Navigating Admissions at Florida International University: A Comprehensive Guide

Florida International University (FIU) is a vibrant, diverse institution offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. With over 56,000 students, FIU is committed to providing access to quality education. This guide provides a detailed overview of the admissions requirements for prospective students, encompassing first-year, transfer, and graduate applicants.

First-Year Applicant Requirements

Academic Preparedness

FIU seeks first-year applicants who are academically prepared and have challenged themselves with advanced courses. The admissions committee reviews applicants holistically, considering academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

Essential Components

High School Coursework:
- 4 credits of English
- 4 credits of mathematics (at or above Algebra I)
- 3 credits of natural science (two with substantial lab components)
- 3 credits of social science (including anthropology, history, civics, political science, economics, sociology, psychology, and/or geography)
- 2 credits of a second language
- 2 credits in additional academic electives
Taking courses beyond these minimum requirements can improve your chances of acceptance.
GPA: FIU recalculates GPA based on courses taken, considering Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Dual Enrollment, AICE, and Honors courses in the weighted GPA. The weighted GPA is also used for scholarship considerations. The average GPA at FIU is 4.1.

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Test Scores: Submission of SAT, ACT, or Classic Learning Test (CLT) scores is required for first-time-in-college applicants. These scores are used in the admissions decision, as outlined by the Florida Board of Governors regulation 6.002.
- Official scores can be sent through:
  - CollegeBoard.org (SAT code: 5206)
  - ACT.org (ACT code: 0776)
  - CLTexam.com (CLT scores)
*Effective April 2025, the Science section of the ACT exam is optional, and composite scores are based on the average of English, math, and reading sections. Beginning with the 2025-26 application, FIU will no longer require a science score to be eligible for admission. The ACT composite score (or, if using multiple test attempts, the composite super-score) used by FIU for admissions will now only include the English, mathematics, and reading subsections.
Application: Interested applicants can apply to FIU through Common App. If you have applied through Common App, you should not submit a separate application through FIU's application portal. Applicants will be required to pay a $30 USD application fee or use an SAT/ACT fee waiver. If you are using an SAT/ACT fee waiver please indicate that on the Common App when submitting your application.
Transcripts: FIU requires all incoming students, whether first-year or transfer students, to submit all official academic transcripts from every high school or college/university attended prior to submitting their application. Applications will not be reviewed until they are complete. Your transcript(s) should be sent directly from all secondary schools, colleges, and universities you have attended. Transcripts received by FIU become the property of FIU and will not be returned to the applicant or forwarded to any other institution. Please do not send us your original transcript/diploma if no other copy exists. For international credentials, a certified copy issued by the previous institution’s registration office may be submitted. Please note that the translation is separate from the official transcript requirement (both are necessary).
Exam Scores: Submit scores separately from the testing agency. This applies to Advanced Placement (AP), CLEP, International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other exam credit scores. AP scores must be a 3 or higher. Scores submitted after the application deadline will not be considered on your application.

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Residency Documentation: Whether you are a Florida resident, or international student, you are required to submit proof of residency. Failing to provide residency documentation will delay your enrollment.

Additional Considerations

Home Education Students: Students completing a home education program according to section 1002.41, Florida Statutes, meet this minimum admission requirement; however, FIU may request additional documentation to demonstrate college readiness.
Non-Traditional High School Programs: Student applying for admission who has participated in a non-traditional high school program must present credentials determined to be equivalent to a standard high school diploma and high school transcript.
GED Students: Applicants presenting a GED must present official GED results and official transcripts or any partial high school completion. Applicants with a GED from any state must achieve a total battery score of 600, with no sub score lower than 150 and a minimum test score of 1090 SAT or a minimum composite score of 21 on the ACT.
STEM Programs or the College of Business: Homeschooled and GED applicants who wish to major in one of the STEM programs or the College of Business are required to complete the ALEKS for math placement during new student orientation.

Admission Decision

The acceptance rate at FIU is 54.7%. Scoring at a 1160 SAT or above will already give you a great shot at getting in. FIU's average SAT scores range from 1070 to 1250.

Transfer Applicant Requirements

Core Requirements

Transferable Credits: Transfers who are starting their third year of college (or are near earning 60 credits) should have a chosen degree. If you are entering FIU with your associate's degree, you must apply to the college or program of your choice in addition to university application.
GPA: Maintain good academic standing at their last institution.
Course Completion:
- Completed ENC 1101 or the equivalent with a ‘C’ or better.
- Completed college-level math with a ‘C’ or better.
- At least a 2.0 transfer GPA.
Transcripts: Students transferring without an associate's degree or with fewer than 60 credits are required to submit their SAT or ACT scores and transcripts from any schools they have attended (both high school and college). Transfer students’ test scores must meet minimum test scores to qualify for admission.

Specialized Programs

Some degree programs, such as architecture and nursing, have higher minimum admissions requirements than others and may require additional information or exams along with your application.

