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Admissions Requirements

All the materials listed below must be submitted before a decision is made regarding your application.

The processing time for an I-20 document is approximately two to three weeks from the date your completed application is received.

The prospective student must complete all sections of the International I-20 Application. You must make sure to provide your home address (non-U.S. address) along with information about where you will be living while attending College of DuPage.

If you start an application that requires the Social Security Number to be populated, then you have started the incorrect application. You will need to log back into your online profile and select the "International I-20 application".

It is very important that the online application be completed by the prospective student, to avoid further delays to the admission process. 

An application fee must be paid online upon submitting the International I-20 Application. This fee is not refundable nor applicable toward tuition. Visit the Admissions Policies page for application fee information.

Submit one recently taken photograph with your application.

Submit a one-page essay in English describing your academic background, educational objectives and professional or career goals. Please include in the letter the living arrangements you have made for the duration of your studies at the College of DuPage.

The minimum academic requirement for international admission is proof of graduation from an accredited secondary (high) school. Please upload to your online application your credentials showing completion of higher secondary school to College of DuPage, plus official transcripts from any colleges or universities previously attended. Faxed or email copies are NOT acceptable.

If original credentials are not available in English, an official English translation must accompany the original document.

It is important to note that not all educational systems are the same so if you have any questions on what document is required for admission, call or email the office for additional information.

Your passport must be valid and not expired. 

If you are already in the United States on a B, F, J or other non-immigrant visa, provide photocopies of:

  • Most recent visa (even if expired)
  • I-94 
  • I-20 document (if on an F-1 visa) 
  • DS-2019 document (if on a J-1 visa)
  • USCIS Notice of Action approving extension or change of status application 

Students are permitted to provide financial support from up to two sponsor.  The sponsor can be family, friends or a company from the U.S. or outside the U.S. 

Two forms are required:

  1. A signed and notarized Affidavit of Financial Support
  2. An official bank statement showing adequate funds to cover the estimated cost of attendance and living expenses for one full academic year. A clear scan of the official document can be uploaded directly to the students online application. The predetermined amount that you or your sponsor must provide is stated on the Estimated Expense page. The financial statement must have been issued within the last five months. If you are being sponsored by a company, the sponsor's name must be on the bank statement or an additional bank letter must be provided.

The TOEFL iBT or IELTS will be required for admission to the College of DuPage for both the Academic programs and the English Language Studies (ELS). For more detailed information about requirements and exceptions can be found in our English proficiency page.

F-1 International Student Transfer Applicants

Current F-1 international student enrolled at a U.S. institution wishing transfer, must submit the International Student Verification Form. This form will need to be completed by the student and International Student Advisor from their current U.S. institution. You will need to make sure to provide all the above mentioned required documents along with submitting an official transcript.  

Applicants with Dependents

Applications with dependents will need to provide the following documentation of their dependents if seeking an F-2 visa status:

Contact Information

Gabi Carr
Student Services Center (SSC), Room 2225
(630) 942-2979
Email: intladm@cod.edu

Regular Hours
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Evening appointments are available upon request.