At Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), students from around the world are united by curiosity, innovation, and a shared goal of transforming challenges into opportunities to enhance human well-being. As an international student at KGI, you’ll play a vital role in our academic community—contributing to research, bringing global perspectives into the classroom, and enriching campus life. We’re excited to see what you’ll accomplish.
Whether you’re currently studying in the United States or planning to relocate from abroad, you’ll find helpful application information, requirements, and resources you need to begin your KGI journey on our international admissions page.
International Admissions Requirements
Along with meeting the prerequisites of your chosen degree program and KGI’s general admissions requirements, you must also meet the specific criteria for international applicants.
Submitting International Transcripts
Most of the KGI degree programs require unofficial transcripts from all the schools you attended to be submitted with your application.
Once admitted to KGI, you must submit official, final transcripts, which bear the seal and signature of the Registrar of the issuing institution. We do not accept photocopies of transcripts.
We will include instructions on how to submit your transcripts, including required deadlines, with your official offer of admission to KGI.
English Proficiency Requirements
To succeed academically at KGI, you must demonstrate your English proficiency.
If English is not your native language and you have not met the requirement through one of the options listed in Item 1 below, you’ll need to submit proof of English proficiency—no matter your residency or visa status.
There are two ways to meet this requirement:
Interview-Based Assessment
As an international applicant, you can demonstrate your English proficiency by completing an admissions interview, either in person or virtually with your camera on.
These interviews help the admissions team assess your ability to understand and respond to questions clearly, thoughtfully, and in real-time without the use of translation tools or artificial intelligence assistance.
During the interview, the evaluator will assess your English comprehension and communication skills based on your ability to:
- Understand and respond to questions appropriately
- Communicate ideas clearly and cohesively
- Engage in professional-level academic conversation
This method ensures that you possess the necessary language skills to thrive in an English-speaking academic environment.
English Language Testing
Alternatively, you can also demonstrate English proficiency by submitting official test scores from one of the following:
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- Duolingo English Test
Scores must meet or exceed KGI’s minimum requirements. KGI considers component scores as part of the admissions review.
Connect with an Admissions Advisor
Moving to the U.S. for graduate school is a big step, and KGI is here to support you. Our dedicated international student advisor helps you navigate the application, transition, and enrollment process, enabling you to move forward with confidence.
Meet Our Admissions TeamFunding Your KGI Degree
While international students are not eligible for federal student loans, KGI offers financial aid resources to help you manage the cost of your graduate education. Options such as the KGI International Loan and scholarship opportunities can support your academic and professional goals.
Have questions about the KGI International Loan? Review our comprehensive FAQ page and connect with our team by calling (909) 607-8258 or emailing us.
Explore Financial AidNewly Admitted International Students
Now that you’ve been accepted to KGI, please follow the New International Student Checklist, which outlines your next steps:
- Review visa instructions on the website of your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Receive your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) from KGI after submitting the required documentation.
- Pay your SEVIS I-901 Fee ($350 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 students).
- Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) and upload your photo.
- Schedule your visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.*
- Notify the KGI International Student Advisor of your scheduled visa interview date so we can prepare your orientation materials and coordinate pre-arrival housing support.
*We also recommend checking our Tips for Your Visa Interview guide to prepare for your interview and boost your confidence.
For more detailed information, carefully review the U.S. Department of State’s student visa information.
Transferring to KGI
If you’re currently enrolled at another U.S. institution and plan on transferring to Keck Graduate Institute, please give the Transfer Instructions to your current international student advisor, along with a copy of your KGI acceptance letter, to begin the transfer process.
Please plan your SEVIS record transfer well in advance so your current school’s international student advisor and the KGI International Student Advisor can coordinate a smooth transition.
- If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before starting at KGI, notify us so we can issue a temporary I-20 once your SEVIS record is transferred.
- Your transfer must be completed within 15 days of the start of classes, so begin this process as early as possible.
After you receive your visa and finalize your travel plans, email international@kgi.edu to schedule your international student check-in appointment. Please include two to three available dates and times between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (PST), Monday through Friday.
