We are proud of our rich diversity. Regardless of where around the world you reside, you can look forward to an extraordinary experience at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Institute. To help make your application process easier to process, here is some information specific to international students:
Submitting International Transcripts
Most of the KGI degree programs require unofficial transcripts of all the schools you attended to be submitted with your application. When you are admitted to KGI, you will need to submit official final transcripts, not photocopies, which bear the seal and signature of the Registrar for the issuing institution.
Instructions on how to submit your transcripts, including required deadlines, will be included with your official offer of admission to KGI.
Resources for International Students
KGI degree and certificate programs receive applications from students around the world. While each program has its own requirements, here are some resources and tools to help you as you apply to and attend KGI. If you need help throughout the process, our dedicated international advisor is available to help you.
English Proficiency Requirements
To ensure your academic success at KGI, you must demonstrate English proficiency during the application process. Proof of English proficiency is required if English is not your native language and you have not met the requirement through the satisfaction of any of the options in item 1 (below), regardless of residency or visa status. There are two ways to demonstrate and fulfill the English proficiency requirements:
Interview-Based Assessment
Applicants may demonstrate English proficiency by completing an admissions interview, either in person or virtually with their camera on. Interviews allow the admissions team to assess your ability to understand and respond to questions clearly, thoughtfully, and in real time without the use of translation tools or artificial intelligence assistance.
During the interview, the evaluator will assess your English comprehension and communication skills based on your ability to:
- Understand and respond to questions appropriately
- Communicate ideas clearly and cohesively
- Engage in professional-level academic conversation
This method ensures that applicants possess the necessary language skills to thrive in an English-speaking academic environment.
English Language Testing
You can demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score report that meets or exceeds the requirements listed below. KGI considers the component scores for admissions.
TOEFL iBT | IELTS | Duolingo |
---|---|---|
85 |
7.0 |
120 |
Visa Procedures, Important Forms, and Tools
Whether you are a new student or already enrolled at KGI, we have tools and information to help you throughout the visa process.
Obtain an I-20 or DS-2019
We have designed the New International Student Checklist to provide you with the steps needed to obtain an I-20 (F-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students), apply for your visa, and transition to the US. The Tips for Your Visa Interview handout is a great resource to help you prepare for your visa interview.
Transfer student?
If you are currently in the U.S. attending another institution, please provide your current school with our Transfer Instructions (see Coming to KGI section below). If you will be traveling outside of the US before you start at KGI, please let us know, as we will need to provide you with a temporary I-20. Your school must transfer your record before we can do this, so it is important to get that process started with them as soon as possible. Your transfer must be completed within 15 days from the start of classes.
Important Documents
Coming to KGI
- Admitted (New) International Student Checklist
- Pre-Departure Information
- Homestay Services
- Tips for Your Visa Interview
- Transfer Instructions
- Graduate Programs—Financial Certification
- Summer Programs - Financial Certification
Change of Status/Reinstatement
- Change of Status: B1/B2 to F-1/J-1
- Change of Status: F-2 to F-1
- Change of Status: F-1 to F-2
- Change of Status: H-1 to F-1
- Change of Status: H-4 to F1
- Change of Status: J-1 to F-1
- Reinstatement Instructions
- Re-Entry: An Alternative to Reinstatement
Check-In Appointment
After you obtain your visa and make your flight arrangements, please contact us to book an international student check-in appointment. Email international@kgi.edu with 2-3 dates and times you can meet between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. We recommend completing international check in the week before orientation begins.
We have gathered several resources that will be helpful to you during your KGI career. The informational guides and checklists on this page will help you learn about important immigration processes and help you gather documents needed to apply for certain benefits. Please use the forms on this page to make processing requests of OISS. As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at international@kgi.edu if you need assistance at any time.
Career Planning
Financial Resources
Forms
- Change in Program Form
- I-20/DS-2019 Extension Request Form
- J-1 Academic Training Request Form
- Name Change Form
- OPT Reporting Form
- Reduced Course Load Request Form
Informational Guides and Checklists
- A Guide to Working in the US
- Economic Hardship
- F-1 International Student Requirements: At a Glance
- F-1 Guide to Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- F-1 Guide to Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- F-1 OPT Application Checklist
- F-1 STEM OPT Frequently Asked Questions
- F-1 STEM OPT Application Checklist
- J-1 Academic Training Handout
- J-1 International Student Requirements: At a Glance
J-1 Scholar Guides and Forms
- J-1 Scholar Requirements
- Extension of Stay
- Incidental Employment
- Insurance Requirements for J-1 Scholars and Dependents
- Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
- Understanding the 12 and 24 month bars
- J-2 Employment Application Checklist