Comparative Government and Politics

International students who have never attended a post-secondary education institution will apply as a freshman (first-year student), and must have the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma with an academic average equivalent to a “B” (3.0 or better on the U.S. 4-point grading system).

The “academic average” is determined by averaging the grades of secondary school academic courses, excluding nonacademic courses such as physical education, vocational/technical courses, religion, art, music, etc.

Students must submit complete official records for the secondary level of education and are strongly encouraged to submit ACT or SAT scores. Students who have taken advanced-level exams, international baccalaureate higher-level exams, or other types of secondary education beyond the 12th year of schooling should submit the official certificates, transcripts, and course syllabi for possible advanced placement university credit.

Step 1: Complete Online Application

Complete the online application for admission and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee. The application fee can be submitted online by credit card, or mailed to the office by check or money order drawn on a U.S. bank. Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming your application was received.

The application deadline for the fall semester is July 15. The deadline for the spring semester is October 1.

Step 2: Submit all Official Transcripts

After applying, you should send an official transcript, in your original language and with an English translation, from all secondary schools, colleges, and universities attended to the address below. An official transcript is an official record prepared by the issuing institution and sealed in the institution’s official envelope.

Please note: All required documents should be sent at least 120 days before the start of a semester to allow for adequate processing time, which can be extensive for some applications.

LSU’s Office of Enrollment Management is solely responsible for evaluating and determining the equivalencies of international credentials and grading scales.

LSU Office of Enrollment Management
1146 Pleasant Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803

Step 3: Submit TOEFL or IELTS Scores

If English is not your native language, you must provide your TOEFL or IELTS scores for proof of English language proficiency. Either test’s scores must be sent directly through the TOEFL or IELTS website. TOEFL scores require LSU’s school code of 6373.