The Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Indianapolis welcomes students from all over the world who want to make a difference. International students prepare for careers in business, government, and nonprofit organizations by studying public affairs, public safety, and criminal justice.
International student admissions
Academic requirements
International students interested in pursuing a graduate degree at O’Neill Indianapolis must provide the following:
- Undergraduate degree equivalent of a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree
- 3.2 GPA or higher
- Combined score of 300 or more (verbal and quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (optional)
- TOEFL scores or the equivalent of English as a second language
- Official transcripts for work done outside of the Indiana University system
- One letter of recommendation
Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. We also look at work experience and the quality of writing in your personal statement.
At IU Indianapolis, admission is based on your academic performance and preparation, the strength and quality of the curriculum you were in, your recent grade trends, and class rank.
IU Indianapolis uses the following standards when making admission decisions:
- You have completed or will complete secondary school by the time of enrollment.
- You have a “B” average or above-average grades, with strong grades in math and science.
- You meet English language proficiency standards.
SAT or ACT exam scores are not required for international admission; however, they are required for most scholarships at IU Indianapolis.
Guidance for international applicants
The Office of International Affairs can guide you through the admission process and help you the whole time you are at IU Indianapolis. They will tell you about how to apply to IU, about scholarships, about international orientation, and more.
Language requirements
All international applicants to IU Indianapolis whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English as a second language.
Applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university in the United States or an officially recognized university in a country where English is the predominant native language will be deemed proficient.
All other applicants must perform satisfactorily on a standardized test of English as a second language proficiency that measures students’ preparedness for academic study.
Minimum test scores
- TOEFL paper-based test: minimum score 580
- TOEFL computer-based test: minimum score 237
- TOEFL internet-based test: minimum score 92
- IELTS: minimum score 6.5
- IU Indianapolis ESL Placement Exam administered by the ESL Program: for minimum placement, no course below GO11 for any student who will enroll on an F-1 or J-1 visa
- Other objective tests of ESL proficiency and minimum scores as agreed upon by the English as a Second Language Program and the Office of International Affairs
ESL placement exams
Upon arrival, all graduate and professional students admitted to IU Indianapolis must take the English as a Second Language Placement Exam administered by the ESL Program before enrolling in the first semester of courses.
Students must take the ESL courses in which they have been placed beginning in the first or second semester of enrollment at IU Indianapolis.