International Student Admission
We are delighted that you are considering the University of Richmond. International students should apply using the same forms as all students. Please apply online with the Common Application or the University of Richmond Web application. All application forms receive equal consideration. Non-U.S. citizens are also asked to complete a short supplemental form called the Certification of Finances. It is used only for the purpose of issuing immigration documents. Because Richmond is need-blind in its admission process, your ability to afford the University of Richmond is not a factor when admission decisions are made.
International students are evaluated with the same criteria as all other applicants to the University; however, there are some variations in standardized test requirements, which are detailed here.
Standardized Test Requirements
Students are encouraged to take standardized tests more than one time, as the Office of Admission will combine each applicant's highest scores.
- For native speakers of English, either the SAT (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) or ACT is required.
- For non-native English speakers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the SAT (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are required.
English Proficiency: All non-native speakers of English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) regardless of their citizenship. The minimum score required for admission is 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL. Competitive candidates have generally scored above 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based TOEFL or 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL. Students with scores above 520 on the paper-based test, 190 on the computer-based TOEFL or 68 on the Internet-based TOEFL may be considered for conditional admission through the University's advanced summer intensive English program. All indicators of English proficiency such as the SAT critical reading score, writing sample, English teacher evaluation and TOEFL score are considered when making a determination for conditional or unconditional admission.
All official score reports must be sent directly from the testing service.
Applicants should consult their school office or the following agencies for information about test dates and registration procedures:
SAT/TOEFL
Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ
University of Richmond code: 5569
Telephone: 609-771-7600 (College Board) or 609-921-9000 (ETS)
Internet: www.collegeboard.com, www.toefl.org
ACT
American College Testing Program
Iowa City, IA
University of Richmond code: 4410
Telephone: 309-337-1000
Internet: www.act.org
Summary of Required Credentials
The credentials listed here are the minimum required for admission consideration. Holders of these credentials may not always be admitted to the University of Richmond. Admission decisions are made by carefully considering each student's academic preparation as measured by daily work, external examination results, rigor of the program of study chosen, level of English proficiency and standardized test results.
African students should present the appropriate certificate of secondary school in their country; for example, the Baccalaureate in the Ivory Coast, West African School Certificate in Ghana, and Kenyan Certificate of Education in Kenya. With the West African and Kenyan certificates, passes are required in at least five subjects, including English language; the remaining four should be in subjects relevant to the program of study desired at the University of Richmond. For more information regarding the General Certificate of Education, see United Kingdom information.
European students should send complete records of their secondary school studies (gymnasium, lycee, etc.), including the final certificate showing completion of study (Baccalaureate, Abitur, Artium, Diploma di Maturita).
United Kingdom students should present the General Certificate of Secondary Education with passes in at least five subjects, graded A through C. It is preferable that students have five GCSE passes in the subject areas of English, mathematics, social science, natural science and a foreign language. It is expected that before enrolling, students will have completed the General Certificate of Education examinations. The University grants advanced standing credit for General Certificate of Education Advanced level examination passes with grades A through C.
Asian Students
Taiwan: Applicants from Taiwan should have a transcript and diploma from Senior High School.
Hong Kong: Anglo-Chinese students should present, at minimum, a Hong Kong Certificate of Education (English) at the end of Form V and a transcript of work from Forms III-V plus a transcript from one year of Lower Form VI.
Japan: Transcripts and certificate showing satisfactory completion of Upper Secondary School, the Koto-gakko, are required for admission.
Thailand: Candidates from Thailand must present transcripts from Higher Secondary School and the completion certificate, Matayom Suksa V or Matayom VI.
Malaysia: Applicants with the Malaysian Certificate of Education with Division I may be considered if they have five passes in academic subjects with grades 1 or 2 in math, science and English. Applicants generally are required to complete the M.C.E. plus the lower Form VI to be considered for admission.
Philippines: Applicants who have graduated from high school may be considered if the NCEE scores are the 75th percentile or above or if the student's academic record and other testing results indicate exceptional ability and maturity. Completion of one or more years of full-time post-secondary work is ordinarily required.
Near and Middle Eastern students should present the government General Secondary Education Certificate of their country, in addition to a year-by-year record of the subjects studied and grades earned at the secondary level. Indian and Pakistani students are requested to send official certificates or photographic copies of degrees and diplomas earned. In addition, detailed mark sheets covering the studies completed are required; the class or division earned in each examination should be indicated. "True copies" are acceptable only if prepared by an official of an institution concerned; they should bear the official's seal and signature.
The basic requirements for admission to the first-year class at the University of Richmond are First or High Second Division standing.
India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal students must submit results of the Secondary School Certificate (or regional exam given at the completion of Standard X) for admission consideration. Students are expected to have completed the Higher Secondary Certificate or Intermediate Certificate (or regional exam given at completion of Standard XII) before enrolling.
Latin and South American students should present a certificate of completion of secondary school studies. Official records are required from "colegios" or other secondary schools attended, including subjects studied, grades received and diploma earned.