Application Requirements

1. The application requirements for DBS can be found in the How to Apply tab above. Additional details are available in the website of the Graduate School.
2. If you completed your studies in a country that doesn’t use English as the official language, many of the documents you are submitting have to be translated to English by a certified translator (transcripts, Bachelor’s diploma, etc.). Please plan ahead as translations of documents can take time to complete. Check with your local university first to see if they offer this service.
3. International students are required to submit the results of their TOEFL or IELTS exam directly to the Graduate School. The minimum score requirement for admission to Auburn University will depend
   on the test:
   
   - Paper based TOEFL >550
   - Internet based TOEFL >23
   - IELTS >7
   
   More information on the English proficiency tests is available here.
   
   The Internet Based TOEFL is sent to the Graduate School electronically, using the code 1005. If the test is Paper Based TOEFL, you have to send it directly to the address for the Graduate School via
   mail or courier service:
   
   The Graduate School
   106 Hargis Hall
   Auburn University, AL 36849
   
   
4. All international graduate students who are TAs are required to submit evidence of satisfactory speaking skills. This can be demonstrated with a score of 23 or higher on the Speaking Section of the Internet-based TOEFL (IBT), or a score of 7 on the Speaking section of the IELTS, or a score of 4.4 and above in the Speaking section of the iTEP (replaced the SPEAK test), which is administered at Auburn University prior to the start of classes. Depending on their level, a student may be asked to enroll in a course designed to improve the oral communication skills of international teaching assistants. The Department of Biological Sciences will submit the International Graduate Teaching Assistant Certification of Eligibility for Employment form and supporting documentation for each candidate. TOEFL exemptions are made on a case-by-case basis, depending on your official government language and medium of instruction. Applicants who have received a degree from an accredited U.S. institution may also be considered for this exemption.
   
   
5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are no longer required by the Department of Biological Sciences. Please do not send your scores with your application as it will not be considered in your
   evaluation for admission.
   
   
6. The application for international students has a cost of $70.00, which is non-refundable. Applicants can pay online via Credit Card at the end of the application process. The Graduate School accepts
   Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Applications and records will not be processed until the application fee has been received. Applicants from Iran, Nigeria, North Korea and Russia may have difficulty when paying the application fee via credit card. If you have any difficulty paying the application fee, please contact the Graduate School (334-844-4700).

Funding

1. The Department of Biological Sciences (DBS) can offer funding for graduate students via a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (TA). For this, the application deadline for Fall semester (August) is February 1st. These applications are competitive, and are ranked by a committee based on multiple factors, including: academic accomplishments, letters of reference, Curriculum Vitae, etc.
   
   
2. Another option is that the professor you are working with might have funds to hire you as a Research Assistant (RA). It is also possible to fund your graduate studies with a grant from your country of origin (e.g. Fulbright programs, CONACYT, etc.). In both of these cases, International Students must apply at least 90 days before the start of the semester. These last two options mean you will not have guaranteed TA support, as the funds will be provided by your main supervisor or granting institution.
   
   
3. If your scholarship application requires estimates on the cost of attendance you can find the details here.

VISA Application

1. Once you are formally accepted for admission at Auburn University, you can begin the process of applying for your F1 visa through your local U.S. Embassy. In most countries, you have to setup an
   appointment for the F1 visa ahead of time, so please make sure to plan ahead. The full list of requirements and how to maintain legal status in the US are available here.
   
   
2. Once your admissions packet has been processed, you will receive an email from the Office of International Programs (OIP) listing the two options available for the mailing of your immigration 
   documents: Regular airmail at no expense – with a delivery time of 3-12 weeks, depending on your location; or express mail service at your expense via eShipGlobal – with a delivery time ofthree to five business days. More information can be found here.
   
   
3. It is important to remember that maintaining your legal status in the US is associated with your registration to Auburn University, and that you cannot be legally employed by any other institution
   while you are conducting your graduate studies. You also need to have health insurance at all times. More details on this can be found here. 
   
   
4. For additional details about visa requirements visit the website of the Office of International Programs, or contact the office via email at: INTLEDU@AUBURN.EDU