International Student Admissions

What is an International Student?

International students are "non-immigrant" visitors who come to the United States to temporarily seek an academic degree or take online courses virtually from anywhere in the world. International applications to Lamar University should be submitted by applicants who meet one of these qualifiers:

International icon

  • You are outside of the US and intend to obtain an F or J visa to enter the US and study on-campus. 
  • You are inside the US with any lettered visa type (F,J,H,B,etc) and intend to obtain a degree from Lamar University.
  • You are not a US citizen, permanent resident with a permanent resident card, refugee, asylee, DACA or undocumented applicant, or person with a temporary protected status.

Applicants who intend to enroll in an online-only degree program should note that Lamar University will be unable to issue any immigration documents (such as the SEVIS I-20) for a visa application. International applicants outside of the US are still encouraged to apply for an online degree program at Lamar University, but they cannot use this type of study to obtain a student visa for entry to the US.


 Application Process

    1. Complete the admissions application at ApplyTexas.
    2. Submit your Academic Transcript(s) and/or Transcript Evaluations:
      • First-time Undergraduate International (Freshman): 
        • An evaluation of your foreign high school transcripts.
      • Undergraduate Transfer International Student: 
        • Official college transcripts from ALL colleges attended. If you have less than 18 college credit hours, submit an evaluation of your foreign high school transcripts.
      • New or Transfer Graduate International student:
        • An official conferred bachelor's or master's degree required for the intended program.
        • The most recent institution of attendance if it differs from the institution of the conferred degree.
    3. Submit Test Scores (if applicable)
    4. Submit Proof of English Proficiency

 

Virtual Campus Experience

Can't wait to see campus? Take our tour created to show you what it's like to be a Cardinal. You can also create your own Lamar University tour by choosing what interests you!
 

Application Deadlines

Applicants should submit materials as soon as possible to allow time for visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, which may have wait times of days or weeks.

Applicants who DO NOT require Lamar University to issue their I-20 can follow the Domestic Admissions deadlines. See the academic calendar for full dates and deadlines.  

Fall (August)
Priority Deadline: April 15
Final Deadline: July 1

Spring (January)
Priority Deadline: September 1
Final Deadline: December 1

Summer (June)
Priority Deadline: January 1
Final Deadline: April 15

Admissions Status

If you've applied and haven't received your college acceptance letter, you can check your admissions status online.

CHECK ADMISSION STATUS

Frequently Asked Questions

Application

  • What kind of application should I submit?

    The ApplyTexas application provides options for applicant type that are responsive to the personal profile questions you answer at the beginning of the application. International students will want to pay special attention to Page 3 and Page 10 of their profile pages to make sure the correct options are available for international application types. 

    Students with questions while filling out the application can contact international.recruitment@dos5.net anytime for support and guidance. 

  • There are only options for “four-year college/university” and “two year community/junior college”, how do I apply to Graduate School?

    Typically, in the US 4-year colleges/universities offer bachelor's and master's degree programs, while 2-year community/junior colleges offer vocational and associate's degree programs. You will want to pick "4-year college/university" to find the options you need for a graduate program. 

  • Am I an international student or domestic student?

    International applications to Lamar University should be submitted by applicants who meet one of these qualifiers: 

    • You are outside of the US and intend to obtain a F or J Visa to enter the US and study on-campus 
    • You are inside the US with any lettered Visa type (F, J, H, B, etc.) and intend to obtain a degree from Lamar University 
    • You are a not a US citizen, outside of the US, and intend to apply to an online-only degree program. 

    Applicants who intend to enroll in an online-only degree program should note that Lamar University will be unable to issue any immigration documents (such as the SEVIS I-20) for a Visa application. Applicants outside of the US are still welcome to apply for an online degree program at Lamar, but they cannot be assisted by our International Services office. 

