Admission Requirements for Undergraduate International Students

• Application Procedures for International Students
• Foreign Language Guidelines
• International Prospective Student Athletes
• Admission Requirements for Undergraduate International Students: TTU – Costa Rica

Sukant Misra, Ph.D., Vice Provost

Office of International Affairs

T 806.742.3667 | www.international.ttu.edu

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate International Students

Undergraduate International Applicants

Undergraduate residency determination is outlined in the Texas Education code with specific guidelines. Students should review the information below carefully to determine if they should apply as a domestic student or as an international student. If a student meets any of the criteria as listed, they will apply as a domestic applicant through www.applytexas.org and select the U.S. First-time student or Transfer Application option, as appropriate. The applications for these students will be reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Criteria: Apply as a domestic student with Undergraduate Admissions if you meet any of the following:

• Have an application pending for permanent residency
• Are an undocumented immigrant
• Are a U.S. citizen who studied abroad earning credits for foreign coursework
• Are a U.S. citizen who lived abroad

Criteria: Apply as a domestic student with Undergraduate Admissions if you meet all three of the following conditions:

• Graduated from a public or accredited private high school/secondary school in Texas or received the equivalent of a high school/secondary school diploma in the state, and
• Lived in Texas for the 36 months immediately preceding the date of graduation, and
• Lived in Texas the 12 months preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the student enrolls at Texas Tech University.

If a student does NOT meet any of the criteria listed above, they will be considered as an incoming international first-time student or international transfer applicant. Applicants should read the General Guidelines and follow the Application Procedures for international first-time student or international transfer applicants as listed below. 

General Guidelines

All incoming international first-time students or international transfer applicants will be required to complete and submit the following information directly to the Office of International Affairs-International Undergraduate Admissions Office:

• ApplyTexas Application online (Choose either international first-time student or international transfer application option, as appropriate).
• Pay non-refundable application fee.
• Official documentation of all secondary and/or post-secondary course work translated to English (official transcripts, exit exams, diplomas, etc.). All materials become the property of Texas Tech University and are not returnable or refundable. Required documents must be provided in English. If official English translations are not supplied by the applicant’s institution(s), the applicant must provide a translation done by an American Translators Association-certified translator. A list of ATA-certified translators is available online at www.atanet.org/onlinedirectories.
• Proof of English proficiency: Unofficial copies of English proficiency may be submitted for application evaluation purposes only. Screenshots of scores from the MyETS, PTE, or Cambridge English sites will not be accepted. If admitted, the applicant will be required to submit official results from the test provider.

Note:  Additional detailed information for all incoming international students is located below under Application Procedures.

Applications for international undergraduate admission must be submitted by the following deadlines:

• Fall – First-time students: May 1
• Fall –Transfer students: July 15
• Spring – First-time students: October 1
• Spring – Transfer students: November 15
• Summer – First-time students: March 1
• Summer – Transfer students: April 15

Submitting Documentation via Mail. All entries into the TTU records system are made by family name (last name), first name(s), and middle name, if any. If mailing documentation, applicants should provide their full names on the envelope return address. All correspondence should include the applicant’s full name, date of birth and R number, if applicable.

Send all official documents to the following address:

Regular Airmail
Office of International Affairs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

Express Mail
Office of International Affairs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Ave., PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

Evaluating Applications

The applications of prospective students from countries other than the United States are reviewed on an individual basis. Educational preparation, standardized test scores, English proficiency, and academic performance are specifically considered for admission.

All required documentation must be submitted and received by the International Undergraduate Admissions (IUA) Office in order for applications to be evaluated. Unofficial documentation may be submitted for evaluation purposes only (screen shots of transcripts or test scores will not be accepted). If admitted, official documentation must be submitted during the first semester or the student will not be allowed to register for classes. Applicants will be notified by the International Undergraduate Admissions (IUA) Office when an admission decision has been made. The IUA Office makes every effort to process applications in a timely manner. However, in some circumstances, delays in receiving documentation from testing services or from the student may cause delays in the processing of admission decisions. Applicants may check their application status on the Raiderlink portal and on https://applynow.texastech.edu/IUA/Pages/welcome.aspx.

Acts of Dishonesty

All international undergraduate prospective students applying to Texas Tech University are expected to adhere to the university’s Statement of Academic Integrity (www.depts.ttu.edu/studentconduct/academicinteg.php). This includes entering all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended on the application for admission as well as submitting official academic credentials from all secondary and post-secondary institutions attended. Withholding information is considered falsification of academic records and will result in the voiding of the application.

Scholarship Information

International students who are interested in applying for merit-based scholarships must submit SAT or ACT test scores. SAT Official test scores must be received directly from the College Board. For the SAT, Texas Tech University’s Institutional code for International Undergraduate students is 6859. Official test scores must be received directly from ACT. For the ACT, Texas Tech University’s Institutional code for International Undergraduate students is 4220.

