International Student Admissions
Cincinnati State welcomes F1 and M1 visa holders and encourages international students to apply three to four months before intending to begin classes. Visit the International Student Affairs Office’s webpage for specific deadlines. If you have a pending immigrant petition or a visa petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) but have not yet been adjudicated, you should follow these steps as an international student.
Undecided major? Explore your career options
If you are unsure about your major, consider participating in our “Moving Beyond Undecided” session. The Career Center will assist you through the career exploration process to select an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program that can lead to a career that best fits your interests. Register for a Moving Beyond Undecided Session or access the on-demand session (passcode %v6.!u!M). If you have not attended an Information Session with an admissions representative, we encourage you to do that prior to the Moving Beyond Undecided session. Register now for an on-campus visit or virtual session.
1 – Apply
Complete the online Standard Application for Admission. There is no required fee at the time you submit the application. A $15 non-refundable admission fee will be charged to your first semester’s tuition statement.
Please note that Admission to the College does not admit you to all health care programs. Many of our programs in the Health and Public Safety division have special admission requirements.
All international students MUST be enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program.
2 – Submit Transcripts
Education outside the USA – Submit an English translation in color of your high school transcript AND a copy of diploma/certification.
Please upload your translated transcripts and diplomas in COLOR here.
If transferring college/university coursework from outside the USA, transcript(s) must be translated and evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). See recommended agencies below.
Hand carried original foreign transcripts will be photocopied and returned to students; however, any translated and evaluated documents must be sent from the credential evaluation service provider and remain property of the College.
- Education Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- International Education Evaluations (IEE)
- SpanTran: The Evaluation Company
- World Education Services (WES)
Education within the USA – If you are transferring fewer than 18 credits of college-level coursework to Cincinnati State, also submit an official high school transcript with graduation date. Request that your high school and any college/university attended send an official transcript to Cincinnati State, Office of Admissions.
- Applicants who are not high school graduates must submit a state-approved alternative to high school graduation, such as scores from the General Educational Development (GED) test. You may use this link to request your GED scores.
- Most high schools and colleges have an online transcript request process. Search for “transcripts” and you will probably be directed to login to your student portal or referred to the HS Guidance or college’s Registrar’s Office.
- Cincinnati State must receive your official transcript directly from each institution. Transcripts may be sent directly from the school to Cincinnati State, Office of Admissions, 3520 Central Parkway, ATLC Suite 001, Cincinnati, OH 45223-2690. We also accept high school transcripts if sent directly from a school official via email (adm@cincinnatistate.edu) or fax (513-569-1562).
3 – Demonstrate English Proficiency
To demonstrate English proficiency, international students must meet one of the following:
- Submit official transcripts verifying successful completion of any college level English course with a grade of C or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. This does not include ESL coursework.
- Request your Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores that are less than two years old, with a minimum score of 500 (Paper), 173 (Computer) or 61 (Internet-based) to be sent directly to Cincinnati State from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) using the Cincinnati State school code: 1984.
- Request your International English Language Testing System (IELTS) results that are less than two years old, with a minimum overall score of 5.0 to be sent directly to Cincinnati State from IELTS.
- Request your DuoLingo English Test results that are less than two years old, with a minimum overall score of 80 to be send directly to Cincinnati State from DuoLingo.
- Request your ACCUPLACER scores that are less than two years old, with a minimum score of 4 on WritePlacer or 5 on WritePlacer ESL to be sent directly from College Board to Cincinnati State. If you currently reside in United States, you may take the Accuplacer at Cincinnati State. https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/future-students/testing/
- Provide an official U.S. High School diploma showing a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Provide proof of completion of secondary school in an English-speaking country (see list of qualifying countries).
Exemption from the Cincinnati State English Composition requirement is determined by the Office of Admissions, the International Student Affairs Office, and the Academic Divisions.
4 – Contact the International Student Affairs Office
Please allow 14 business days for Admissions to process all documents and send you a letter of Admission to the College. Once admitted, visit International Student Affairs to submit necessary forms to obtain your I-20. For more information, email international@cincinnatistate.edu or call (513) 569-4769.
5 – Next Steps
Once admitted, you will receive next steps and instructions to:
Visit our Welcome page
Explore your MyCState/Self-Service account
Complete the online New Student Orientation
Schedule and meet with your Pathway Advisor
Schedule and pay for classes
Maintain your F or M student status
Please note that Admission to the College does not admit you to all health care programs. Many of our programs in the Health and Public Safety division have special admission requirements. Please discuss with your Pathway Advisor.
Cincinnati State does not offer any on-campus housing; however, there are many apartments in the Clifton and Cincinnati area.
Have questions about your admissions process?