    Applicants with the following statuses are eligible to submit a U.S. application from ApplyTexas: 

    • Dual citizens of the US 
    • Permanent Residents 
    • Those with an active I-485 application for Permanent Residency 
    • Refugee status 
    • Asylee status 
    • Temporary Protected Status 
    • DACA or undocumented applicants 
    • These applicants are encouraged to learn more about Texas’ SB 1528 regulation which can allow them to study with in-state tuition rates. 
  • What is the international application fee?
    The International application fee is $75. 
  • What’s next after I submit my application?
    After submitting your online application through ApplyTexas, the information you’ve provided will be transmitted to Lamar University where we will create a student account for you. This process typically takes approximately 3 days. You’ll receive an email letter, which will let you know when your student account is ready for you to move forward! This letter will include your NEW Student ID Number and advise you on your next steps. 
  • Why wasn’t there somewhere to upload my documents online?
    Your academic transcripts, transcript evaluations, and/or test scores must come from official sources to assure authenticity and accuracy. This means that we cannot accept uploaded official documents directly from students. We provide easy options for your testing service to report your scores or for your institution/evaluation agency to send your records. For instructions on submitting your documents, select "Applying as..." and select your student type in the section above. 
  • Can I defer my application/admission to a future term?
    We understand that with extended visa interview wait times it may not always be possible for students to join us in their intended term. Admitted international students wishing to defer their application to a future term are not required to start the process over from the beginning or even pay another application fee. Simply contact our office at international.recruitment@dos5.net to find out the easy steps to join us in a future term.

Finishing Your International Application and Submitting Documents

  • Applying as a First-Time Graduate Student

    Applying to Graduate Programs in the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, and College of Engineering - Submit official English language transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions attended and your transcripts will be evaluated internally. 

    All hard copies must be in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution or agency. For more information about what criteria is used to determine what requirements your transcripts must meet to be considered official, see “What Does My Transcript Need To Include?”. 

     

    By Electronic Submission – in secured attachments from official institutional sources to LUAdmTran@Lamar.edu 

    By Courier Service – Lamar University, Graduate Admissions, 211 Redbird Ln., Beaumont, TX 77710 

    By Postal Service/Mail – Lamar University, Graduate Admissions, PO Box 10009, Beaumont, TX 77710 

    United States Academic Records: Applicants who have attended or are currently attending a US school, must submit official academic transcripts from each previous institution regardless of the length of time in attendance or if credit was earned or is anticipated. Students will not be considered for admission until all college transcripts are on file. 

     

    Apply to All Other Graduate Programs - Submit an official report of course-by-course evaluated transcripts of all post-secondary work from outside the United States to Lamar sent directly from an approved evaluating agency.  

     

    All hard copies must be in envelopes sealed by the issuing agency. The Lamar University Admissions office does not evaluate transcripts to these programs internally, so you do not need to send official foreign transcripts to our office. 

    By Electronic Submission – in secured attachments from official institutional sources to LUAdmTran@Lamar.edu 

    By Courier Service – Lamar University, Graduate Admissions, 211 Redbird Ln., Beaumont, TX 77710 

    By Postal Service/Mail – Lamar University, Graduate Admissions, PO Box 10009, Beaumont, TX 77710 
     

    United States Academic Records: Applicants who have attended or are currently attending a US school, must submit official academic transcripts from each previous institution regardless of the length of time in attendance or if credit was earned or is anticipated. Students will not be considered for admission until all college transcripts are on file.

  • Applying as a Transfer Graduate Student from US Institution

    Applying to Graduate Programs in the College of Arts & Sciences, College of Business, and College of Engineering - Submit official English language transcript(s) from all post-secondary institutions attended and your transcripts will be evaluated internally. 

    All hard copies must be in envelopes sealed by the issuing institution or agency. For more information about what criteria is used to determine what requirements your transcripts must meet to be considered official, see “What Does My Transcript Need To Include?”. 

     

    By Electronic Submission – in secured attachments from official institutional sources to LUAdmTran@Lamar.edu 

    By Courier Service – Lamar University, Graduate Admissions, 211 Redbird Ln., Beaumont, TX 77710 

    By Postal Service/Mail – Lamar University, Graduate Admissions, PO Box 10009, Beaumont, TX 77710 

    United States Academic Records: Applicants who have attended or are currently attending a US school, must submit official academic transcripts from each previous institution regardless of the length of time in attendance or if credit was earned or is anticipated. Students will not be considered for admission until all college transcripts are on file. 