Students interested in competing for merit scholarships should check the scholarship website (www.scholarships.ttu.edu) for deadlines.

The Office of International Affairs provides additional information related to scholarships that are available to international applicants. For more information, visit the international prospective student page at: www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem/costs-scholarships.php

Official Proof of English Proficiency 

All international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency before their applications can be considered for admission. International students can demonstrate English proficiency through exams, secondary and post-secondary course work, certificates, and waivers. Unofficial copies of the below measures of English proficiency may be submitted for application evaluation purposes only. Screenshots of scores from the MyETS, PTE, Duolingo, or Cambridge English sites will not be accepted. If admitted, the applicant will be required to submit official results from the test provider prior to the beginning of the semester.

Texas Tech University will accept any of the following as proof of English proficiency:

Exams:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language; TOEFL)
  • The minimum TOEFL score required to show proof of English Proficiency is 550 (paper-based version) or 79 (internet-based version). TOEFL scores must be received directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS); Texas Tech University’s institutional code for International Undergraduate Admissions is B100. TOEFL scores are valid for only two years.
  IELTS (International English Language Testing Service; IELTS)
  • The minimum IELTS required score is an overall band score of 6.5 on the Academic version; IELTS General Training results are not acceptable. There is no IELTS institution code for Texas Tech University. IELTS scores are valid for only two years.
• SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test; SAT)
  • The minimum Evidence-based Reading and Writing score required to show proof of English Proficiency is 500. SAT Scores must be received directly from the College Board. Texas Tech University’s Institutional code for International Undergraduate students is 6859. 
• ACT (American College Testing Program; ACT)
  • The minimum English score required to show proof of English Proficiency is 21. ACT scores must be received directly from the ACT organization. Texas Tech University’s Institutional code is 4220.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic; PTE Academic)
  • The minimum required PTE Academic score is 60. PTE General and PTE Young Learners results are not acceptable. There is no PTE Academic institution code for Texas Tech University. PTE Academic scores are valid for only two years.
• Cambridge CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English; CPE)
  • The minimum required Cambridge CPE grade is C. There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CPE. The Cambridge CPE is valid for life.
• Cambridge CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English; CAE)
  • The minimum required Cambridge CAE grade is B. There is no institutional code for the Cambridge CAE. The Cambridge CAE is valid for life.
• Duolingo English Test (Online examination)
  • The minimum required Duolingo score is 100. There is no institutional code for Duolingo. Scores are reported within 48 hours and are valid for two years.

High school/secondary school or College Course Work:

• Attend two consecutive years of high school/secondary school in the United States.
• Attend two consecutive years in a high school/secondary school with U.S. accreditation or attend high school/secondary school within an English proficiency exempt country.  See a list of exempt countries below.
• Achieve a grade of C or better in English on the IB diploma.
• Achieve a grade C or better in English on the A-Level GCE. This cannot be English as a second language (ESL courses), English literature, etc. 
• Completion of the equivalent of TTU’s ENG 1301 + 1302 English courses with a grade of B or better at an institution with U.S. accreditation or an institution within English proficiency exempt country. This can include a literature, composition, speech, or English class. These cannot be remedial or ESL courses. See a list of exempt countries below.
• Complete 30 transferrable credit hours at an institution with U.S. accreditation or an institution within an English proficiency exempt country. Remedial or ESL courses do not count towards the total credit hours. See a list of exempt countries below.

Certificates and Other:

• An ELS Educational Services (https://www.els.edu/UniversityAdmissions) official transcript and certificate showing successful completion of ELS’ English for Academic Purposes program level 112 as proof of English proficiency.
• Completion of any CEA accredited English program, or the equivalent thereof, as proof of English proficiency. International Undergraduate Admissions (IUA) requires the official transcript and certificate showing successful completion of the CEA accredited English program or equivalent. A list of CEA accredited programs can be found at https://cea-accredit.org/accredited-sites.

English Proficiency Waivers. The English proficiency requirement is waived only for the following reasons: 

• Applicants who are citizens of an English proficiency-exempt country,
• Applicants who have attended two consecutive years in a high school/secondary school with U.S. accreditation or attended high school/secondary school within an English proficiency exempt country. See a list of exempt countries below,
• Applicants who have completed 30 transferrable credit hours at an institution with U.S. accreditation or an institution within an exempt country.

