International

I am a citizen of another country seeking enrollment at McNeese.

Admissions for International Students

We're thrilled you've decided to become a Cowboy and join the thousands of others who have made McNeese their first choice. Start your application by choosing which student type best fits you below:

Note: Before you start the application process, make sure meet admission requirements.

First Time Freshman

International Freshman Students

McNeese is happy to welcome over 400 international students representing 40 countries every year. If you are a citizen of another country seeking enrollment at McNeese, follow the checklist below to apply. If you are a DACA immigrant, pending/granted asylum seeker or permanent resident you will apply as a domestic student. If you are an international student that graduated from a U.S. high school, you will still apply as an international student, but will meet domestic requirements. Head over to the Domestic Admission Requirements for your admission requirements.

Applications that are received after the deadline may not be processed in time for admission or scholarship consideration. Be sure to allow at least two months before the application deadline for visa request, issuance and travel.

Other credits

If you have completed Advanced-Level coursework through the Cambridge International Examination System or International Baccalaureate coursework, your credit could be used at McNeese. All transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. See this table to find out your transfer equivalencies.

Start Application Process



Application Steps

Pay a nonrefundable $30 application fee
Proof of Immunization Compliance
Have your transcripts and diplomas from all secondary schools attended sent directly to McNeese. The Office of International Programs will calculate your GPA.
If you have SAT scores, please have CollegeBoard send them directly to McNeese (school code 6403). SAT/ACT scores are not required for international students, but you may need to take course placement exams upon arrival.
Submit your TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic score report. If you have a Duolingo English score, please log into your Duolingo account and have the report sent to internationaloffice@mcneese.edu. If you can't provide one of these score reports, you can demonstrate English proficiency in one of the ways outlined in our admission requirements.
Submit a copy of your passport.

After You Apply:

Submit a signed affidavit and bank letter from your sponsor.
(Optional) Apply for on-campus housing
(Optional) Purchase a commuter or residence campus dining meal plan


A final admissions decision cannot be made until the McNeese Office of International Programs has received all required official transcripts, forms, documents and exam scores. After you're approved for admission to McNeese and issued an I-20 form, you will need to file a student visa application.

Mail application materials to:
McNeese State University
International Programs
PO BOX 90180
Lake Charles, LA 70609 USA

Undergraduate Transfers
First Time Graduate
Graduate Transfers

Office of International Programs

App Deadlines

Fall applications - due August 1
Spring applications - due December 1
Summer applications - due May 15