     

    Apply to All Other Graduate Programs - Submit an official report of course-by-course evaluated transcripts of all post-secondary work from outside the United States to Lamar sent directly from an approved evaluating agency.  

     

    All hard copies must be in envelopes sealed by the issuing agency. The Lamar University Admissions office does not evaluate transcripts to these programs internally, so you do not need to send official foreign transcripts to our office. 

    By Electronic Submission – in secured attachments from official institutional sources to LUAdmTran@Lamar.edu 

    By Courier Service – Lamar University, Graduate Admissions, 211 Redbird Ln., Beaumont, TX 77710 

    By Postal Service/Mail – Lamar University, Graduate Admissions, PO Box 10009, Beaumont, TX 77710 
     

    United States Academic Records: Applicants who have attended or are currently attending a US school, must submit official academic transcripts from each previous institution regardless of the length of time in attendance or if credit was earned or is anticipated. Students will not be considered for admission until all college transcripts are on file. 

  • Applying as an Undergraduate Transfer Student with 18 or more credit hours

    Submit Your United States Academic Transcripts: Applicants who have attended or are currently attending a US school, must submit official academic transcripts from each previous institution regardless of the length of time in attendance, if credit was earned, or if still enrolled in courses. Students will not be considered for admission until all college transcripts are on file. 

     

    And/or Submit Your Transcript Evaluation from a Foreign Institution: Submit an official report of course-by-course evaluated transcripts of all post-secondary work from outside the United States to Lamar sent directly from an approved evaluating agency.  

     

    By Electronic Submission – in secured attachments from official institutional sources to LUAdmTran@Lamar.edu 

    By Courier Service – Lamar University, Undergraduate Admissions, 211 Redbird Ln., Beaumont, TX 77710 

    By Postal Service/Mail – Lamar University, Undergraduate Admissions, PO Box 10009, Beaumont, TX 77710 

  • Applying as an Undergraduate Transfer Student with less than 18 credit hours

    Submit Your United States Academic Transcripts: Applicants who have attended or are currently attending a US school, must submit official academic transcripts from each previous institution regardless of the length of time in attendance, if credit was earned, or if still enrolled in courses. Students will not be considered for admission until all college transcripts are on file.

    And/or Submit Your Transcript Evaluation from a Foreign Institution: Submit an official report of course-by-course evaluated transcripts of all post-secondary work from outside the United States to Lamar sent directly from an approved evaluating agency.  

    And Submit Your Transcript Evaluation from a Foreign High School: Submit an official report of course-by-course evaluated high school transcripts sent directly from an approved evaluating agency.

     

    By Electronic Submission – in secured attachments from official institutional sources to LUAdmTran@Lamar.edu

    By Courier Service – Lamar University, Undergraduate Admissions, 211 Redbird Ln., Beaumont, TX 77710

    By Postal Service/Mail – Lamar University, Undergraduate Admissions, PO Box 10009, Beaumont, TX 77710

  • Applying as a First Time (Freshman) Undergraduate Student

    Submit Your Transcript Evaluation from a Foreign High School: Submit an official report of course-by-course evaluated high school transcripts sent directly from an approved evaluating agency.

    Freshman Admission Criteria: If you are an international student who has never been enrolled at a post-secondary college or university, you must submit all required documents and show evidence of a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on all secondary school work.
  • Applying as an International Transient Student (a student currently at a US institution wanting to just take a class or two at Lamar)

    Some F or J Visa students may currently be attending another university or college but wish to only take one or two classes with Lamar University that may transfer to their degree plan there. Those applicants should submit a “Transient” application. Your SEVIS record will not be accepted as part of your acceptance, and you will need to submit a copy of your current university’s understanding that you will be taking classes with Lamar.