Texas Tech University considers the following countries to have English as their official language:

• American Samoa
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Canada (except the Province of Quebec)
• Cayman Islands
• Dominica
• Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)
• Ghana
• Gibraltar
• Grenada
• Guam
• Guyana
• Ireland, Republic of
• Jamaica
• Liberia
• Micronesia Islands, Federated States of
• Montserrat
• New Zealand
• Nigeria
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Helena
• South Africa
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales)
• United States
• Virgin Islands
• Zimbabwe

Assured Admission

Prospective international undergraduate students can reasonably be assured admission if they present the appropriate combination of class rank, minimum test scores, and proof of English proficiency based on the following:   

• Students who graduate from an internationally recognized high school/secondary school having completed the recommended curriculum [by country, on a case by case basis]
• Students who graduate from a high school/secondary school with U.S. accreditation having completed the recommended curriculum [by country, on a case by case basis]
• Students who graduate from a high school/secondary school within an English proficiency exempt country (see list of exempt countries provided above) having completed the recommended curriculum [by country, on a case by case basis]

Prospective international undergraduate students are considered for admission to the undergraduate divisions of the university by graduation from an accredited high school/secondary school or equivalent or by transfer from an accredited college. Students are expected to be academically prepared to succeed; therefore, academic performance, standardized test scores, and educational preparation are specifically considered. Additional factors may be considered in determining the applicant’s eligibility for admission during a holistic review that includes, but is not limited to, the student’s extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and awards.

International undergraduate applicants applying for first year/first-time student admission who have completed secondary school in the United States must submit either SAT or ACT scores. These scores are not required for international applicants who have completed secondary school outside of the United States, but are required for consideration when applying for merit-based scholarships. For the purposes of assured admission, the chart below will be used to make admission decisions regarding first year international applicants who have completed secondary school in the United States. Applicants, whose program of study have additional requirements as indicated, will also be considered for assured admission if all other admission criteria is met.

* ACT composite score; SAT reflects evidence-based reading and writing, and math; the highest section scores from multiple tests on the ACT and SAT will be used to maximize score. 
† Revised SAT

Students who are accepted for admission to Texas Tech University will be enrolled in one of the degree-granting units of the university listed below. In addition to university admission requirements, individual degree programs may have admission requirements that must be met before acceptance into the program. Texas Tech University reserves the right to assign a major if applicants do not meet the qualifications for their major of choice. See below for admission requirements for specific colleges .

Admission Alternatives

• Students have submitted all unofficial documentation as required for admission and receipt of official documentation is pending. Full admission is contingent upon submission of all required documentation as outlined in admission standards.
• A registration hold will be placed on the student’s record preventing registration until the admission requirement has been satisfied.
• All required documentation must be received prior to the start of the semester. Upon receipt of the official documentation, if the student does not meet the minimum requirement for admission, the admission decision will be rescinded. 

Conditional Admission for English Proficiency. Prospective international students who meet the minimum academic requirements for admission consideration, except for proof of English proficiency, may apply for conditional admission through ELS University Admissions (www.els.edu/en/UniversityAdmissions). International undergraduate students admitted conditionally must complete Level 112 of ELS English for Academic Purposes program before beginning an academic program at Texas Tech University. An official transcript documenting successful completion of ELS Level 112 must be provided by ELS directly to Texas Tech University before registration for Texas Tech coursework will be allowed.

Conditional Admission for Academics. Transfer applicants who are currently in attendance at another institution, but do not meet assured admission requirements for Texas Tech will be considered for conditional admission using the following guidelines: 

• Student must submit official transcripts for all work completed up to the point of application.  
• The student’s major, types of courses taken, and pattern of progress, as well as high school records, and standardized test scores may be considered in the admissions process. Successful transfer applicants usually have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.  
• Applicants whose transfer GPA is less than 2.0 will be placed in pending status until a final official transcript is received for evaluation. 

Applicants will be conditionally admitted pending receipt of a final official transcript. Once the final transcript is received and the work is evaluated, applicants meeting university GPA requirements may be fully admitted to the university. Admission for applicants whose final transcript brings them below the minimum GPA will be rescinded.

Second Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Applicants

Individuals seeking a second bachelor’s degree who have not previously attended Texas Tech should provide the following:

• International transfer application through www.applytexas.org (student should indicate they are seeking a second degree)
• Non-refundable application fee (fee waivers are not accepted)
• Official transcript showing the date and type of bachelor’s degree that was conferred

An academic dean must approve admission to any program. The International Undergraduate Admissions Office will request this approval after the applicant’s file is complete.

Transfer Advising and Admission

Transfer Advising provides pre-transfer academic advising services to prospective students. The office advises high school/secondary school, community college, and four-year institution students who are Red Raider Bound. The key is for transfer students to work with transfer advisors early to make informed educational decisions identifying the courses and appropriate sequencing of coursework needed while at the prior institution to ensure successful applicability of earned transfer college credits toward a TTU degree.

Transfer advising includes review of transferrable courses/credits, a degree checklist and discussion of how transferrable credits will apply to a chosen TTU degree, course sequence planning, and course recommendations.

International undergraduate students that wish to transfer to Texas Tech University should complete the following:

Search the Transfer Equivalency Table (https://www.depts.ttu.edu/registrar/private/transfer/) to determine if the institution the student is transferring from is listed with Texas Tech University. If the institution is not listed, the student should follow the directions below.

