International Applicant FAQ

Are the deadlines for International Students the same as domestic students?

For some. Check the Admissions section for the deadline of the program you are applying for.

Do you accept applications after the deadline?

Some programs will accept applications after the deadline, please contact the program directly.

How many letters of recommendation are required?

Three on-line letters of recommendation are required. 

I am applying from overseas, and want to know if one of my relatives/friends residing in USA can pay the application fee for me by means of check? 

Can you evaluate my credentials before I apply?

We cannot evaluate your records prior to your application to a graduate program. Each program its own acceptance criteria. If you have specific questions for a program, please contact the program coordinator directly.

Status of Application Questions

How are International applicants interviewed?
Applicants are generally interviewed via telephone.

Beginning Fall 2013

All applicants with degrees from foreign/international institutions are required to provide World Education Service (WES) International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) credential evaluations for all foreign colleges attended. 

Applicants need to consult WES's website for instructions and fees at www.wes.org. The applicant will be responsible for the full cost of this service. International applicants of all countries of origin will need to complete this service.

If the applicant has already completed a similar credential evaluation through WES or another company, the Graduate Studies Office may evaluate on a case-by-case basis whether a WES ICAP will be needed.

Please have WES ICAP Credential Evaluations sent to:
OHSU School of Medicine Graduate Admissions
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code L102-GS
Portland, OR 97239-3098 

My transcript is in English - will you accept it instead of the WES report?

We cannot accept transcripts that have not been evaluated. If the applicant has completed a similar credential evaluation through WES or another company, the Graduate Studies Office may evaluate on a case-by-case basis whether a WES ICAP will be needed.

Can I submit my transcript for review and then submit the WES evaluation after acceptance?

No, we must have the evaluation to review the application.

What are the test(s) required to apply to your program?

The GRE is required for all applicants except those applying to the MBA program.
The GMAT is required for MBA program applicants.
The TOEFL or IELTS is required for all International Students who do not speak English as a native language and don't have a Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited US Institution.

What minimum TOEFL score is required?

Most programs do not have a minimum and choose to base their decision on a combination of the TOEFL, references, and interviews.

• The Master in Public Health Program guidelines are TOEFL scores of Computer- based 213, Paper-based 550, Internet-based 80
• The Biomedical Informatics Program requires scores of 600 paper-based, 250 computer based, and 100 internet-based

My TOEFL score is below the required minimum. What should I do?

Contact the program coordinator in the program you are applying to for this information.

If I take the TOEFL / IELTS exam twice, how are the scores evaluated?

The most recent scores are used for evaluation.

How can I get the TOEFL / IELTS score requirement waived?

If you have a Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited US Institution, the TOEFL or IELTS requirement will be waived.

My TOEFL / IELTS score has expired. Can I have it waived?

Waivers are only granted on the above criteria.  If the above criteria is not met, the test must be retaken.

When is the latest I can take the exam(s)?

You should plan to take the test so that scores are reported to the Oregon Health & Science University no later than the program deadline. Check with the testing agency for score report dates and timelines. However, if the deadline is December 1,  we recommend that you plan to take the exams no later than October 1 to allow time for receipt by our office.

What codes need to be used for reporting scores?

The Oregon Health & Science University institution code for GRE and TOEFL is 4865.

Have you received my GRE and/or TOEFL / IELTS scores?

Scores are sent directly to the university and matched to the on-line applications.  We cannot verify receipt of the scores until the application has been received.  Send inquiries to somgrad@ohsu.edu . We cannot guarantee respond to inquires until after December 15, 2011.