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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSIONS

An accredited online university for international students

Capella University welcomes students from around the world. Join our international community and learn on your time with our flexible online programs. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Why international students choose Capella

Experience personalized learning that fits your lifestyle and supports your professional goals. As an international student, you can pursue your degree online, on your terms.

Featured programs for international students

Admission requirements for international students

If you live outside the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be an international student.* To be categorized as an international student, and to meet the requirements for admission to Capella University, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Attended an internationally recognized institution

2. Proof of English proficiency: If your international post-secondary transcript states that your language of instruction was English, you will be exempt from having to provide additional proof of language proficiency. If not, you must demonstrate English proficiency at the academic level by achieving at least the minimum score shown on one of the tests listed below. Test scores must be submitted to Capella directly from the testing agency, and you must have taken the test within the past two years.

  • Duolingo: 105 overall (and at least 105 in literacy and production subscores)
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language – iBT: 79, TOEFL Essentials: 8 overall
  • International English Language Testing System – 6.5
  • Michigan English Test: 53 overall

3. International evaluations: Capella requires that international learners obtain an international transcript evaluation. We accept these evaluations from all organizations that are approved members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (please refer to the NACES for a full list of approved members)**. The following are examples of approved NACES evaluators:

*U.S. citizens may be subject to the international admissions requirements if their most recent academic credential came from a non-U.S. institution.

**All transcript evaluations must include a course-by-course breakdown and come directly from the evaluation service to Capella. Each evaluation service charges their own service fee; please check with the approved members of the NACES for additional information.

Individuals who live outside the U.S. will not be provided a visa, nor will they be eligible for financial aid.

Start your experience today

Questions about learning online at Capella? Get started on your journey now. Connect with an enrollment counselor.

Frequently asked questions

Capella is an online university and does not issue I-20 Forms (U.S. Department of Homeland Security Certificates of Eligibility for student visas), therefore we cannot fulfill requests for student visas.

Take the next step

Your questions are unique—like you. Talk with someone who gets it. Our team of counselors, coaches, advisors, and faculty are here to provide the support you need throughout your journey.