Admissions Process for First-Year International Students

To be considered for admission as a first-year international student, you must submit the following:

• Common Application—including the essay/personal statement.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Teachers, Counselors, Coaches or Advisors.
• Official transcripts/Gradesheets/Marksheets: 
  • Original or certified copies of your secondary schooling. These copies should be signed by the proper authorities.*
  • Final secondary school examination (school leaving certificate) and the results of any national examination (if applicable). If not available at time of application, please submit once complete.
• English Proficiency: Students who do not attend an English-speaking high school, and who are not native English speakers, must submit one of the following exams:
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 80 or higher
  • TOEFL Essentials: Band 8.5 or higher
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Band 6.5 or higher
  • DET (Duolingo English Test): 115 or higher 
• SAT or ACT: OPTIONAL. If you submit your scores, they will be included as part of our holistic application review process. 
• Financial Documents: 
  • Completed International Student Application for Financial Assistance, 
  • Certified bank statements, wage statements, or other documents that provide evidence of your ability to finance your studies.
• Interview: Applicants are invited to an interview with Luther College admissions, as one of the final parts of the admissions process.

*Please note: An original or certified copy of a document must include a stamp/seal and signature from a school official or notary, which certifies the document as a copy of an original. Each document should be submitted in English. If the document is not available in English from the school, please submit a complete translation using the same format as the original document.