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Welcome to Saint Louis University

International Student Admission

Saint Louis University is a top U.S. university, attracting hundreds of undergraduate and graduate international students from more than 80 countries around the world. With a legacy of innovative academics and research, SLU is home to a diverse community of students receiving a transformative education.

Steps to Applying to SLU: International Students

Step One: Complete an online application.

The online application will ask about your educational background and citizenship to help determine your eligibility. If you are applying to enter SLU as a first-time, freshman student, we’ll also ask you to complete an essay. There is no application fee to apply for undergraduate admission to SLU. 

Applying as a graduate student? Learn how here. 

Step Two: Send academic records.

Submit academic records in English translation for all secondary and post-secondary institutions you attended. Academic records may be uploaded to your Billiken Gateway portal after you submit your application for admission. 

Send transcripts from all lower and upper/higher secondary schools. If you have graduated high school/secondary school, please send an official final transcript and the results of any external/school leaving examinations. Unofficial copies may be accepted for initial admission review, however official copies must be sent directly from your school to SLU prior to enrollment.

If you have attempted college/post-secondary coursework including advanced diplomas, two- or four-year bachelor work or any higher education after secondary school, send official transcripts from each institution. Unofficial copies may be accepted for initial admission review, however official copies must be sent directly from your school to SLU prior to enrollment. Transfer credit cannot be evaluated from unofficial copies.

Step Three: Submit proof of English language proficiency.

International applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency for admission review. These are scores from any standardized test you may have taken to prepare for college — TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, SAT, ACT or Duolingo score.

Score results must be official and sent directly from the testing agency to SLU. Self-reported test scores cannot be accepted for admission review. Sending official test scores is not an automatic process and generally takes around 4 weeks for SLU to receive. Saint Louis University’s ETS code for TOEFL and SAT scores is 6629. Saint Louis University’s ACT code is 2352.

Proof of English proficiency may be waived under certain conditions. Find out more about waiver requirements.

Step Four: Recommended items.

Though not required for admission, submission of a resume of activities and letters of recommendation is encouraged. All undergraduate applicants are also encouraged to complete an admission interview.

Please note, while SLU requires proof of your ability to financially support your attendance, it does not impact your admission decision.

Need Help?

Saint Louis University's international admission counselors can:

  • Assist with your application and transition to the United States
  • Assist with understanding scholarships
  • Assist with understanding the documents required for an I-20
  • Evaluate your submitted international education documents for admission
  • Explain housing, placement exams and registration survey
  • Introduce you to Saint Louis University, from our student clubs and organizations to the vibrant city of St. Louis, Missouri

Contact an Admission Counselor

What Does SLU Offer International Students?
82

Countries represented by SLU students

5.8%

of SLU students come from outside the U.S.

35+

STEM-qualifying degree programs offered

No.6

Among U.S. Catholic colleges, according to Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education

Get to Know St. Louis

SLU Billiken mascot standing on a rooftop near the Arch
 

Named the No. 1 city to launch your career by LinkedIn, St. Louis is home to 14 Fortune 1,000, eight Fortune 500 companies and more than 55,000 SLU graduates. 

As the 21st largest metropolitan area in the United States, St. Louis has all the resources of a major international hub while also retaining the charm for which the American Midwest is famous. No matter what country they were born in, almost all of our students say that SLU — and St. Louis — feels like home.

SLU is located in Midtown St. Louis, which has always been known as a cultural center, with award-winning theater and music steps from campus. And just south of campus is a business district known for nearly every type of international cuisine. 

A more than $1 billion investment in nearby development is also transforming SLU's neighborhood. To the west is a 200-acre innovation hub, Cortex. Shopping giants, including Ikea, offer everything students need within walking distance. And the new Prospect Yards district has brought entertainment options, a seven-story hotel, a greenway trail and more. 

Learn More About St. Louis