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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 proficiency

If you are an international student, and English is not your first language, you must submit English language test scores. Medill will accept Duolingo or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) language test scores. These two tests are preferred by Medill. Medill will accept at-home versions of these English language tests. 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. Please upload your Duolingo scores in your admissions application. For the video portion of the Duolingo exam, provide the link in the “Additional Information” section.

Medill allows you the option to self-report your received test scores in your application, or to manually type in your scores without ordering an official score report to be sent to Medill. Once you submit your application, we will review these unofficial scores along with the rest of your file. If we decide to offer you admission based on these unofficial scores, it will be on the condition that we receive the official scores at least 30 days prior to enrollment (or the start of classes).

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.