Information for International Students

Northeastern is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. We warmly welcome applicants from around the world.

We encourage you to browse this page and also visit the resources page compiled by the Northeastern Office of Global Services.

There are two opportunities for international students to start the Master of Public Administration program, Master of Public Policy program, and the MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice program each year: fall and spring. Explore our admissions page for more information.

Campus Information

Students from abroad who are interested in the Master of Public Policy, the Master of Public Administration, or the Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice can choose to complete their courses:

• Online in their home country
• At the Boston, Arlington, or Oakland* campuses, if they obtain a visa to study in the United States

Our learning locations page has more information about the different campus options available to Northeastern students.

*The Arlington campus is available to domestic and international students in the Master of Public Policy and the Master of Public Administration programs. Currently, the Oakland campus is available to domestic and international students in the Master of Public Administration program; starting in Fall 2025, it will also be available to students in the Master of Public Policy.

Resources

Interested in taking courses in Boston or Arlington? Here are a few resources about the visa process and the campus area:

• Review the F-1 Visa process
• Take a virtual Boston campus tour
• Get help finding and securing off-campus housing

TOEFL Information

TOEFL scores are required for all international applicants unless English is the primary language in their country of origin and/or they received a degree from an English-speaking institution.

• ETS institution code: 3682
• Target score: 100 TOEFL iBT (or 7.0 IELTS or PTE equivalent)

Transcripts

Transcripts provided by students from abroad must be in English and, if applicable, also in the language of instruction.

Transcripts that are translated into English must be from the institution, an officially certified translator, or an educational credential evaluation agency.

Send official transcripts (only upon enrollment) to:

The Graduate Office also accepts official electronic transcripts, and these can be sent to gradcssh@northeastern.edu.

Getting Help With the Application Process

If you have questions about any of these requirements or the admissions process, please contact an enrollment specialist at publicaffairs@northeastern.edu or call us toll-free at +1 877.377.2739.