International Applicants

New culture. New country. No problem. Here’s what you need to pursue a Kelley MBA.

To be eligible to pursue an MBA at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, you must hold a bachelor's degree from a US institution or its recognized equivalent. Make sure you’ve met our postsecondary requirements on this list of bachelor's degree equivalency by country.

You will also need to provide:

TOEFL or IELTS scores

If English is not your native language, you must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English language Testing System) before submitting your application.

  • Have your TOEFL or IELTS scores sent to Indiana University Bloomington (for TOEFL score reports, use code 1324).

Minimum scores: We require a minimum internet-based TOEFL score of 100; 600 on the paper-based TOEFL; or band 7.0 on the IELTS.

Note: We cannot accept TOEFL or IELTS scores that are more than two years old.

Waiver of the TOEFL or IELTS requirement: The requirement will automatically be waived for international applicants who have earned an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from an institution in which English was the language of instruction. Candidates may simply indicate this in their application or optional essay; nothing further is required.

Evidence of financial support

US immigration regulations require you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for a 12-month period.

Estimated tuition, fees, and other costs for the 2022-23 academic year*
Cost categoryEstimated cost
Tuition and fees$56,548
Room and board (12 months)$12,582
Health insurance & miscellaneous (12 months)$4,946
Total$72,998


*These costs are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Advice for international students

Connect with and talk to our current international students to learn more about Kelley.

Description of the video:

I made a conscious choice to come to the U.S. and try to find a job in the U.S. and, you know, getting the North American way of education, which I think was valuable.


My decision to join Kelley stemmed out of my conversations with professors, because I needed a school with a strong academic bend.


I think a big part of my research that I did for Kelley was talking to people who were in my position.


As a person who had not visited the East Coast, and who was not intending to visit schools, also, I merely had ranking systems and things like that to go off of to get a feel of the school.


You either need to visit it and meet the people or, if you cannot do that, you need to talk to more people who are going through the program.


There is a special orientation program for international students, just to really listen to what concerns you may have.


As I’m new to the country, I don’t really know how the class work setting goes or what the teachers might be like. And you have a crash course toward the American culture, like what’s the business life like, what’s the school life like, and any differences you might have or encounter with your own culture.


We bring a different point of view, we bring a different set of eyes and culture and experiences to the classroom.


Every country’s education system is slightly different. There’s going to be a lot of cultural exchanges and there’s going to be a lot of talk around, you know, how does your culture perceive a certain thing and how the American culture perceives it.


So I would advise the newcomers to talk with your teammates and with your professors and you’ll find that many students are in your shoes. They are very willing to help you, and it’s a matter of time and after several months you’ll be doing it fine.


We’re a small percentage of the class, but we’re a big part of what really makes Kelley special.


Married? You should have an additional $5,331 available to support an accompanying spouse, $5,331 to support a first child, and $3,541 per year for each additional child. Health and accident insurance is required for all accompanying dependents and is included in these estimates.

If you are offered admission, you will be required to complete and submit the International Student Financial Documentation and Visa Application along with evidence of your financial support. 

Before we can issue your visa document (the I-20) you must provide completed financial documentation demonstrating your ability to meet all expenses for at least one academic year.

Note: You cannot use the possibility of employment to show you have adequate financial resources before a visa is issued. A spouse who is on a student-dependent visa (F-2) cannot work.

Office of International Services

We will work with the Office of International Services as we process your application for admission. The Office of International Services will review your evidence of financial support and issue your visa documentation, should you be offered admission.

Questions regarding your evidence of financial support or visa documentation can be directed to the Office of International Services at 1-812-855-9086 or newtoiu@indiana.edu.

All other questions regarding your application and status should be directed to the MBA Admissions Office at 1-812-855-8006 or iumba@indiana.edu.

Ever since I arrived I knew that I had made the right decision. Every one of my classmates gives something different to the class. The different backgrounds and life experiences as well as working together have made this experience special.

Santiago Gamboa Peralta, MBA’22

International students
US immigration regulations require you to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for a 12-month period.

Learn more

International students can find additional educational, personal, and professional assistance through Indiana University’s Office of International Services. 

Learn more