Get answers to questions about becoming an international student at Purdue Global.
International Frequently Asked Questions
- What tests (SAT, GMAT, GRE, etc.) do I need to take to enroll?
You don’t need to take the SAT, GMAT, LSAT, or GRE to be considered for admission at Purdue Global.
- How recent must the TOEFL result be?
The TOEFL must have been taken within the past two years.
- What is the definition of a full-time student?
Enrollment status requirements are listed below.
Undergraduate Graduate* Nonstandard Graduate
ProgramsFull-Time 12 credit hours per term 8 credit hours per term 4 credit hours per term Three-Quarter-Time 9 credit hours per term 6 credit hours per term 3 credit hours per term Half-Time 6 credit hours per term 4 credit hours per term 2 credit hours per term *Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Education, Master of Science in Higher Education, Master of Science in Information Technology, Master of Science in Legal Studies, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Arts in Teaching
- When is a student exempt from having to prove English proficiency?
Students that meet any of the following criteria do not need to provide an English Assessment score:
- Proof of completion of secondary education (or higher) in a country in which English is the primary language.
- Transcript demonstrating completion of 45 quarter hours from a University in an English speaking program with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.0 or higher (or equivalent).
- Proof of completion of secondary education at an international high school where English was the language of primary instruction.
- Transcript demonstration of completion of an English composition course taken at a U.S. institution of higher learning, with a grade of C or higher.
- Can a student take a single course to try the program?
No, we do not offer single courses at this time, but international students are eligible for the Purdue Global Commitment program.
- Can international students transfer credits from prior schools?
The University offers complimentary credential evaluation of prior learning outside the US to students who qualify. Additional documentation may be required to qualify for transfer of credit. Please see information about our Prior Learning Assessment of the current Purdue Global Catalog.
- What is the definition of an Academic Year?
Undergraduate: The University defines an academic year as a period of time in which a full-time student is expected to complete three terms of instructional time. A full-time student is expected to complete at least 36 credit hours within 30 weeks.
Graduate: The University defines an academic year as a period of time in which a full-time student is expected to complete 24 credit hours in 33 weeks.
Nonstandard Graduate Programs: Given the accelerated pace of nonstandard graduate programs, the University defines an academic year as a period of time in which a student is expected to complete 20 credit hours in 30 weeks.
- How long is a term?
Purdue Global programs are offered as 10-week terms.
- How much time should I expect to spend per week on coursework?
We estimate that students will require an estimated 15 to 18 hours per week on each course for 10-week terms.
- Do I take tests? What about the online exams?
Purdue Global promotes learning through a proven pedagogy of constant assessments as opposed to a single, large final exams. A typical class is divided into ten sessions of one week each. Students are expected to participate in class discussions at least three times, take a pre- and post-test for the section, and complete at least one paper. We believe that a teaching method of constant reinforcement and many smaller assignments assists students with retaining and mastering their subject matter in the most effective manner.
- How much do books cost and how do I get them?
Undergraduate books are included in the cost of tuition and are shipped to students. Graduate books are not included in the cost of tuition. Purdue Global does have a bookstore where students can purchase reading materials. Visit Purdue Global Campus to learn more. Graduate students can also obtain textbooks from any other source they choose.
- Is there a particular time to attend the required weekly seminar?
When you sign up for classes, you can choose the seminar schedule that best suits you. However, if you miss a live seminar class, you can review it at any time during the course, but you will not be able to participate in the live discussion during the seminar. You may be asked to complete an alternative assignment if you miss a live seminar.
- How do I interact with instructors?
You will be able to communicate with instructors by chat, email, or phone. During seminars, which are once a week in undergraduate programs, you may communicate questions to a professor in real time. In addition, all faculty hold regular office hours. Also, faculty can be reached through the discussion boards in your classes.
- Is it possible to take graduate classes at a time as with undergrad?
Yes, but only as an exception and only after having demonstrated academic success in the first term with two classes. You will also need the Dean’s approval.
- Can I join student clubs online? How do I meet other students?
ou can meet other students in your classroom at any time. Feel free to email students at the beginning of a course to introduce yourself. To join student clubs, contact the Purdue Global Office of Student Life by sending them an email at studentlife@purdueglobal.edu.
- In case I need to, would I be able to skip a term?
Leave of absences are possible. The process for requesting them is detailed in the Purdue Global Catalog.