International applicants must provide documentation showing they have earned the equivalent of a 4-year bachelor's degree from the United States to be eligible for admission consideration. Documentation requirements are outlined below.
Official Transcripts and Degree Statements
- Original transcripts/marksheets bearing an official stamp must be submitted to the Graduate School. Copied, faxed, or scanned transcripts are considered unofficial.
- A separate statement confirming degree conferral (degree statement) bearing an official stamp is also required.
- Transcripts and degree statements must be in the original language of the international institution as well as in English. Applicants submitting an approved transcript evaluation (see below) are not required to submit English translations.
- If you only have one set of original documents, please submit unofficial copies for review purposes. If admitted, original documents can be submitted to the Graduate School when you arrive in Birmingham. We will verify their authenticity in person and make copies for our records which will allow you to keep the original documents.
- If you will be enrolling in an online only program and will not be on campus, please send the original documents along with a self-addressed and stamped envelope so we can return them.
- Applicants who have not yet finished their degree should present a transcript showing they have earned a minimum of 91 complete semester hours or six (6) completed semesters.
Transcript Evaluations
We will accept a transcript evaluation from World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education Consultants. We do not recognize transcript evaluations from other companies. If the graduate department allows a transcript evaluation from another company, it will be at their own discretion.
International Student and Scholar Services will have access to your decision and a representative will contact you directly if any other documentation is necessary to begin processing your immigration documents.
Additional Requirements
Some programs require additional items such as the examples listed below. It is important that applicants visit the program website to make sure they understand all requirements. Applicants can also log in to the application dashboard at any time to review their application checklist.
Recommendation Letters
Many programs require three (3) letters of recommendation. Applicants will identify recommenders as part of the online application process. Notification emails will be sent to the identified recommenders who will then submit their recommendation electronically. Upon submission, recommendations will be attached to the application.
Personal Essay
Most programs require a brief summary of academic interests, career goals, and relevant background experience. In addition, some programs have specific essay topics.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Some programs require a written compilation of education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham welcomes international applicants. An international applicant is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of the United States.