International undergraduate students who are already studying in the United States and wish to transfer from a domestic institution should provide copies of course syllabi (not course descriptions) and course content to their TTU admissions counselor prior to transferring to Texas Tech University.

International undergraduate students who are studying outside of the United States and wish to transfer from an international institution should provide course syllabi (not course descriptions) and English translations of syllabi and course content to their TTU admissions counselor.

After receiving the transfer documentation from the student, the TTU admissions counselor will review the information and submit it to the Transfer Evaluation Office (TEO). TEO will assist with submitting the documentation to the individual departments to determine course equivalency and will apply credits to the student’s program accordingly.

Credit Transferred from Other Colleges and Universities

Evaluation of course credit earned at other institutions by the Transfer Evaluation Office does not decree approval of the credit for use toward degree requirements. Only the academic dean of the college offering the program in which a student is enrolled has authority for determining which courses will be applied toward any specific program. The only exception to this rule is that no transferred course completed with a grade below C- may be applied to fulfill course requirements in majors, minors, or concentrations.

Applicants must submit official records from all accredited institutions attended. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of International Undergraduate Admissions. All college-level, non-vocational courses completed with a passing grade of D or above at regionally accredited colleges and universities (not including trade or technical schools) will be evaluated for acceptance of transfer credit by the Transfer Evaluation Office. The Transfer Evaluation Office determines acceptable transfer credit on the basis of an evaluation of course content as described from the sending institution’s catalog and in consultation with the appropriate academic units at Texas Tech University as necessary for clarification. While all credit hours presented on the sending institution’s transcripts will be evaluated and equivalent college-level courses posted to the student’s academic record, a maximum of 80 semester credit hours from two-year colleges may be applied toward Texas Tech University degree requirements. Courses that are accepted for transfer do not necessarily apply toward college, departmental, or program degree requirements. Transfer requirements are as follows:

• Texas Tech University may accept up to 80 degree-applicable credit hours from any accredited two- or four-year institution.
• Students may apply to bring in up to 90 degree-applicable credit hours provided that a minimum of ten degree-applicable hours are upper division (3xxx/4xxx) and from a four-year institution. The student’s home department, college, and the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs must approve the request.
• The last 30 hours of the degree must be taken in residence, defined as instructed by Texas Tech University. Students may petition their academic dean for exceptions to this requirement.
• A minimum of 40 credit hours must be upper division.

Students are encouraged to meet with the academic advisors of the college in which they plan to enroll to discuss that college’s policies on applicability of transfer credit for degree purposes. Credit hours will be applied to degree programs and majors when courses are deemed equivalent to the Texas Tech courses that satisfy various program requirements by the college in which the student is seeking a degree.

Guidelines for Transfer of College Credit

• Transcript – Original copies of official college transcripts from which the academic credit was originally taken will be reviewed, and all coursework will be evaluated before transfer credit will be posted to a student’s permanent academic record. Courses that may have been accepted for credit by another institution will not necessarily be accepted by Texas Tech. Texas Tech will not transfer credit for any college course documented only on a high school transcript.
• Grade – Non-vocational, college-level courses completed with a grade of D or above at another accredited institution (including courses taken on a pass/fail basis and passed) will normally be accepted for transfer. No transferred course completed with a grade below C- may be applied to fulfill course requirements in majors, minors, or concentrations. Courses completed with codes indicating no grade or credit will not be transferred. This includes courses from which a student has withdrawn or received a grade of incomplete.
• Classification Level – Courses will transfer to Texas Tech at the level at which the courses were taken at the transfer institution. Credit hours taken at a junior or community college may not be transferred as upper-division work, even when the Texas Common Course Numbering System designation indicates similar course content.
• Credit Hour – Transfer credit will be awarded on a semester credit hour scale for all courses, including courses transferred in on quarter-hour scales. Credit transferred in on quarter-hour scales will be converted to semester credit hours.
• Credit by Examination – Credit by examination will be accepted when the student provides documentation of appropriate test scores on an original score report from the national testing organization or official high school transcript. Credit is awarded according to Texas Tech University’s credit by examination guidelines.
• Course Equivalency – Transfer courses that have received an equivalent course evaluation by the Texas Tech academic department will be honored and are degree applicable. Changes to the equivalent may be requested annually by the department.
• Block or General Credit – Transfer courses that do not receive an equivalent course evaluation by the Texas Tech academic department but are eligible for transfer will be assigned block or general transfer credit for the subject and level (1—, 2—, 3—, or 4—).
• Repeat Courses – When a course has been repeated at another institution, the credit award will match credit granted on the sending institutions’ transcript. Only the most recent grade notation on the transcript will be transferred and posted to the student’s academic record, unless the course is designated in the institution’s catalog as “may be repeated for credit.”
• Academic Standing – Transferability of courses will not be affected by a student’s academic standing (i.e., probation, suspension), but credits earned while on academic suspension from Texas Tech University will apply to a degree plan only if approved by the student’s academic dean.
• Nontraditional Educational Experiences – Credit granted for nontraditional educational experiences by community colleges or other universities will not be accepted for transfer. These include courses taken at a non-degree-granting institution, life or work experience, and work completed at specialized proprietary schools.

