Admission Information

International students who are admitted to Ohio Northern University are welcome to enroll at the beginning of our Fall or Spring semesters. Students residing in other countries should apply early since it may take several weeks to arrange a visa appointment. The application process should be completed by June 15 for Fall semester or November 1 for the Spring Semester. 

Ohio Northern University offers over 70 different majors so the criteria for admission to ONU is dependent on the major that the international students wishes to pursue.  

All classes at the University are conducted in English except those taught in the department of modern languages. Therefore, it is essential that all students be prepared to understand rapid, idiomatic English as spoken in lectures and group discussions, to read English with ease, and to express their thoughts clearly in spoken and written English.

English Language Requirements for Admission to ONU

All students whose native language is not English must submit evidence of competence in the English language at a level that will provide the language skills necessary for success at the University. Evidence of competence can be satisfied by one of the following:

For admission to a major area of study with eligibility to enroll in all academic classes,  students must present one of the following scores:

• TOEFL PBT (Paper-based toefl):          550 or above
• TOEFL IBT (Internet-based toefl):         79-80 or above Subscores are reviewed for admissability.
• IELTS:                                                        6.0 or above. (All band sub scores should be a minimum of 5.5. )
• MELAB* :                                                   Minimum score of at least 75%.
• ELS Language Center:                          Satisfactory completion of Level 112

  *(Michigan English Language Assessment Battery)

For admission to a major area of study, with enrollment in the English Language Bridging Program, students must present one of the following scores:

• TOEFL PBT (paper based toefl):            480 - 549
• TOEFL IBT (Internet based toefl):          54  - 78
• IELTS:                                                         5.0 or 5.5  (all sub band scores should be 5.0 or higher)
• ELS Language Center:                            Satisfactory completion of Level 109, 110 or 111     

International students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester to maintain their SEVIS status. 

Intensive English Language program admission:

No minimum TOEFL or IELTS score is required for admission to the Intensive English Program at ONU, however students should show evidence of having post secondary instruction in English. Students must apply to ONU for Conditional Admission to their major area  of study and be academically admissable to ONU to attend ONU's Intensive English Language Program. 

Financial Elibility for Admission: 

Students who are seeking admission to ONU must show their ability to fund their education and living expenses for the duration of their studies at ONU by completing the Affidavit of Financial Support form and providing documents as evidence of financial resources or support. While Ohio Northern University offers very generous merit-based scholarships, students must demonstrate the ability to fund their remaining tuition, housing, meal, book, personal and travel expenses. 

To comply with financial-responsibility requirements, international students must purchase additional health insurance available through the University unless they show proof of having their own insurance  which is equivalent to that offered by ONU.  

Ohio Northern University is authorized under federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. For further information, contact the Office of Academic Affairs (Designated School Official).