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Admissions Requirements

Ball State practices rolling admission, which means our staff will review your application and decide on your admission after we receive all of your credentials. You should follow the admission requirements for international applicants if you are not a United States citizen, a Permanent Resident of the U.S., refugee, asylee, or DACA status holder. This includes prospective students with pending U.S. Permanent Resident applications.

Make sure to review all the steps to apply, which depends on what type of student you are: traditional freshman, transfer, exchange, or online.  Please read each description carefully to ensure you apply correctly and have the best chances of being admitted to Ball State.

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Freshman

You should apply as a freshman undergraduate student if:

  • you have completed or will complete high school or secondary school before the semester you apply to start
  • you have not attended a university, college, or other postsecondary institution
  • you wish to earn a bachelor’s degree

Dates and Deadlines - International Admissions must receive all of your application materials by these dates for consideration for a specific term

  • Fall Term - application materials due by June 15th
  • Spring Term - application materials due by November 15th
  • Summer Term - application materials due by March 15th

Online Program Deadlines: If you are planning to study online from your home country or if you have a visa status that allows for online-only study (this does not include the F1 student visa), your application deadline is two weeks prior to the start of the term.

Here’s What We Look For

Admission to Ball State is competitive. We review each individual application to consider your academic performance, level of course work, and English proficiency test scores. Ultimately, we aim to determine if you can be successful here. Review the following criteria we consider when you apply.

Academic Performance and Curriculum

Admission to Ball State is selective. We seek new students who have the ability, motivation, and intellectual curiosity needed to thrive in our innovative learning environment. Admission criteria include the strength of your high school curriculum and your performance, curricular patterns, and if your grade trends in academic courses were positive and consistent.

No grade point average guarantees admission to Ball State. We look for applicants that have demonstrated above average grades.

SAT and/or ACT Scores and English Proficiency Standards

SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission but scores may be used to meet our English proficiency requirement.

For full admission, you must earn a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 79, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5, Pearson’s PTE of 53, SAT Critical Reading section or SAT Evidence-Base Reading and Writing score of 500, or ACT English Section score of 21 unless eligible for a waiver. If you have taken an English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS or Pearson's PTE), scores can be submitted by uploading it directly to your application portal or by emailing a scanned copy of the score report to INTADMIT@bsu.edu. SAT or ACT scores must be officially submitted to Ball State University (school code: 1051).

You can retake any test and submit new scores an unlimited number of times.

  • Students who are eligible for conditional admission are admitted to the Intensive English Institute program at Ball State and must meet English proficiency requirements before being offered degree-seeking admission to the university. Please note that, beginning Spring 2024, a language test score will be required for conditional admission and/or admission to the Intensive English Institute. The Intensive English Institute offers Academic English courses for students who have the following minimum language test scores.
    • IELTS 4.5
    • TOEFL iBT 42
    • Duolingo 65
    • Pearson PTE 40

Do you play an instrument, compete in sports, perform onstage, participate in clubs, have a job, or volunteer? Depending on your desired major, we may require a design portfolio, performance audition, or an essay.

Complete the online application for undergraduate admission. Some program areas require additional information or materials. Find out if yours is one of them.

  • You must pay a nonrefundable application fee of U.S. $60.

Apply Now

After You Apply

  • You will receive an email explaining how to activate your Ball State account (if you do not have an existing account).
  • You will receive an email explaining important documentation that will need to be submitted in order to complete your application.

Academic Records—You must provide high school transcripts and diplomas from all institutions where you have studied in the past. They must be submitted in English (10th, 11th, and 12th grade, or equivalent) or with an official translation. Transcripts from schools located in the United States must be sent directly from the institution to Ball State.

You can submit academic records by:

After Step 3

  • You will receive an email confirming that we received your documents and are reviewing your files.
  • You will receive an email confirming your admission or denial to Ball State.

You must submit the following documentation after you have been admitted to Ball State, and we suggest that you submit the materials as soon as possible.

Passport Photocopy—You must provide a copy of the main passport page for you and any dependents (including your spouse) you plan to bring with you to Ball State.

Financial Documentation—You must document your ability to pay for your living expenses and university fees through one of the following:

  • personal funding
  • private sponsorship (family and friends)
  • Ball State sponsorship

Ball State cannot create visa-enabling documents for international students (I-20 or DS-2019) until we have received these items.

You will receive additional instructions on completing Step 4 after you have been admitted.

After Step 4

  • You will receive an email confirming that we received your documents and are reviewing your files.
  • You will receive your visa-enabling documents (I-20 or DS-2019) through the mail after Ball State admits you.

Visit the eShipGlobal website.

To create an account you will need your:

  • email address (activation and shipping information will be sent here)
  • mailing address
  • phone number

Once you have created your account, you will receive a notification in your email that prompts you to activate your account. In order to use this service, you will need complete activation. 

