International Applicants

Each year, Medill welcomes international students from around the world. To apply, international students must have an undergraduate degree (or earn one prior to enrollment).

Below is some general information for international applicants. Please also see the specific application requirements for the MSJ program.

STEM

Medill’s Master of Science in Journalism degree is STEM designated. The CIP code is 09.0702.

For eligibility and additional details on the OPT extension, please visit Northwestern’s Office of International Student Services.

Transcripts

Applicants with international transcripts must provide an English translation with their application if the transcripts were not originally issued in English. Applicants with international transcripts also need to provide an independent course-by-course credential evaluation and degree verification from a NACES provider (see the NACES website for a list) at the time they submit their application.

Tests for English language for International Applicants

If you are an international student, and English is not your first language, you must submit official English language test scores. Exceptions and waivers will not be granted for this requirement regardless of years studied at an English speaking institution. Medill will accept Duolingo or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) official language test scores. The Duolingo or TOEFL tests must be taken within two years of your application submission date. Send TOEFL scores to Medill using code 1699-18. For Duolingo, please self-report your official scores in your application and ensure your Duolingo scores are sent to “Northwestern University – Medill School”. We review all of the individual language sections for proficiency through the Duo and TOEFL website. If not, this requirement will be marked as incomplete. As of this year, Medill is no longer accepts IELTS scores. There is no minimum test score for our language proficiency requirement.

Financial aid

International MSJ applicants are eligible for some Medill scholarships. All students are encouraged to research potential sources of external scholarships.

Loans for international students may be available under certain circumstances, but international students are not eligible for U.S. federal student loans. Visit our financial aid page for more information.

Visas

Information about applying for a student visa is provided upon admission to the program.