International Applicants

Applicants must provide scanned copies of official (original or certified) transcripts of all college or university-level academic coursework and a certified English translation of their credentials, if the originals are not in English. Copies of transcripts and/or English translations must be certified by a university/school official, embassy official, the Ministry of Education, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applicants required to provide proof of English language proficiency should submit either the TOEFL or IELTS. Official TOEFL/IELTS scores that are no more than two years old must be received by Ohio State before applications will be reviewed for admission. We do not conditionally admit applicants who have not met the requirement for English proficiency. It takes about one month from the time the test is taken for Ohio State to receive official test scores - plan accordingly.

Ohio State currently also accepts the  Duolingo English Test as an alternative to the TOEFL or IELTS. However, this may change in future terms. 

Exemptions

Countries: Applicants who are citizens of, or who have received a bachelor’s degree or higher by the time of matriculation from, one of the following countries are exempt from the English proficiency requirement:

• American Samoa
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Canada (except Quebec)
• Cayman Islands
• Christmas Island
• Cook Islands
• Dominica
• England
• Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
• Ghana
• Gibraltar
• Grenada
• Guam
• Guernsey
• Guyana
• Isle of Man
• Jamaica
• Jersey
• Kenya
• Liberia
• Montserrat
• Netherland Antilles
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Niue
• Norfolk Island
• Northern Ireland
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Pitcairn Island
• Puerto Rico
• Republic of Ireland
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Saint Helena
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Scotland
• Singapore
• South Africa
• Tokelau
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United States
• Virgin Islands (U.S and British)
• Wales

Source: gpadmissions.osu.edu

English proficiency policy has been set for this academic year. We are not granting test waivers or petitions to exempt countries not currently listed above at this time.
 

Minimum Recommended Scores for Application

• TOEFL
  • 79 on the TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (4.0 on the updated TOEFL launched January 2026)
  • 550 on the TOEFL ITP for students in the American Language Program
  • Note: Ohio State does NOT accept My Best TOEFL Scores.
• IELTS
  • 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test or IELTS Online
  • Note: Ohio State does NOT accept IELTS One Skill Retake Scores.
• Duolingo
  • 120 or higher on the Duolingo English Test

Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to other commonly requested information, such as codes for submitting test scores, program deposit amounts, etc.

We offer a variety of options for international students, including the option to come early and participate in our English language immersion program - The Ohio State American Language Program.

Admission to the ALP program does not guarantee admission to a Fisher graduate program.

All international applicants should supply a photocopy of the photo/data page of their current, valid passport – if the applicant is subsequently recommended for admission, this step will help the applicant save a lot of time during the financial review process.

Steps to upload copy of passport:

1. Activate your osu.edu credentials.
   1. Go to my.osu.edu and click on "Activate Now". You must activate your osu.edu credentials first before you can upload a copy of your passport. If there are any issues with activation, contact +1 (614) 688-4357 or 8help@osu.edu.
2. Submit a scanned copy of your passport via the Document Uploader after your application is uploaded into the Student Information System (SIS).
   1. It takes five business days for your application to be uploaded into SIS.
   2. Accordingly, wait five business days after you submit your application to the Fisher College of Business before you attempt to upload a copy of your passport to the Document Uploader.
   3. If you are admitted and you plan to have dependents (e.g. spouse, children) join you, be sure to also upload copies of passports for your dependents.

Fisher students can pursue the STEM-designated graduate programs or specializations, which provides career opportunities and technical skill development. International students can also remain in the U.S. for an additional two years of Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

• Full-Time MBA (STEM MBA Specialization) 
• Specialized Master in Finance (STEM-designated)
• Master of Accounting (STEM-designated)

While you are at Ohio State, you are responsible for maintaining your status with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within DHS is a program called SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. SEVIS requires all colleges and universities in the United States to electronically report information about F-1 and J-1 students and visiting scholars. Because universities are required to report on the status of all F-1 and J-1 students, failure to maintain your status could jeopardize your ability to remain in the United States. Review important regulations from Ohio State's Office of International Affairs about maintaining your status. 

Everything our students bring to the classroom enriches our conversations, broadens our understanding and prepares us to thrive a dynamic business world. Explore all the ways that, as a Buckeye, you can comfortably join in or confidently stand out here at Fisher and at Ohio State.

Get Involved

The Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures
The Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures (CLLC) at Ohio State, through innovative projects and collaborations, has developed creative approaches to teaching and studying languages and cultures.

CLLC Information

Many international students find joining one of the many student organizations within Fisher and/or the university helps them integrate into the culture and be highly involved while providing another way to form a close network of peers.

Fisher student organizations

Ohio State has over 1,400 student organizations. You can learn more about these organizations by visiting the Ohio Union website or attending one of the Involvement Fairs at the beginning of the autumn and spring semesters.

Ohio State student organizations

The Office of International Affairs facilitates international experiences for students and faculty, supports academic programs and research, coordinates international partnerships, administers grants and scholarships for global engagement and contributes to enriching the Ohio State experience for the university’s international student and scholar population.

OIA Website