All application materials must be received no later 11:59 p.m. on December 1.
International Applications
Application process
- Complete the online application
Complete the online application.
- Include a personal statement
Include a personal statement of approximately 500 words. Be as clear, direct, and specific as you can be concerning: 1) your desired research area and/or project; 2) your preparation for undertaking this research; and 3) the anticipated fit of your projected research to our program and faculty.
- Submit letters of recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your ability to do scholarly work. If you are transferring from another US institution, two letters must come from the current US institution. One of these letters must come from your research advisor.
We suggest that you follow up with your letter writers in a timely fashion after you ask them to write. Admission decisions are often delayed solely due to missing reference letters.
- Submit the supplemental list of activities
A list stating your teaching, research, and/or other experience; a publications list, if relevant; and any college or professional honors and awards. You may attach a resume if you like. Be sure to include your name on any attachments.
- Submit a writing sample (Ph.D. only)
For Ph.D. applicants only: a writing sample of 15-25 pages showing your ability to conduct research in a chosen area.
- Submit your official transcript
Official and complete academic records from each institution attended. You must send one set of your documents in the original language and one set of the documents translated into English. See the International Graduate Application for Admission for more information on the documents required.
- Submit Your TOEFL Results
For international applicants whose native language is not English, the College of Arts and Sciences requires a score of at least 79 on the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based Test). Please note that the paper-based TOEFL ITP exam (sometimes called the institutional TOEFL) offered by the Intensive English Program on the Bloomington campus, cannot be used in place of the TOEFL iBT.
Alternatively, an international applicant may submit the result of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination in lieu of the TOEFL iBT. The College requires a score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS for graduation.
- Pay the application fees
Application fee of US $70. You pay this fee at the time you submit your online application. No fee waivers are granted.
Evidence of financial support, such as a letter from your bank, if you indicate that you can attend without financial support or with only partial support.
Applicants must send official and complete academic records from each institution attended. These academic records must be sent to International Admissions, not to the Religious Studies Department. You must send one set of your documents in the original language and one set of the documents translated into English. See the International Graduate Application for Admission for more information concerning the documents required.
Complete the online application, then send all supporting materials by December 1 to:
Office of International Admissions
Indiana University
Ferguson International Center
Room 100
330 N Eagleson Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-7513
We will process your application only after the online application has been submitted and supporting materials are received.
English proficiency
As above, all non-native English speakers who wish to be considered for financial aid of any type must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency by earning a score of at least 600 (paper test), 250 (computer test), or 79 (internet test) on the TOEFL.
To be eligible for a teaching assistantship, it is imperative that international students whose native language is not English demonstrate competency in written and spoken English. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you take the Test of Spoken English (TSE) examination as well as the TOEFL.
Office of International Admissions
The Office of International Admissions also provides information on the application process for international graduate students. This advice will assist you greatly in the application process.
The College of Arts