Admissions

  • What are the admission requirements for International Freshman?
    If you are an international student who has never been enrolled at a post-secondary college or university, you must submit all required documents and show evidence of a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on all secondary school work.
  • What are the admission requirements for International Undergraduate students who want to transfer from a US Institution?

    An international student transferring from a non-US Institution must meet one of the following criteria:

    0-48 Credit hours: Must provide evidence of a 2.5 CGPA on all post-secondary school work. Must provide proof of English Language Proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS testing which must meet Lamar’s English Proficiency standards.

    Over 48 Credit hours: 2.0 CGPA. Must provide proof of English Language Proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS testing which must meet Lamar’s English Proficiency standards.

  • Do I need an external transcript evaluation?

    Students applying for admission who fall into the following categories must have official foreign transcripts (high school or University level) evaluated for authentication from a recognized US evaluation company:

    1. New Freshman International Students (foreign high school transcripts)
    2. Undergraduate International Transfer Students with over 18 Credit Hours from a foreign institution (foreign university transcripts)
    3. Undergraduate International Transfer Students with under 18 Credit Hours (foreign high school academic transcripts and/or foreign university transcripts)
    4. Graduate Students that have a Bachelor’s from a foreign institution that are NOT applying to the College of Engineering, College of Arts & Sciences, or College of Business (foreign university transcripts)
    5. Graduate Students that have academic records that are not issued in English.
  • How do I get a transcript evaluation?

    The agencies listed here are most commonly used by Lamar university applicants, but you may also choose an agency that is accredited by the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc., or by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

    The transfer evaluation must include course-by-course grades, a grade point average calculation and indicate the diploma or degree conferred and U.S. equivalency. This evaluation must be forwarded to Lamar University directly from the credential evaluation agency. 

  • What are official transcripts and what should they include?

    Lamar University requires official academic transcript records of your prior study directly from your previous institutions. These records typically include an original signature of a school official or an original school seal. Transcripts sent by courier service or postal mail must arrive in a sealed, envelope directly from the sending institution or an accredited evaluation agency.

     

    If your application type requires an external transcript evaluation, your transcript evaluation must be submitted sealed or emailed from the evaluation agency.

     

    Applicants who have attended or are currently attending a US school, must submit official academic transcripts from each previous institution regardless of the length of time in attendance or if credit was earned or is anticipated. Students will not be considered for admission until all college transcripts are on file. Those who are applying while currently enrolled in courses or prior to graduation will need to supplement their transcript records with final grades at a later date.

     

    Graduate Applicants: if your records do not indicate degree conferral, a date of graduation, or confirmation of your degree completion you may be asked to supplement records with additional certificates or records to confirm your eligibility.

  • How quickly can I be admitted?

    Timelines are largely dependent on how long it takes a student to turn in the supporting documents we’ll need for admission consideration. Therefore, we encourage all international students to get the process started as soon as possible. Depending on the volume of applications we are currently processing, the time frame between the date your fulfill all admission requirements and the time to an admissions decision can take as few as 3-5 business days.

  • Can I email my transcripts?

    Lamar University requires official academic transcript records of your prior study directly from your previous institutions. Transcripts sent electronically from institutions must be sent in secured attachments from an official institutional email address. If the email cannot be verified with the institution, these records may not be accepted. Secured attachments require a password protection that can be easily applied in Adobe prior to sending and sent parallel to the .PDF document in a separate email to luadmtran@dos5.net.

    If your application type requires an external transcript evaluation, your transcript evaluation must be sent from your evaluation agency.

  • Can I defer my admissions to a later term?

    To begin the process of deferring your admissions, please follow the steps below:

    1. You need to re-submit an application online at applytexas.org for the semester you wish to attend. After you log in, the profile you saved with your previous application should allow you to expedite this process.

    2. Since you have already submitted your payment fee in the previous application, you do not need to submit another application fee.

