An International Applicant is someone who is applying for (or already holds) an F-1 student visa to study in the United States or is another valid visa holder. An admission to Kean University is based on meeting both academic and financial support criteria.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Please note that while applications are accepted on a rolling-basis following the deadlines below, it is recommended that international students complete their applications three months prior to their desired entry term.
Freshman International Applicants - Fall Admission
- March 1: Application Deadline for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Programs. This includes the four academic programs under the New Jersey Center for Technology, Science & Mathematics (NJCTSM) in Science & Mathematics, Biomedicine, Engineering and Biotechnology listed on the NJCTSM page.
- April 30: Preferred Application Deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling-basis thereafter.
- May 1: Tuition Deposit Deadline. If you are admitted after May 1, please submit tuition deposit within two weeks of receipt of your acceptance letter.
Transfer International Applicants - Spring Admission
- December 1: Preferred Application Deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling-basis thereafter.
International Application Instructions
STEP 1: Complete a Kean University Online Application.
Kean University is also a member institution of The Common Application.
STEP 2: Submit Payment
You will have an opportunity to pay the application fee of $75.00 directly through the online application. Once you've completed the application, submit both the application and the application fee.
If you prefer to pay by mail, please send a check payable to Kean University to the address listed below in Step 3.
STEP 3: Send Supporting Documentation.
Please identify your student type below (freshman or transfer) for list of required documents.
Freshman Applicants - The following items are required to be considered for admission:
- An official high school transcript evaluation. Applicants must submit a general evaluation of their Official High School (Secondary School) Transcript. The evaluation report must come from an organization affiliated with the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). Please visit http://www.naces.org for a list of agencies, or see below for most commonly used agencies by Kean applicants.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) official test scores for any applicant who has studied in a country where English is not the native language. Please note that the TOEFL/IELTS requirement is only waived if you are a native English speaker or have completed a college-level English Composition course in the U.S. with a grade of "C" or better.
The three items listed below are recommended, not required:
- Two (2) letters of recommendation, in English. Letters may be from teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, etc.
- Personal essay (1-2 pages), in English, expressing your educational and professional career goals.
Transfer Applicants - The following items are required to be considered for admission:
- Applicants for Transfer Undergraduate Admission must submit a course-by-course evaluation of all completed college/university courses. The evaluation report must come from an organization affiliated with the National Association of Credit Evaluation Services (NACES). Please visit http://www.naces.org for a list of agencies, or see below for most commonly used agencies by Kean applicants.
- Proof of high school diploma or transcript with graduation.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) official test scores for any applicant who has studied in a country where English is not the native language. Please note that the TOEFL/IELTS requirement is only waived if you are a native English speaker or have completed a college-level English Composition course in the U.S. with a grade of "C" or better.
For additional information about the above items, please read How to Submit Application Items.
All applicants should send supporting documents listed above to the following address:
Kean University
Admissions Offices, Kean Hall
1000 Morris Ave
Union, NJ 07083-0411
Evaluation of Foreign Studies
If you have been referred to this website to have your foreign studies evaluated, select a NACES member from the list below. NACES is an association of credentials evaluation services. NACES does not provide evaluation reports; its members do.
Four most popular NACES members used by Kean University applicants:
- World Education Services, Inc. (WES)
- Global Credential Evaluators
- Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
- Jose Silny & Associates, Inc. International Education Consultants
Submission of Immigration Documents
As an admitted freshman or transfer international student, you will be required to hold a student visa to study in the U.S. Upon acceptance to Kean, you must be provide all immigration documents, along with your tuition deposit, before Kean University can issue your I-20 document which can be used to obtain your F-1 visa.
A complete International Student I-20 Application should include the following:
- Declaration of Current Student Status
- Affidavit of Support
- Sponsor's bank statement translated into U.S. dollars ($)
- Sponsor's proof of income (Copy of pay stub or employment letter or local government taxes).
- Photocopy of passport (photo and biographical information)
- Transfers: If you are are transferring from another U.S. Institution, you will also need to complete an I-20 Release Form.
The following documents must also be submitted if you currently, or have previously, held an F-1 visa:
- Photocopy of most recent U.S. visa
- Photocopy of I-94 (front & back)
- Request for F-1 Status Transfer Information (if transferring from another U.S. school)
- Photocopy of all previous I-20 forms
For additional information and forms relating to requirements needed to obtain an F-1 Student Visa, please visit the Kean's Center for International Studies website. Important: Accepted students will also be required to attend a mandatory International Student Orientation which will be held at the beginning of each semester. For additional information regarding the International Student Orientation and your Immigration Documents, email cis@kean.edu or call the Center for International Studies at (908) 737-0350.
Immigration documents should be sent to:
Kean University
Center for International Studies
C.I.S. - CAS 121
1000 Morris Avenue
Union, New Jersey 07083