Exams for International Baccalaureate (IB)

Credit by Exam with SAT, ACT

Guidelines for High School/Secondary School Foreign Language

If two years of a single foreign language are not completed in high school/secondary school, at least two semesters of a single foreign language may be required at the college level.

In order to apply high school/secondary school coursework or foreign language credits toward the basic foreign language requirements of Texas Tech University, students must provide an official copy of their high school/secondary school transcript to their admissions counselor.

For additional information regarding transfer advising, please contact International Undergraduate Admissions in the Office of International Affairs, 806.742.3667.

International undergraduate transfer applicants will be assured admission if they meet the following requirements (cumulative GPA is calculated with transferable credit only):

Admission Review for Transfers Students

The applications of international transfer students who do not meet assured admission requirements, but have at least a 2.0 transferable GPA will be holistically reviewed. The student’s major, types of courses taken, and pattern of progress, as well as high school records, and standardized test scores may be considered in the admissions process.

Conditional Admission for Transfers Students

Transfer applicants who are currently in attendance at another institution, but do not meet assured admission requirements for Texas Tech will be considered for conditional admission using the following guidelines:

• Student must submit official transcripts for all work completed up to the point of application.
• Successful transfer applicants usually have a GPA of 2.0 or higher. The student’s major, types of courses taken, and pattern of progress, as well as high school records, and standardized test scores may be considered in the admissions process.
• Applicants whose transfer GPA is less than 2.0 will be placed in pending status until a final transcript is received for evaluation.

Applicants will be conditionally admitted pending receipt of a final transcript. Once the final transcript is received and the work is evaluated, applicants meeting university GPA requirements may be fully admitted to the university. Admission for applicants whose final transcript brings them below the minimum GPA will be rescinded.

Unofficial documentation may be submitted for evaluation purposes only and is necessary for academic advising prior to enrollment, but not required for an admission decision unless the student has less than 12 transferable hours. If admitted, official documentation must be submitted prior to the start of the semester or the student will not be allowed to register for classes.

Application Appeals

The applications of prospective international students who do not meet initial admission requirements are reviewed holistically by the International Undergraduate Admissions staff. The secondary review process will consider other indicators of English proficiency, academic performance to date, and potential for success at TTU. Students who are denied admission after the holistic review may file for an appeal. 

International undergraduate applicants whose applications have been denied for any of the reasons listed below will receive a notification explaining the reason for the denial and the available appeals process.

Possible reasons for denial of admission:

• Cumulative GPA below requirements
• Transferable credit hours below requirements
• Lack of English proficiency

In the case of an admission denial based on both insufficient prior academic performance and lack of English proficiency, separate appeals must be submitted. The appeal of the academic performance decision will be considered first by the International Undergraduate Admissions Appeals Committee (IUAAC). An unsuccessful appeal of the academic performance decision preempts an appeal of the English proficiency decision.

Appeal Process for Prospective International Students

For an appeal to have merit, it should present new academic and/or personal information, as well as details pertaining to extenuating circumstances that were not addressed in the initial application. Appeal letters must be written and submitted by the international undergraduate applicant or the TTU unit representing the applicant to the Director for International Enrollment Development and Outreach (IEDO) in the Office of International Affairs within thirty (30) days of the denial notification. Appeals must be sent directly to the Office of International Affairs (mailing address below) or by email to the director of IEDO: kelley.coleman@ttu.edu

Regular Airmail
Office of International Affairs
Attn: Director for International Enrollment
Development and Outreach
Texas Tech University
PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

Express Airmail
Office of International Affairs
Attn: Director for International Enrollment
Development and Outreach
Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Ave., PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 US

The IUAAC comprises the following: Director of International Enrollment Development, International Senior Admissions Counselor, and a TTU faculty member.

The appeal process for all international prospective students may consist of the following:

• If possible, the student may be asked to meet in person with the IUAAC.
• The student may be asked to participate in a brief Skype (Zoom, FaceTime, etc.) interview.

The interview process may consist of the following:

• The student may be asked questions to engage him/her in conversation to assess English proficiency. Questions might include: cultural experiences, transition to United States, career goals, global challenges, etc.
• The student may be given a prompt and asked to submit a (short) writing sample during the interview.
• The student may be given a passage to read and asked questions to ascertain comprehension during the interview.
• The student may be shown a photograph and asked to describe the photograph during the interview.