After activating your account:

  1. Select "Send documents to your University"
  2. Select "Indiana" from the map of the United States
  3. Select "Ball State University"
  4. Select "International Admissions"
  5. Enter in your (sender) information and continue.
  6. Select "Ship/Quote" and choose your carrier.
  7. Select your payment method. Pay close attention to the information submitted. Any errors or incorrect information will result in a delay in the mailing of your documents

You will receive a confirmation email from eShip Global. This email will contain all the information relating to your shipment. This confirmation email will be used to track your documents (within 24-48 hours after the package has been sent).

Be sure to follow all directions.

If you have any additional questions, please email support@eshipglobal.com.

You should apply as an undergraduate transfer student if:

  • you have completed or will complete high school or secondary school before the semester you apply to start
  • you have attended a university, college, or other postsecondary institution for a minimum of one semester or have earned at least 24 credit hours and wish to earn a bachelor's degree

Dates and Deadlines - International Admissions must receive all of your application materials by these dates for consideration for a specific term

  • Fall Term - application materials due by June 15th
  • Spring Term - application materials due by November 15th
  • Summer Term - application materials due by March 15th

Online Program Deadlines: If you are planning to study online from your home country or if you have a visa status that allows for online-only study (this does not include the F1 student visa),your application deadline is two weeks prior to the start of the term.

Are You Eligible to Transfer?

We'll consider you for transfer admission if you’ve earned a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all transferable course work attempted.

Admission decisions will be based upon your academic records at all educational institutions you’ve attended. You must be in good academic standing and eligible to return immediately to the last institution you attended.

If you apply for transfer admission to Ball State while you’re enrolled at another college or university, you may be considered for admission on the basis of your current college or university cumulative GPA.

If you’re admitted to Ball State while enrolled at another college or university your cumulative GPA must remain above 2.0. Admission granted under such circumstances may be withdrawn if your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0.

SAT and/or ACT Scores and English Proficiency Standards

SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission but scores may be used to meet our English proficiency requirement.

For full admission, you must earn a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 79, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5, Pearson’s PTE of 53, SAT Critical Reading section or SAT Evidence-Base Reading and Writing score of 500, or ACT English Section score of 21 unless eligible for a waiver.

You can retake any test and submit new scores an unlimited number of times.

  • Students who are eligible for conditional admission are admitted to the Intensive English Institute program at Ball State and must meet English proficiency requirements before being offered degree-seeking admission to the university. Please note that, beginning Spring 2024, a language test score will be required for conditional admission and/or admission to the Intensive English Institute. The Intensive English Institute offers Academic English courses for students who have the following minimum language test scores.
    • IELTS 4.5
    • TOEFL iBT 42
    • Duolingo 65
    • Pearson PTE 40

Do you play an instrument, compete in sports, perform onstage, participate in clubs, have a job, or volunteer? Depending on your desired major, we may require a design portfolio, performance audition, or an essay. 

Complete the online application for undergraduate admission. Some program areas require additional information or materials. Find out if yours is one of them.

  • You must pay a nonrefundable application fee of U.S. $60.

APPLY NOW 

After Step 2

  • You will receive an email explaining how to activate your Ball State account (if you do not have an existing account).

 

You can submit all necessary documentation by:

Academic Records—You have two options to consider when applying as an undergraduate transfer student.

Course Descriptions—You must submit course descriptions for every course you wish to receive transfer credit for. Course descriptions must be in English. They can be copied from your home institution’s course catalog, course syllabi (outlines for how the courses proceed), or written by your academic advisor.

You can submit academic records and course descriptions by:

  • Uploading it directly to your application portal
  • Email to INTADMIT@bsu.edu
  • Transcripts from schools in the United States must be sent directly from the institution to Ball State.

After Step 3

  • You will receive an email confirming your admission or denial to Ball State.

You must submit the following documentation after you have been admitted to Ball State, and we suggest that you submit this documentation as soon as possible.

Passport Photocopy—You must provide a copy of the main passport page for you and any dependents (including your spouse) you plan to bring with you to Ball State.

Financial Documentation—You must document your ability to pay for your living expenses and university fees through one of the following:

  • personal funding
  • private sponsorship (family and friends)
  • Ball State sponsorship
Ball State cannot create visa-enabling documents for international students (I-20 or DS-2019) until we have received these items.  You will receive additional instructions on completing Step 4 after you have been admitted.

Visit the eShipGlobal website.

To create an account you will need your:

  • email address (activation and shipping information will be sent here)
  • mailing address
  • phone number

Once you have created your account, you will receive a notification in your email that prompts you to activate your account. In order to use this service, you will need complete activation. 

After activating your account:

  1. Select "Send documents to your University"
  2. Select "Indiana" from the map of the United States
  3. Select "Ball State University"
  4. Select "International Admissions"
  5. Enter in your (sender) information and continue.
  6. Select "Ship/Quote" and choose your carrier.
  7. Select your payment method. Pay close attention to the information submitted. Any errors or incorrect information will result in a delay in the mailing of your documents

You will receive a confirmation email from eShip Global. This email will contain all the information relating to your shipment. This confirmation email will be used to track your documents (within 24-48 hours after the package has been sent).

