Guidelines for International Applicants to Graduate Programs
- The application deadline for international applicants is December 15th prior to the fall semester for which you are applying.
- Please visit IU’s International Admissions website for the most up-to-date information and instructions on how to access the online application.
- Please see the most recent Graduate School Bulletin for the specific requirements for each graduate degree the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) offers.
- If you need more information or have any questions, please contact the EALC departmental administration.
- Frequently Asked Questions for International Applicants
Steps in the application process:
1. Once you have determined which program you would like to apply for, begin to prepare your application materials. All international applicants must submit:
- Online Application for Graduate Admission
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words)
- Academic writing sample (usually a five- to ten-page paper) in English
- Three letters of recommendation also in English and directly from the source
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores
- Complete official transcripts of ALL colleges and universities attended (must be provided by the college/university and in English)
- $70 non-refundable application fee
If you would like to be considered for an Associate Instructor (AI) position in EALC, please answer the funding question on the online application.
If you are unable to access or submit the online application, please contact the EALC departmental administration for a paper copy of the application.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Please be aware that the recommenders you list on your online application will receive your recommendation request immediately after entry. For that reason, we strongly encourage you to submit your online application several weeks ahead of the deadline to allow your recommenders ample time to send in their recommendations. Alternatively, you may also ask your recommenders to send hard copies of their letters directly to Hamilton Lugar Graduate Admissions, or to send electronic copies via email to HLSgrad@iu.edu. Please contact HLS Graduate Admissions if you have questions about this.
Please send official transcripts directly to:
Office of International Services
Indiana University
Ferguson International Center
330 N. Eagleson Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405
2. Complete the online application and pay the application fee. The following materials can be submitted online:
- Online Application for Graduate Admission form
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words)
- Three letters of recommendation (submitted by your recommenders – please follow up to ensure that all three letters will arrive before the application deadline)
- Academic writing sample (usually a five- to ten-page paper) in English
- $70 non-refundable application fee
3. When you take the TOEFL Test, be sure to have your scores reported directly to IU.
- The ETS code for Indiana University Bloomington is 1324.
- For the TOEFL, choose 29 ("Far Eastern Languages and Literature") for the Department/Program code.
Scores can be reported either electronically or in a paper format. Scores must come directly from the testing agency. Photocopies of your scores are not considered official and will not be accepted by IU.
Please keep these things in mind:
- East Asian Languages and Cultures admits students only for Fall semester. We do not have Spring or Summer admission.
- The Application deadline for International applicants is December 15th, prior to the fall semester for which you are applying.
- Admissions decisions will be sent to applicants in early March. In most cases, acceptance letters are sent by e-mail as well as by postal mail, and denial letters are sent by e-mail only.
- A limited amount of financial aid for international students is available. To be considered for financial aid, students must score at least the following on the TOEFL exam:
- 93 Internet Based Test (iBT)
- 580 paper-based test