Admission Alternatives

Students who are denied admission can also consider the following options:

• Admission applications can be re-evaluated for the term applied for if a student can provide additional documentation indicating an increase in English proficiency and/or increase in GPA after attending an intersession at another institution. If a student were able to increase their English proficiency and/or increase their GPA during the intersession and provide updated documentation/transcripts, their original application would then be re-evaluated for an admission decision.
• If a student were re-applying for a different term with updated documentation indicating an increase in their GPA or English proficiency, this would be considered as a new application. Students may have only one active application per term.

Texas Success Initiative (TSI)

All students are responsible for complying with the Texas Success Initiative. State regulations require that all students enrolling in public higher education institutions demonstrate college readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics by earning passing scores on the TSI Assessment Test or providing proof of exempting ACT, SAT, STAAR, or TAKS test scores; an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited public institution of higher education; honorable discharge from the U.S. military; or active U.S. military service. For additional information regarding TSI compliance requirements and exemptions visit www.depts.ttu.edu/registrar/private/tsi.

It is highly recommended that incoming undergraduate international students take the TSI exam soon after their arrival on campus. The TSI Assessment Test is available through Academic Testing Services, 214 West Hall, 806.742.3671. Students will need to present their driver’s license or passport for identification purposes. After testing, student must submit their test scores to the TSI Compliance Office, 103A West Hall.

Students with questions about their status regarding the Texas Success Initiative should contact the TSI Compliance Office at 806.742.3661. Students who have tested but did not meet the minimum scores in one or more sections of the TSI Assessment Test are required to obtain TSI advising through the TSI Developmental Education Office, 78 Holden Hall, 806.742.3242, www.depts.ttu.edu/tsi.

Red Raider Orientation

Red Raider Orientation (RRO) is a mandatory program designed to provide all incoming students an opportunity to meet with an academic advisor, register for classes, gather information about Texas Tech programs and services, and learn the history and traditions of the university. All new undergraduate students are required to attend RRO in order to register for classes. In addition to the regular RRO, there is a one-day orientation tailored specifically to the needs of international students-International Student Orientation (ISO) offered before the start of classes. For more information, view the following sites: 

• RRO site www.redraiderorientation.ttu.edu and email redraiderorientation@ttu.edu, or call 806.742.2993
• ISO site www.depts.ttu.edu/studentengagement/redraiderorientation/beforeyouregister.php

Or call 806.742.3667

International Undergraduate First-time student and Transfer Application Procedures:

The application procedures stated below should be followed carefully for international applicants to be considered for first year student or transfer admission to Texas Tech University.

Applications will not be evaluated until all required documentation has been submitted. Unofficial documents may be submitted for evaluation; however, official documents must be received during the student’s first semester or the student will not be allowed to register for classes.

All materials become the property of Texas Tech University and are not returnable or refundable. Required documents must be provided in English. If official English translations are not supplied by the applicant’s institution(s), the applicant must provide a translation done by an American Translators Association-certified translator. A list of ATA-certified translators is available online at www.atanet.org/onlinedirectories.

International Undergraduate Students: First-time student Applicants

Applicants must complete the following:

• Submit an international first year student application. The ApplyTexas Application is available on the website www.applytexas.org.
• Pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee may be paid by checks drawn on a U.S. bank, cashier’s checks, U.S. or international postal money orders, international money orders, traveler’s checks, or with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, or Discover). Fees may also be paid online through TouchNet using the following link or mailed to the address below.  (https://secure.touchnet.net/C20210_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=14&SINGLESTORE=true). 
• Application fees are non-refundable and cannot be waived.

International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Ave., Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

• Submit directly to the International Office of Undergraduate Admissions all supplemental documentation as follows:
  • An official high school/secondary school transcript showing completion of the recommended curriculum as appropriate by country. The transcript should include a GPA and class rank. If no rank is provided on the high school/secondary school transcript, one will be assigned.
  • Applicants must submit transcripts of all secondary schoolwork, including subjects taken and grades/marks earned, in addition to secondary school leaving examinations, if applicable. For applicants currently attending secondary school, senior courses in progress must be provided on the transcript, a grade report, or listed on the ApplyTexas Application form. A final official high school/secondary school transcript showing graduation date will be required after graduation.
  • A final official high school/secondary school transcript must be submitted within the first semester or the student will not be able to register for classes. The transcript must show the graduate date and will become part of the student’s permanent record.
  • Official Diploma/Degree Certificates. The applicant must submit an official copy of any secondary school completion/leaving certificates and any post-secondary diplomas/degree certificates earned.
  • A student with a GED must submit official GED scores as well as a partial high school/secondary school transcript.
  • SAT/ACT Scores. International applicants applying for first year student admission who have completed secondary school in the United States must submit either SAT or ACT scores. These scores are not required for international applicants who have completed secondary school outside of the United States, but are required for consideration when applying for merit-based scholarships.
  • Proof of English proficiency: Unofficial copies of English proficiency may be submitted for application evaluation purposes only. Screenshots of scores from the MyETS, PTE, or Cambridge English sites will not be accepted. If admitted, the applicant will be required to submit official results from the test provider.
  • In order to apply high school/secondary school coursework foreign language credits toward the basic foreign language requirements of Texas Tech University, students must provide an official copy of their high school/secondary school transcript.