    3. Please fill out and submit our online form here, to keep your incoming status up to date.

    4. The University Admissions office will require 3 – 5 business days to process your new application. You can check for updates to your admissions status, here. You will need your Student ID or L-Number (L20XXXXXX) and six-digit birthday (MMDDYY) to log in if it is your first time using this portal. Don’t worry if you receive an email requesting items that you submitted in the previous application, it will take time to move your documents over. 

    5. You will receive an admit letter from our offices with your updated semester of entry and this will signify your new acceptance!

    6. After your new acceptance, our Coordinator of International Admissions and Services will contact you regarding your updated I-20 issuance.

Testing

  • Do I need an SAT/ACT score to apply as an undergraduate student?
    Lamar University is now test-optional! This means that students looking to apply no longer have to submit a standardized (ACT/SAT) test score for admission. Please keep in mind that testing is still encouraged as some scholarship opportunities may require this test for consideration.
  • Do I need to take the GRE/GMAT to apply as a graduate student?

    Lamar University hosts over 60 graduate programs that review and admit graduate students using criteria specific to their needs. Many graduate programs currently offer GRE/GMAT waivers to qualified applicants (including the Master’s programs in the College of Engineering and the College of Business)!

    You can typically find information regarding this requirement on the webpages for the academic departments. Click here to find any academic program you wish to search for or click the box in-front of “graduate” to see all of our graduate programs. You can always contact the academic departments or international.recruitment@dos5.net in order to clarify the admissions requirements.

  • How do I submit my GRE test scores to Lamar?

    When you log in to the ETS online portal, you’ll see options for score reporting once your scores are listed as available. Make sure you select options to send your scores to Lamar University, School Code 6360.

  • Do I need an English test?

    International applicants, both undergraduate and graduate, must provide proof of English language proficiency through scores on the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo. English requirements may be waived for students who:

    • Are from a country that qualifies for the English Proficiency Waiver
    • Have completed 48 credits of secondary/post-secondary school from an English waiver country
    • Have completed 48 credits of secondary/post-secondary school, taught in English at a foreign institution
    • Have completed a level 112 of Intensive English at a U.S. institution
    • Have completed English Composition I and II, or the equivalent, from an accredited US institution with a grade of "B" or better on a 4.0 scale.
    • Have earned a degree from or have attended two consecutive years at an accredited U.S. institution.

     

    If you meet one of these conditions you can submit a request for an English waiver, here. Please keep in mind that your transcripts or passport information must support your declared waiver criteria.

  • What score do I need to make on an accepted English test?

    Minimum English scores required for Lamar University admission:

     

    For Undergraduate Students:

    TOEFL Internet-Based Total  71
    TOEFL Computer Based Total  197
    TOEFL Paper-Based Total 527
    IELTS Total  6.0
    Duolingo 95
    PTE 50

     

    For Graduate Students to Category 1 programs:

    TOEFL Internet-Based Total 71
    TOEFL Computer Based Total 197
    TOEFL Paper-Based Total 527
    IELTS Total 6.0
    Duolingo 95
    PTE 50

    Category 1 students include: Chemistry and Computer Science in the College of Arts and Sciences; and the College of Engineering

     

    For Graduate Students to Category 2 programs:

    TOEFL Internet-Based Total 79
    TOEFL Computer Based Total 213
    TOEFL Paper-Based Total 550
    IELTS Total 6.5
    Duolingo 105
    PTE 58

    Category 2 students include: All programs in the College of Arts and Sciences with the exception of Chemistry and Computer Science; College of Business; College of Education and Human Development; and the College of Fine Arts and Communications.

  • How do I send Lamar my English test scores?

    Like Transcript Records, test scores must be received from the official source – in this case, your testing company. You can conveniently request score reporting from test service providers using their online portals to send Lamar your TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE.

    For TOEFL, Lamar University is school code, 6360.

    Because IELTS official score cards can be validated internally, a student can forward a .PDF IELTS Score Card directly to our graduate admissions team at gradmissions@dos5.net along with your name and Lamar Student ID Number (L-Number). Please understand that this only applies to IELTS and no other test scores or academic records can be accepted by the Office of Admissions directly from students.