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University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Policy Name: Graduate School International Student Admission
Policy Number: LR 509.9
Original Effective Date: August 15, 2011
Most Recent Revised Date: April 10, 2026

Policy Statement

This policy addresses issues unique to international Graduate School applicants, including visas, language proficiency, legal, and administrative considerations.

Official Copies of Academic Records

Students should submit originals or official copies with certified English translations of the applicant’s entire academic record in secondary school, college, or university. The records must show a level of achievement that satisfies the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the degree program to which the student seeks admission. Students must have their academic records articulated by one of three outside agencies. For details, students should contact at least one of the following organizations:

Demonstrate Proof of English Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English and have the official score sent to the Graduate School at UA Little Rock. Only students who have studied full-time for two or more years at a college or university where English is the language of instruction located in a country where English is the native language are exempt from the TOEFL, the IELTS, or the PTE.

The Graduate School requires minimum scores on one of these English proficiency exams for admission: TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE. Minimum scores are decided by the Graduate Council of Faculty Senate and are published on UA Little Rock’s website.

Applicants will not be admitted until the requirement is met. Some programs require higher scores or other proof of proficiency such as the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

For more information on English Proficiency, please consult the Standard American English Requirement policy that may be found in the Graduate Catalog.

Documentation Required After Official Admission

Once officially admitted, students who will take courses on campus at UA Little Rock are required to complete and/or submit the following information in a timely fashion:

  • Health and Accident Insurance. All international students are required to purchase health and accident insurance provided by UA Little Rock and to maintain coverage year-round. Students will be billed at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. Students entering at the beginning of the summer semester will be billed three times for their first academic year.
  • Tuberculosis Screening. According to an Arkansas Department of Health directive, all international applicants must be screened for tuberculosis. The screening test can be done at Student Health Services, which is located in the Donaghey Student Center, Room 102, or through a primary care provider.
  • Transfer and Visa Form. Applicants transferring from another institution within the U.S. must submit a Transfer and Visa Form for International Students completed by the applicant and the foreign student adviser of the institution the applicant is currently attending.
  • Financial Statement (for issuance of F and J visas only). Once accepted by the Graduate School, students must provide a financial statement to prove that they are financially capable of pursuing an education in the U.S. Tuition payments are due at the beginning of each semester and do not include the cost of books, supplies, and miscellaneous fees.

Exception: Students who will reside outside of the U.S. while completing distance education courses or online programs do not need to provide the documentation described in this section.

Additional Issues

  • Deadlines. No action will be taken on an application for admission until all credentials have been received. Application materials must be received no later than June 1 for fall semester, October 1 for spring semester, and March 1 for summer semester.
  • Employment. U.S. immigration laws do not permit international students to apply for permission to accept off-campus employment until they have been in this country for at least one year. Students on graduate assistantships generally are not allowed to have any outside employment.

Revised Dates: 4/2026
Source:  Faculty Senate Meeting Minutes
Status:  Active
Originator:
Custodian: Office of Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School