International Undergraduate Students: Transfer Applicants

International applicants currently enrolled in their first semester of college after high school/secondary school graduation and wanting to transfer to Texas Tech should apply as international transfer students, but must also meet first year student admission requirements, and provide an official high school/secondary school transcript showing a graduation date.

International undergraduate students who have attended an accredited college beyond high school/secondary school graduation should apply as an international transfer student and may be accepted for admission to Texas Tech provided they meet admission requirements. Falsification or omission of application information can void admission to Texas Tech University.

Applicants must complete the following:

• Submit an international transfer application. The ApplyTexas Application is available on the website www.applytexas.org.
• Pay a non-refundable application fee. The fee may be paid by checks drawn on a U.S. bank, cashier’s checks, U.S. or international postal money orders, international money orders, traveler’s checks, or with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, or Discover). Fees may also be paid online through TouchNet using the following link or mailed to the address below.  (https://secure.touchnet.net/C20210_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=14&SINGLESTORE=true). 
• Application fees are non-refundable and cannot be waived.

International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Ave., Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

• Submit directly to the International Office of Undergraduate Admissions all supplemental documentation as follows:
  • Provide official transcript(s) of academic records from all institutions in which the applicant has been or is currently enrolled. Applicants must be eligible to return to the institution most recently attended. If a student has work in progress, a final official transcript must be submitted within the first semester or the student will not be able to register for classes.
  • If transferring with fewer than 12 transferable completed hours, applicants must meet the same standards for admission as required of new first year student entering from high school/secondary school and have a minimum 2.0 transferable GPA in work completed.
  • Applicants enrolled in their first semester of college after high school/secondary school graduation should apply as international transfer students and must meet first year student admission requirements.
  • Transfer applicants with 45 or more transferable hours must choose a major.
  • Some majors may have set various admission requirements in addition to the university admission requirements. Texas Tech University reserves the right to assign a major if applicants do not meet the qualifications for their major of choice. Please refer to www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem/apply.php for more information regarding transfer advising for international applicants.
  • Proof of English proficiency: Unofficial copies of English proficiency may be submitted for application evaluation purposes only. Screenshots of scores from the MyETS, PTE, or Cambridge English sites will not be accepted. If admitted, the applicant will be required to submit official results from the test provider.
  • Proof of high school/secondary school completion

For additional information or questions, please refer to the Office of International Affairs website:  www.depts.ttu.edu/international/ieem/prospective.php  

or contact the office at:

Office of International Affairs
International Undergraduate Admissions
806.742.3667

International Prospective Student Athletes

The below stated requirements are different from the required minimum for other student populations because student athletes receive academic support services from the Marsha Sharp Center, including but not limited to:

Individual Academic Support

• Athletic Academic Advisor
• Learning Specialist/Language Coach
• General/Subject Tutor
• Academic Coach
• Ongoing academic monitoring for early intervention

Social Support

• Engagement in the athletics international student-athlete programming
• Connection with other current international student-athletes
• Emersion in team environment with both domestic and international students
• Connection with on campus services for student services

Assessments

• Optimal Performance Evaluation (Academic, Mental Health, Nutrition, ADHD, etc.)
• Learning Profile

An international prospective student athlete who has received a scholarship offer and meets NCAA eligibility requirements should complete their admissions file in a timeframe that allows an admissions decision to be made on or before the date that is one week before the start of international student check-in and orientation. Any exception must include a detailed explanation for the request and be approved by the Vice Provost for International Affairs.

English Proficiency for Prospective Student Athletes

All international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency in order to be admissible to the University. The TOEFL exam is the most widely used standard for measuring proof of English proficiency and therefore is listed as the standard in this policy; however, students may also demonstrate proficiency by meeting the minimum scores with other exams such as Duolingo, IELTS, SAT, Cambridge, etc. as listed in the TTU International Undergraduate Admissions Requirements.

TOEFL. The minimum TOEFL score required to show proof of English Proficiency is 55 (internet-based version) for prospective student athletes with scholarship offers. If the PSA’s TOEFL score is 55 and above, and the PSA meets NCAA eligibility requirements, the student will be automatically admitted.

DUOLINGO. The minimum score for the Duolingo English Test (DET) required to show proof of English proficiency is 80 (internet-based version) for PSAs with scholarship offers. If the PSA’s Duolingo score is 80 and above, and if he or she meets NCAA eligibility requirements, the student will be automatically admitted.

