educational system of the country where you were educated. We will conduct evaluations to ensure that international applicants to DU have an educational background comparable to that required of U.S. students.

A printable version of deadlines and checklist items for undergraduate international applicants can be found here.

Application Deadlines

It is important to begin the application process as early as possible, and all applicants must submit their applications by January 15.

Early Action deadline: November 1, applicants will be notified of their admission decision by early January.

Regular Action deadline: January 15, applicants will be notified of their admission decisions by mid-March.

Late Action: Applications submitted after January 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case, space-available basis.

Application Checklist

1. A completed application to the University of Denver through the Common Application or the DU Pioneer Application.
2. A nonrefundable application fee of $60. The application fee may be paid during the online application process or may be mailed separately to our office. No waivers or deferrals of the application fee are allowed.
3. A passport-sized photograph taken within a year of the date of application.
4. Official transcripts from each secondary/high school attended must be sent directly from the school(s) to the Office of International Student Admission in separate, sealed envelopes and must be accompanied by certified English translations. Errors or omissions in English translations may be grounds for refusal or dismissal.
5. One letter of recommendation from a counselor or instructor. If possible, these letters should include class rank and other quantitative educational information.
6. A personal statement (essay) of at least 300 words that includes information concerning your life, education, practical experience, special interests or specific purpose in applying to the University of Denver.
7. SATs (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACTs (American College Test). One of these test scores is required for the following applicants only:
   • Students who have completed, or will complete, a U.S.-style secondary/high school program, either in the United States or overseas
   • Students who have completed, or will complete, a Canadian-style secondary/high school program, either in Canada or overseas
   • Students wishing to be considered for athletic scholarship
   • Students wishing to be considered for merit-based scholarships are strongly encouraged to submit SAT or ACT results.
8. *TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. The minimum English proficiency scores for regular, non-English Conditional Admission to the University of Denver's undergraduate programs are a TOEFL of 550 PBT, 80 iBT, or a 6.5 on the IELTS, with no less than 6.0 on any individual band scores. Acceptable TOEFL or IELTS test scores must be submitted at least one month prior to enrollment.
9. Interview requirement for students living in China. The University of Denver is now requiring the CIEE Applicant Interview (CAI), administered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). We are excited about this new tool, which is currently only offered in China, and believe it will help us better assess your English proficiency and enthusiasm for enrolling at the University of Denver. To learn more about this requirement, click here.

*If you are a non-native speaker of English you will be required to take the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) during International Student Orientation. All non-native speakers, regardless of TOEFL or IELTS test scores, must take this assessment. The results of the assessment will determine your placement into one of the required First-Year Seminars and, if necessary, an additional writing course, ENGL 1191 "Advanced Writing for International Students" the latter for which you will receive elective credit toward your degree. IMPORTANT: Your ELPA results may also require you to enroll in the full-time intensive English program at DU's English Language Center, regardless of your TOEFL or IELTS scores. In this case, you will remain enrolled in the ELC program until you have successfully completed Level Five, after which you may enroll in your degree program. (Note: each Level of English at the ELC corresponds to one quarter.) Click here for additional information. 

English Conditional Admission (ECA)

Any undergraduate student who successfully completes the appropriate level of intensive English at the University of Denver's English Language Center prior to enrolling in a degree program will not be required to present a TOEFL/IELTS score. Completion of an intensive English program other than the University of Denver's English Language Center does not satisfy this requirement.