Transfer International Applicants
A transfer student is anyone who has been previously enrolled in any college or university, international or domestic.
How to Apply
Complete the online application and submit the $50 application fee (non-refundable).
All original transcripts/credentials from institutions outside of the United States must have an approved agency's evaluation of courses, grades, academic degrees, and grade point averages.
All original transcripts/credentials from overseas institutions must be in English or professionally translated into English; and evaluated by a professional evaluation service (such as: The Center for Educational Documentation, The Evaluation Company (formerly Spantran), or World Education Services.
It usually takes at least three weeks for one of these services to evaluate your transcript. Please note: to transfer international course work to Salem State University, official course/subject description or syllabi in English must be submitted (this is not required for the admissions process).
An official high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores are required if you have less than 12 college credits, a GPA of less than 2.5 and have been out of high school for three years or less.
Transcripts can be sent to:
Salem State University
Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 51298-9925
Philadelphia, PA 19115
USA
To succeed academically at Salem State, students must have strong English speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. English proficiency for study at the undergraduate level must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Obtaining a minimum required score on an approved English Proficiency examination:
| English Proficiency Examination | Minimum Required Score |
| Internet-based TOEFL test (iBT) | 71 |
| Revised TOEFL Paper-delivered test | 54 |
| TOEFL ITP (see test dates at SSU) | 530 |
| IELTS | 6.0 |
| PTE Academic | 49 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 |
| Eiken | Pre-1 |
2. Successfully completing an approved intensive English language program:
| American Language and Culture Institute | Minimum Required Level |
| Salem State University | Successful completion of core level 5 or higher (Academic Reading and Writing and Oral Communication) with a minimum score of 49 on Pearson Progress Test (GSE 35-50); Letter of recommendation from IELP director required. |
Important Information about Test Scores
The admissions office reserves the right to request students to submit additional proof of English proficiency, even if they meet the above-listed requirements. Sub-scores for different sections within the examination are also considered in determining whether a student has a strong enough command of the English language in order to succeed at Salem State University.
Duolingo scoring bands: Duolingo scoring bands have changed, and we are in the process of officially updating our Duolingo score requirements. Please note that, while we accept the Duolingo test, you must have a score in the highest band, 120-160, to be considered to have acceptable English language proficiency for acceptance.
Exemptions from Providing Proof of English Proficiency
(Approved Options)
- Students who receive a score of 470 or higher on the SAT Evidence-based Reading/Writing section
- Students who have successfully completed a first-year English composition course equivalent to Salem State's ENL 110 with a grade of B or higher at an accredited college in the U.S. as shown on a transcript. Students who graduate with an IB diploma are exempt from providing proof of English proficiency.
- If the student has attended school in a country where the primary language is English. List of countries found in the catalog.
