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Admission Requirements: International Students

We know you have a big journey ahead of you, so we want to make it as easy as possible for you to figure out how to get here.

We think that you would thrive at Lipscomb University in our Christ-centered community that brings out the best in you! Our dedicated admisssion counselors are here to help you through every step of the application process. Submit an application today!

Just follow this checklist, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a Bison.

Steps to Apply

Step 1

Figure out your student type 

  • International Freshman 

    • Will be applying to university for the first time. 
    • If you are a dual citizen and have citizenship in the U.S., you would simply apply as a ‘Freshman.’ 
  • International Transfer
    • Have completed a high school degree and have taken courses at a community college or a university. 
  • Second-Degree 
    • Have completed a bachelor’s degree. 
  • Non-Degree Seeking 
    • English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
      • This is not offered every semester, as it depends on the size of the class. 
Step 2

 

Complete an application

For fall, Maymester and summer incoming international students, get started by completing our online application.

Online Application

The application process includes an interview, which can be completed over the phone—but we’d also love to talk to you in person if you happen to be in town for a visit! We will contact you to schedule your interview once we receive your application.

Step 3

Submit your application essay

So that we can get to know you a little better, we require that you submit a brief personal essay with your application. Please submit your essay through your Bison Portal.

Submit Your Essay

Step 4

Send your official transcripts

You’ll need to provide us with your official transcripts. Hard-copy transcripts and other academic records are considered "official" when they arrive in a sealed, stamped, official envelope with the seal and any other security feature intact. Electronic transcripts are considered "official" when we receive them from a secure site formally linked to the sending institution or testing service.

You can send an official transcript request to your school official with this form. Please send your transcripts to: admissions@lipscomb.edu

Transcript Evaluations

We accept transcript evaluations from the following sources:

  • SpanTran
    • SpanTran has a custom application for Lipscomb students to ensure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate, linked here. 
  • WES 
  • Lisano

If you are unsure whether you need a transcript evaluation, feel free to reach out to your Admissions Counselor. 

Step 5

Complete an interview

The interview is a time to meet with your Admissions Counselor and discuss why you are interested in Lipscomb. It can also provide a way to waive your English Proficiency exam if you have completed your schooling in English or it is the official language in your home country. You can schedule your interview below.

Schedule Your Interview

Step 6

Standardized Tests and an English Proficiency Tests

You’ll need to take one of the following tests to be admitted to Lipscomb: ACT, SAT, TOEFL or IELTS. If you are a native English speaker or your education up to this point has been in English, we recommend the SAT or ACT. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you take the TOEFL or IELTS. Your results must be sent to the university directly from the testing service.

English Proficiency Tests

We accept any of the following exams for Lipscomb’s English Proficiency Exam:

  • TOEFL: We have a minimum TOEFL score requirement of 550 on the paper-based test, and 80 on the internet-based test (IBT), to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. 
  • IELTS: We have a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS exam to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement.
  • Duolingo: We have a minimum Duolingo score of 105 to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. 

Test Score Minimum Requirements

TOEFL

We have a minimum TOEFL score requirement of 550 on the paper-based test, and 80 on the internet-based test (IBT), to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. 

IELTS

We have a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS exam to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement.

Duolingo

We have a minimum Duolingo score of 105 to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. 

ACT

The English subject test is the standard by which we measure English language proficiency on the ACT. A minimum score of 20 will satisfy the proficiency requirement.

SAT

The Critical Reading section is the standard by which we measure English language proficiency on the SAT. A minimum score of 480 will satisfy the proficiency requirement.

Being Accepted

After you receive your letter of admission in your Bison Portal, please take a look at your ‘Next Steps.’ Your admissions counselor will be reaching out throughout the process and can answer any questions regarding obtaining your visa, securing health insurance or becoming acclimated to your new home.