1. The Graduate School
  2. Admissions
  3. Application Materials

Application Materials

Application Materials

When you apply to a graduate program at NIU, you'll apply online and will need to provide certain materials with your submission. Those materials vary among graduate programs. Check the information page for the graduate program you're interested in for details on additional requirements, such as a writing sample, test score, resume or other items.

Transcripts

Unofficial copies of all transcripts are required for admission. You should upload a transcript and proof of degree from each college and university you've attended (except for high school or community colleges from which you transferred courses for a four-year degree). Completed degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent international recognition.

Failure to upload proper academic records will delay consideration of your application and may incur additional costs. If you're admitted, you'll have to submit official transcripts and proof of a complete degree before the end of your first semester. Note: International applications should review additional information about transcripts.

Letters of Recommendation

If required by your program, you will provide names and email addresses of recommenders. Letters should describe your academic ability and goals, as well as your ability to succeed in your chosen graduate program. Submit at least the minimum number of letters required for your graduate program. Ask your referees if they're willing to write a letter for you. Tell them what program you plan to apply to and the due date for the letter (the application deadline). When you apply, you must indicate if you wish to waive your right to see the letters. Some recommenders will only want to write a letter if you waive your right to see it. If you plan to retain your right to read the letter, talk to your referee first.

Statement of Purpose

If required by your program, your statement of purpose (sometimes called a personal statement) should outline your preparation for graduate study in your chosen field, as well as your goals for graduate school and beyond. It should also explain why you believe the program at NIU can best help you meet those goals.

Entrance Exam Scores

The graduate program you're applying to may require you to submit an unofficial copy of your GRE, GMAT, MAT or other entrance exam scores. When preparing your score report for upload, be sure that your name and all scores are legible. If you're admitted, you must have your test score sent to NIU from the testing center. When having your GRE score sent, use institution code 1559. NIU does not require department codes; neither does the testing center. Note: International applicants should review additional information about test scores. Please see the additional section below.

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Resume/Curriculum Vitae

If required by your program, your resume or CV should outline your education, work experience and other achievements that show your ability to complete your chosen program.

In general, you need to have accomplished the following in order to be considered for admission:

  • Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition. NIU only recognizes degrees awarded by regionally accredited institutions or foreign institutions with equivalent recognition. For example, we recognize degrees from institutions in India that are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), designated by the UGC as deemed to be a university, or designated as an Institute of National Importance as possessing the equivalent to regional accreditation.
  • Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

Three-year Degree

If you received a three-year degree awarded through the Bologna process in Europe or a three-year Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business Administration awarded in India, you are eligible to apply (provided you are seeking admission to the MBA or OMIS program). If you have a three-year BCOM or BBA from India, you must have received the degree from an institution that is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council with a grade of A or better (or the equivalent) at the time of award. If you received a three-year degree from another institution, you must ask your intended program for permission to apply. Review your graduate program's information page to find contact information. The program office will inform the Graduate School of its decision.

Transcripts

When you apply, you must upload transcripts and proof of degree (diploma, diploma supplement, etc.) attested by an appropriate school official, as well as certified English language translations. If you're from India or Pakistan, you must upload individual marksheets rather than transcripts, as well as degree certificates (if available), all attested by the principal, controller of exams, registrar or USIEF. If you're admitted, you'll need to submit hard copies of all transcripts, marksheets and proof of degree.

Proof of English Proficiency

In addition to entrance scores required by your intended program, you must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score unless you completed (or will complete) a baccalaureate or higher degree from an institution in one of these countries (listed). When preparing your score report for upload, be sure that your name and all scores are legible.

For graduate admission purposes, NIU requires one of the following:

  • IELTS score of 6.5
  • PTE academic score of at least 53
  • TOEFL score of at least 80
  • DET score of at least 115 or
  • Completion of ELS English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Level 112

If you're admitted, you must have your test score sent to NIU from the testing center. When having your scores sent, use institution code 1559. NIU does not require department codes; neither does the NIU Testing Center. For your Duolingo test score, you will be able to send it through the Duolingo website directly. There is no separate testing center.

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