2022-2023 Undergraduate Bulletin > Admissions > International Student Admission

International Student Admission

Central Michigan University welcomes applications from international students. Students interested in admission for undergraduate study should complete the application for admission online at (https://fireup.cmich.edu/apply/). All other required documents should be sent directly to the Admissions Office for processing at least 3 months prior to the intended semester of enrollment.

Students interested in admission to the English Language Institute (Pearce Hall 323, 989-774-1717) should complete the English Language Institute application. Additional information regarding required application materials for undergraduate and English Language Institute study is listed below.

Upon admission to CMU and when proof of financial support has been received, the Office of Graduate & International Recruitment will issue a Form I-20 to qualified students. The Office of Global Engagement will reach out to students to assist them in acquiring a student visa and arriving to campus. For more information on immigration requirements and regulations, please visit the Office of Global Engagement’s webpage.

University Admission for Undergraduate Studies

When to Apply:  You should apply as soon as possible, with a preference for at least six months in advance of anticipated enrollment.  All other required documents should be sent directly to the Admissions Office for processing at least three months prior to the intended semester of enrollment.

How to Apply:  Apply online at https://fireup.cmich.edu/apply/.  If you are unable to access the application online, contact us at (989) 774-3076 or by email at cmuadmit@cmich.edu.

• Complete and submit the International Student Application for Admission with the $40 application fee (credit card, check or money order written from a U.S. bank).
• Submit official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended with English translations, if necessary.
• Prospective international students who are not citizens or permanent residents of a TOEFL-exempt country must demonstrate proficiency in English. A list of TOEFL-exempt countries is available on the OGE International Recruitment website.

Prospective students may demonstrate proficiency by any one of the following methods:  

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 550 PBT/79 IBT.
• ­International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5.
• ­Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 53.
• ­Michigan English Test (MET) score of 52.
• ­International Baccalaureate (IB) grade of 5 in English at the Higher Level.
• ­Advanced Placement (AP) score of 4 on the English Language or English Literature Exams.
• ­General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or General Certificate of Education (GSE) score of A or B on the English Language Exam.
• ­SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing (EBRW) score of 520 or ACT English score of 21.
• ­ELS Language Center Program: Completion of Level 112 for regular admission.
• ­ELI (CMU English Language Program): Successful completion of the required CMU ELI courses with confirmation by the ELI Office.
• ­Graduate of a U.S. high school with at least three years of attendance.
• ­Completion of courses that meet CMU’s requirements for Oral English (i.e. COM 101) and Writing Competency (i.e. ENG 101/ENG103 and ENG 201).
• ­Successful completion of a course of study (e.g. high school diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate degree) at a recognized institution where the language of instruction is English.
• ­Successful completion of 24+ graded, academic, postsecondary credits with a GPA of 2.50 at a recognized institution where the institution’s language of instruction is English.

Test scores are valid for two (2) years from the test date. When tests provide “best scores” in specific areas, CMU will use the composite score generated by using the highest from each section.

Students who believe that they can demonstrate proficiency by means other than those listed should contact the International Outreach and Recruitment Office for individual consideration. 

International Bridge Program Admission

The Bridge Program at Central Michigan University is designed for international undergraduate students who need to improve their English proficiency prior to beginning coursework toward a CMU degree.

In the Bridge Program, you will work to meet your English proficiency requirements through CMU's English Language Institute. A placement test prior to registering for classes will help determine which classes can be taken. 

When to Apply:  You should apply as soon as possible, with a preference for at least six months in advance of anticipated enrollment.  All other required documents should be sent directly to the Admissions Office for processing at least three months prior to the intended semester of enrollment.

How to Apply:  Apply online at https://fireup.cmich.edu/apply/.  If you are unable to access the application online, contact us at (989) 774-3076 or by email at cmuadmit@cmich.edu.

Please follow these steps to assure your application is complete. Your application will be reviewed once all documents have been received. 

• Complete and submit the Undergraduate Bridge Program application for admission with the $40 application fee (credit card, check or money order written from a U.S. bank).
• Submit official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts must include English translations. 

When to Apply:  You should apply as soon as possible, with a preference for at least six months in advance of anticipated enrollment.  

How to Apply:  Apply online at https://fireup.cmich.edu/apply/.  If you are unable to access the application online, contact us at (989) 774-3076 or by email at cmuadmit@cmich.edu.

• Complete and submit the English Language Institute (ELI) Application for Admission with the $40 application fee (credit card, check or money order written from a US bank).

English Language Institute students will take an English placement test upon arrival at the university to determine which English courses must be taken. Testing dates can be found on the ELI’s webpage (https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/Centers/ELI/Pages/default.aspx) After demonstrating English proficiency, as determined by the ELI policies, and if university admission requirements are satisfied, these students may be granted admission to the program of their choice.