IELTS. The minimum score for the IELTS required to show proof of English proficiency is 5.5 for PSAs. If the PSA’s IELTS score is 5.5 and above, and if he or she meets NCAA eligibility requirements, the student will be automatically admitted.

If the PSA’s score is below the minimum threshold for TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS (or any other exam used by TTU to demonstrate English proficiency) and the PSA meets NCAA eligibility requirements, the PSA will be automatically eligible for a Secondary Review and requested appeal, if necessary.

Secondary Review and Appeals Process for Prospective Student Athletes

Secondary Review

Prospective Student Athletes who meet NCAA eligibility requirements and have been offered a scholarship, but were ineligible for admission because of inadequate English proficiency score on an approved test will automatically be slated for a Secondary Review by the International Undergraduate Admissions Appeals Committee (IUAAC).

The IUAAC comprises the following: Director of International Enrollment Development, International Senior Admissions Counselor, and a TTU faculty member.

Secondary Reviews by the IUAAC will consider other indicators of English proficiency, academic performance to date, and potential for success at TTU. Following the Secondary Review, the IUAAC will make a decision concerning the applicant’s admission. The decision will be sent to the designated Athletics Department contact. (All notifications regarding admissions will be sent directly to this point of contact.)

Appeals Process

If the IUAAC does not recommend the PSA for admission, the designated Athletics Department contact may appeal the decision of the secondary review to the Director of International Enrollment Development and Outreach or Vice Provost for International Affairs. The appeal will consist of the IUAAC interviewing the PSA.

The Director for International Enrollment Development and Outreach will coordinate with the designated Athletics Department contact to arrange the interview. After consulting with the IUAAC, the Director of International Enrollment Development and Outreach will communicate with the student by email to summarize the type of activities that may occur during the interview process.

The appeals interview for prospective international student athletes will follow the same guidelines as outlined above.

Admission Alternatives

Decisions on appeals are considered final; however, a student athlete or their representative may appeal the decision to the President or Provost who have authority under the provision of NCAA Bylaw 14.1.1.1 to review additional information related to decisions rendered and to consider or grant requests for reconsideration based on new or additional information.

This process may also be applied to other prospective international students who have been offered a competitive scholarship by any Texas Tech University department that provides a comparable level of academic and social support.

International students who are denied admission can also consider the following options:

• Admission applications can be re-evaluated for the term applied for if a student can provide additional documentation indicating an increase in English proficiency and/or increase in GPA after attending an intersession at another institution. If a student is able to increase their English proficiency and/or increase their GPA during the intersession and can provide updated documentation/transcripts, their original application would then be re-evaluated for an admission decision.
• If a student is re-applying for a different term with updated documentation indicating an increase in their GPA or English proficiency, this would be considered as a new application. Students may have only one active application per term.

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate
International Students: TTU – Costa Rica

Applicants should read the General Guidelines and follow the application procedures for international first-time students or international transfer applicants as listed below. For complete information regarding admission requirements, please visit the TTU-Costa Rica website: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/costarica/AdmissionsNew/admissionrequirements.php  

All incoming international first-time students or international transfer applicants will be required to complete and submit the following information directly to the Office of International Affairs-International Undergraduate Admissions Office:

• To apply, TTU-CR students must use the online application for Costa Rica at: https://applynow.texastech.edu/CostaRica/Pages/Welcome.aspx
• Pay non-refundable application fee
• Official documentation of all secondary and/or post-secondary course work translated to English (official transcripts, exit exams, diplomas, etc.). All materials become the property of Texas Tech University and are not returnable or refundable. Required documents must be provided in English. If official English translations are not supplied by the applicant’s institution(s), the applicant must provide a translation done by an American Translators Association-certified translator. A list of ATA-certified translators is available online at www.atanet.org/onlinedirectories.
• Proof of English proficiency: Unofficial copies of English proficiency may be submitted for application evaluation purposes only. Screenshots of scores from the MyETS, PTE, or Cambridge English sites will not be accepted. If admitted, the applicant will be required to submit official results from the test provider.
   

Applications for international undergraduate admission must be submitted by the following priority deadlines:

• Fall – July 15
• Spring – December 15

*Note: We will continue to accept admission applications after priority deadlines.
 

Submitting Documentation via Mail:

All entries into the TTU records system are made by family name (last name), first name(s), and middle name, if any. If mailing documentation, applicants should provide their full names on the envelope return address. All correspondence should include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and R number, if applicable.

Send all official documents to the following address:

Regular Airmail

Office of International Affairs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

Express Mail

Office of International Affairs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Texas Tech University
601 Indiana Ave., PO Box 45004
Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 USA

For additional information, please feel free to contact International Undergraduate Admissions in the Office of International Affairs at 806.742.3667.