Be sure to follow all directions.

If you have any additional questions, please email support@eshipglobal.com.

Ball State has established exchange partnerships with universities around the world.

Consider applying as an undergraduate exchange-program student if you:

  • plan to take undergraduate courses or seek a bachelor’s degree
  • find that your home university has an exchange partnership with Ball State, such as International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP)

We partner with nearly 20 other universities, plus you have other options.  See the programs.

APPLY NOW

Minimum Requirements

  • You must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a U.S. 4.0 scale (some programs require higher GPAs).

  • For full admission you must earn a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 79, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5, Pearson’s PTE of 53, SAT Critical Reading section or SAT Evidence-Base Reading and Writing score of 500, or ACT English Section score of 21 unless eligible for a waiver..

  • Students who are eligible for conditional admission are admitted to the Intensive English Institute program at Ball State and must meet English proficiency requirements before being offered degree-seeking admission to the university. Please note that, beginning Spring 2024, a language test score will be required for conditional admission and/or admission to the Intensive English Institute. The Intensive English Institute offers Academic English courses for students who have the following minimum language test scores.
    • IELTS 4.5
    • TOEFL iBT 42
    • Duolingo 65
    • Pearson PTE 40

  • SAT/ACT exams are not required for admission, but can be used for proof of English Proficiency.

Application fees are waived for all inbound exchange students. 

After Step 1

  • You will receive an email explaining how to activate your Ball State account (if you do not have an existing account).

You can submit all necessary documentation by:

Course Descriptions—You must submit course descriptions for every course you wish to receive transfer credit for. Course descriptions must be in English. They can be copied from your home institution’s course catalog, course syllabi (outlines of course plans), or written by your academic advisor.

You must submit the following documentation after you have been admitted to Ball State. We suggest that you submit the materials as soon as possible.

Passport Photocopy—You must provide a copy of the main passport page for you and any dependents (including your spouse) you plan to bring with you to Ball State.

Financial Documentation–You must document your ability to pay for your living expenses and university fees through one of the following:

  • personal funding
  • private sponsorship (family and friends)
  • Ball State sponsorship

Financial documents are valid only for six months from the date of issue. Applicants are allowed to have a maximum of three sponsors for their education.

Note: If your exchange consortium (for example, ISEP) is sponsoring your studies, then we do not require proof of funding.

Third Party Release Form–You will receive this document as an email attachment. Please fill it out and include any advisors, such as your home institution coordinators, whom you might wish us to release information to concerning your application. You will receive necessary information from your exchange student coordinator.

Ball State cannot create visa-enabling documents for international students (I-20 or DS-2019) until we have received these items.

You will receive additional instructions on completing Step 3 after you have been admitted.

After Step 3

  • You will receive an email confirming that we received your documents and are reviewing your file.
  • You will receive your visa-enabling documentation (I-20 or DS-2019) by express mail courier after Ball State admits you.

You should apply as an undergraduate student in the online and distance education program if:

  • you have completed or will complete high school or secondary school before the semester you apply to start
  • you plan to take courses online only while residing outside of the United States
  • you wish to earn a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate certificate

Step 1: Review Admission Criteria

Here’s What We Look For

Admission to Ball State is competitive. We review each individual application to consider your academic performance, level of course work, and English proficiency test scores. Ultimately, we aim to determine if you can be successful here. Review the following criteria we consider when you apply.

Academic Performance and Curriculum

Admission to Ball State is selective. We seek new students who have the ability, motivation, and intellectual curiosity needed to thrive in our innovative learning environment. Admission criteria include the strength of your high school curriculum and your performance, curricular patterns, and if your grade trends in academic courses were positive and consistent. No grade point average guarantees admission to Ball State. We look for applicants that have demonstrated above average grades.

SAT and/or ACT Scores and English Proficiency Standards

SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission but scores may be used to meet our English proficiency requirement.

For full admission, you must earn a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 79, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5, Pearson’s PTE of 53, SAT Critical Reading section or SAT Evidence-Base Reading and Writing score of 500, or ACT English Section score of 21 unless eligible for a waiver.

You can retake any test and submit new scores an unlimited number of times.

Conditional admission is not permitted for online degrees.

Authorization

If you are currently in the United States and want to be a distance learning student, you must obtain authorization based upon your visa status.

Contact International Student Services and your current visa sponsor to obtain permission.

Step 2: Apply for Admission

Complete the online application for undergraduate admission.

  • You must pay a nonrefundable application fee of U.S. $60.

APPLY NOW

Step 3: Send Us Your Transcript and Academic Records

Academic Records—You must provide high school transcripts and diplomas from all institutions where you have studied in the past. They must be submitted in English (10th, 11th, and 12th grade, or equivalent) or with an official translation. Transcripts from schools located in the United States must be sent directly from the institution to Ball State.

You can submit academic records by email to:

After Step 3

  • You will receive an email explaining how to activate your Ball State account (if you do not have an existing account).
  • You will receive an email explaining important documentation that will need to be submitted in order to complete your application.