We recommend completing your check-in during the week before orientation begins.
The DSO Check-In is different from New International Student Orientation (NISO).
DSO Check-In is a required immigration process where you submit your immigration documents (such as your visa and passport) and complete the International Student Check-In Form. This allows the DSO to activate your SEVIS record for your program start date.
The DSO Check-In may be completed on the same day as NISO or separately, if you need additional time to gather your documents.
NISO is held one week before classes begin, and you must arrive in time to attend. Please plan your travel accordingly, as NISO takes place before your program start date.
To help you stay organized and supported, these resources provide essential information for preparing for your arrival and managing requirements as a new international student at KGI.
- Pre-Departure Information
- Homestay Services
- Graduate Programs - Financial Certification
- Summer Programs - Financial Certification
- KGI Immunization Requirement
Change of Immigration Status Resources
If you need to change your immigration status or restore your F-1 or J-1 status, use these resources to understand your next steps and find instructions for common change-of-status situations, reinstatement, and re-entry. Eligibility for reinstatement or re-entry is determined on a case-by-case basis, and KGI reserves the right to deny enrollment for programs that require continuous valid immigration status.
Resources for Current International Students
Now that you’ve been accepted to KGI, please follow the New International Student Checklist, which outlines your next steps:
- Review visa instructions on the website of your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Receive your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) from KGI after submitting the required documentation.
- Pay your SEVIS I-901 Fee ($350 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 students).
- Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) and upload your photo.
- Schedule your visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate.*
- Notify the KGI International Student Advisor of your scheduled visa interview date so we can prepare your orientation materials and coordinate pre-arrival housing support.
*We also recommend checking our Tips for Your Visa Interview guide to prepare for your interview and boost your confidence.
For more detailed information, carefully review the U.S. Department of State’s student visa information.
Transferring to KGI
If you’re currently enrolled at another U.S. institution and plan on transferring to Keck Graduate Institute, please give the Transfer Instructions to your current international student advisor, along with a copy of your KGI acceptance letter, to begin the transfer process.
Please plan your SEVIS record transfer well in advance so your current school’s international student advisor and the KGI International Student Advisor can coordinate a smooth transition.
- If you plan to travel outside the U.S. before starting at KGI, notify us so we can issue a temporary I-20 once your SEVIS record is transferred.
- Your transfer must be completed within 15 days of the start of classes, so begin this process as early as possible.
As an international student, you must maintain your immigration status throughout your time at KGI. To keep your F-1 or J-1 status, you must:
- Be a full-time student
- Report changes in contact information within 10 days
- Keep immigration documents valid
- Abide by immigration deadlines
- Understand and follow regulations concerning US visas, school breaks, work, and travel
- Monitor your expected program completion date in coordination with the International Student Advisor and your program director, as needed
For detailed requirements and reminders, review the appropriate at-a-glance guide:
Additional International Student Visa Resources
Here are helpful resources to guide you through managing finances, banking, and tax responsibilities while studying in the U.S. Please note: it is your responsibility to ensure that U.S. tax requirements are met. All international students must file U.S. tax forms, whether or not they earned income. The annual tax filing deadline is April 15.
KGI offers helpful tax resources starting in early January for current students and recent graduates living in the U.S. For more detailed or personalized guidance, students may also work with a U.S. tax specialist.
Banking and Currency
Taxes
You and your employer can find all the necessary documents and guidance for working in the U.S. while studying at KGI. Remember, you must receive authorization from the International Student Advisor (DSO) before beginning any work in accordance with KGI and SEVP policy for the types of work authorization.
For Employers
For Students
- A Guide to Working in the US
- Economic Hardship
- F-1 Guide to Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- F-1 Guide to Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- F-1 OPT Application Checklist
- F-1 STEM OPT Extension Frequently Asked Questions
- F-1 STEM OPT Application Checklist
- Incidental Employment
- J-1 Academic Training Handout
Whether you’re traveling within the U.S. or returning to your home country, we have essential information to help you plan ahead.
