Application Process: International Students

​​​​​​​​​​​As a prospective student from outside the United States, you must complete the following steps to apply to the DePaul School of Music.​

Apply to DePaul by December 1. 

A complete international student application to DePaul School of Music includes the individual components required of your academic level and intended degree (first-year, transfer, teacher certification, master's, or post-master's certificate), a transcript evaluation for any coursework completed outside the U.S., and proof of English language competency, as described below. Your online application is due by December 1.  You must submit a non-refundable $75 international application fee in order for your application to be reviewed.

Transcript Evaluation

​We welcome students from all over the world to DePaul School of Music. As a part of the application review process, DePaul University conducts a free course-by-course transcript evaluation for coursework completed outside of the U.S. These evaluations can be used for DePaul admission purposes only. If you would like to take advantage of this service, you will need to upload complete academic documents for all post-secondary levels of study at the time of application. These should be in original language with English translation (as needed). ​

Proof of English Language Competency (Due by February 1)

All international students must submit proof of English proficiency. You c​​an prove your English proficiency by submitting any of the following test results:

  1. A minimum TOEFL score of 80, no section lower than 17 (internet based TOEFL). DePaul University's institutional code is 1165. You can access information about the TOEFL test and register at www.toefl.org.​​ Note: Effective for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026, the ETS TOEFL iBT score scale will change. The minimum requirement will be 4.0 with no sub scores below 3.5 (on the new 1–6 scale).​

  2. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5. To learn about the IELTS test and register to take the test, please visit www.ielts.org.
  3. A minimum of 115 on the Duolingo English Test.
  4. The equivalent of DePaul's courses WRD 103 and WRD 104 with grades of C or better at an accredited US educational institution.
  5. A minimum Pearson Test of English Academic score of 53. To learn more about the Pearson Test of English please visit www.pearsonpte.com
  6. If you have completed a bachelor's degree in the US, the English proficiency requirement may be waived.

Next Steps

Please visit the Application Process page for the major and instrument specific next steps.