International Students

International applicants must apply by and meet the same deadlines as U.S. first-year or transfer students for January or September.

In addition to the credentials required for first-year and transfer applicants, an international student must also submit proof of English proficiency. To ensure a student’s ability to participate successfully in the Lesley curriculum, students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through one of these five options:

• Official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 80 on the internet-based test is required. Equivalencies include: a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test). The Lesley University code for TOEFL is 3483.
• Official IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 or higher is required. To submit IELTS scores, contact the center where you took the test and request an official Test Report Form be sent to Lesley.
• Official Cambridge English Exam. Take the Cambridge English Exam at the "Advanced" level and achieve a score of "C1".
• Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 150.
• ESL Program Partnerships in Boston

  We have partnered with five English Language Schools in Boston where you can attain English proficiency and satisfy the English language requirement for our programs. You must provide proof of successful completion of one of the programs, and a letter of reference from the program coordinator or teacher in support of your English capabilities at the college level.

  1. ASC English in Boston

     Successful completion of "Level 5"

  2. Boston International Academy

     Undergraduate Applicants: Successful completion of "High Advanced I Level 4"

  3. Embassy English

     Successful completion of "Level C1"

  4. English Language Centers in Boston

     Undergraduate Applicants: Successful completion of "Advanced Level"

  5. FLS International

     Successful completion of "Level 15"

• Applicants who graduate from high school, secondary school, pathway programs or associate’s degree programs taught in English may qualify to have the English proficiency requirement waived. If this is not noted on your transcript, please request a letter from your school, college, or university stating that English was your language of instruction.

Financial aid is not available for international students; however, international students may be considered for merit scholarships. Admitted students who intend to enroll must submit a certification of finances from a bank stating that sufficient funds are available to cover the cost of a Lesley education.

An I-20 form, which is required for obtaining a U.S. student visa, will be provided after the student has been accepted and has submitted both the certification of finances and the required enrollment deposit signifying their intent to enroll. The certification of Finances must be dated and submitted no earlier than three months prior to the start of the student’s first semester so as to be a current reflection of funds.