Graduate Applicant Requirements

General Overview

FIU admits over 6,000 graduate students every year. Admissions requirements vary by program. As a result, additional criteria may be used during the review process. Samples may include: entrance exams, resumes or portfolios, essays, letters of recommendation, etc. Search for your program to verify what you will need.

Key Components

Application: A completed online application for Graduate Admission with appropriate fees.

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Transcripts: Official transcripts of all higher education institutions attended.
Letters of Recommendation: Requirements vary from program to program.
Statement of Purpose: Many programs require a statement of professional and personal goals.
Resume/CV: A current resume/vitae.
Writing Sample: A writing sample illustrating research skills (such as a thesis, journal article, paper submitted for academic credit; etc.).
GPA:
- A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in upper level undergraduate credits.
- A cumulative 3.25 GPA for all graduate work attempted.
Standardized Tests:
- GRE or GMAT exam. An applicant can seek a GMAT/GRE Waiver if certain conditions are met.
English Language Proficiency: International graduate student applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit a score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A total score of 80 on the iBT TOEFL or 6.5 overall on the IELTS is required.

Specific Program Examples

Global Leadership and Management (GLAM) Ph.D. Concentration:
- Focuses on topics related to Organizational Behavior, Human Resources, Leadership and Cross-cultural management.
International Business Ph.D.:
- An applicant with substantial work experience and industry/work related recommendations will be evaluated based on academic qualifications, work experience, and performance.
Adam Smith Center's Leadership Degree Program:
- Provide a personal statement regarding your (1) Motivation to attend the Adam Smith Center's leadership degree program, (2) Personal and career goals, and (3) Potential contributions to your fellow students and colleagues at FIU.
- Provide two letters of recommendation from professional supervisors and/or former faculty instructors attesting to your (1) Analytical skills, (2) Motivation and (3) Educational/Work performance.
- Hold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university.
- Have a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) established through the overall undergraduate degree GPA or the last 60 credits of the degree GPA; or have earned a graduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- If requested, complete an interview with faculty/staff of the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language per FIU's Graduate Admission requirements when the applicant's studies were completed outside the USA.
Curriculum and Instruction - Various Tracks (MS):
- GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours of upper division undergraduate study.
- Applicant Statement / Letter of Intent Required.
- Letters of Recommendation Required, 2 Letters.
- Resume.
- Bachelor's degree in education or related field. Candidates with bachelor's degrees in a different field must demonstrate teaching experience.
Educational Leadership - MS:
- A brief written statement (approximately 250 words) articulating the applicant's professional career goals and aspirations.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on the applicant's leadership potential and qualifications for successfully participating in the program.
- Teaching certificate with at least three years of successful full-time teaching experience prior to application for admission to the program; A current resume (curriculum vitae), including education, professional preparation, and employment history; Evidence of having satisfied the ESOL requirements of the State of Florida.
- A grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in upper level undergraduate work and a 3.25 GPA in all graduate work attempted.
Electrical and Computer Engineering - PhD:
- A Master's Degree in Higher Education or related field, a current CV/Resume, a writing sample illustrating academic writing skills, statement of support from supervisor (if applicant intends on being employed while in the program).
- A total score of 80 on the iBT TOEFL or 6.5 overall on the IELTS is required.
- The applicant whose GPA does not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be considered for conditional admission.
Grades K-5 Mathematics Teaching Certificate:
- Fall classes at FIU Brickell Campus (downtown Miami) located at 1101 Brickell Avenue and Spring classes in FIU at I-75 (Broward county) located at 1930 S.W. 145th Avenue; Also fully online program Healthcare MBA Program available as an option.
Higher Education Administration - MS:
- Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant’s ability to succeed in doctoral study;
History (MA and PhD):
- -Curriculum vitae or resume-Statement of purpose (2-4 pages): This statement should provide information about your areas of historical interest, your background in history, and any other details that will help evaluate your suitability for our program. We assume that you love history- we want to know why you want to pursue a master's or doctorate, and what you want to do during and after your degree.-Writing sample. MA applicants- a single piece of academic writing, preferably in history, 5-10 pages.- Two letters of recommendation with waivers. Letters should specifically address the applicant's preparation in the study of history and the chances for success in a history graduate program. Letters should come from university faculty members who can endorse the applicant's academic preparation.

International Students

International applicants follow the same freshman application process as all other students. All freshman applicants receive equal, uniform holistic admission review irrespective of their secondary curriculum origin or citizenship. SAT, ACT or Classic Learning Test (CLT) results are required.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcript(s), including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the Gator Portal for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

Graduate Business Programs

The application deadline for the online graduate business programs at Florida International University (Chapman), a public school, is rolling.

Students enrolled in degrees in International Business, HR Mgmt, Real Estate, Marketing, & Health Informatics benefit from world-class faculty.

Additional Information

Application Status

When you finish your application, you will be assigned a Panther ID and within 1-3 business days you will have access to your MyFIU account where you can check your application status.

Natural Disaster or Emergency Event

Reach out to an FIU admissions counselor if you have been impacted by an emergency event or other circumstances beyond your control.

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