Instructional Leadership, emphasis: K-12 School Leadership (MEd)
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  3. International Graduate Student Admission

International Graduate Student Admission

If you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), you are eligible to apply to graduate school at NAU. Undergraduate coursework should be comparable to the general education and major requirements of an NAU bachelor’s degree.

Admission requirements and deadlines vary by degree program. In addition to the admissions requirements for all graduate students, international students must meet additional criteria to be eligible for admission to NAU.

Explore graduate degree programs

Graduate degree programs

There are more than 50 different Master and PhD degree programs available to international students at our Flagstaff Mountain Campus.

View graduate degree programs

Graduate program deadlines

Application deadlines for graduate degree programs vary by degree program.

Degree programs may offer admission in Fall, Spring, or Fall Only.

 

 

View NAU graduate program application deadlines

Academic advising for graduate students

If you have questions about a degree program curriculum, it’s a good idea to connect with your assigned advisor. They’ll help you understand your program and work with you to map out your path to graduation.

Depending on your program, you might be matched with an Academic Advisor, a Faculty Mentor, or a Graduate Coordinator or sometimes a combination of these roles.

View NAU graduate coordinator contacts
Complete the NAU international graduate student application

Steps to apply

Follow the steps below to apply as a full-time international student seeking a graduate degree.
Step 1

Complete the NAU application

Complete the online application and pay the $75 application fee.

 

Complete the international graduate student application
Step 2

Upload unofficial transcripts

Upload unofficial transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework. Make sure your documents meet the following requirements:

  • If your transcripts do not show your degree completion date, please include a separate degree certificate.
  • If your degree is still in progress, submit your current transcripts now and the final transcript once it is issued.
  • Any document not issued in English must include an official English translation.
  • Transcripts from institutions in Nigeria must be evaluated by an Arizona Department of Education approved evaluation agency.

Important:

  • After admission, you must submit official transcripts sent directly from each institution.
  • All submitted transcripts become university property and cannot be returned.
  • Missing or incomplete information may delay your admission decision.

 

View AZ Department of Education approved evaluation agencies
Step 3

Submit English proficiency

All international applicants must provide official proof of English proficiency. Your application will not be evaluated until NAU receives valid scores from one of the approved testing agencies:

Minimum required scores for most graduate programs

  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 105
  • TOEFL iBT: 80
  • TOEFL iBT (test taken after 01/21/2026): 4

Score validity

  • Test scores must be taken within two years of the term in which you plan to begin your studies.
  • Some degree programs have higher requirements or require minimum section scores.
  • Not all departments accept all exam types. Check specific guidelines for your degree program.

English Proficiency Waivers

Proof of English proficiency may be waived if:

  • You hold a passport from an approved English speaking country
  • You completed a university degree from one of these English-speaking countries (official transcript is required).

Program in Intensive English (PIE)

  • Applicants who do not meet English proficiency requirements may be eligible for the Program in Intensive English.

 

View English-speaking countries
Step 4

Submit additional materials

Some degree programs may require additional materials.  Check the the Academic Catalog for additional program‑specific application requirements.

  • Higher proof of English proficiency scores
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • GRE test scores

 

View the NAU academic catalog