Berea College has a long history of welcoming all peoples of the earth. Admission to Berea College is competitive, and students are encouraged to read all information provided here before submitting an application. The following items are required to complete an application for admission. All materials should be submitted via the online application portal.

1. Apply for Free Online

Complete the Berea College Application for Admission for International Students. There is no application fee. The application will open on August 1. Apply Now

2. Personal Essay

The essay should be 2-5 pages. As this essay may be used to assist in course placement, students should receive no assistance in writing or editing the essay. 

The essay should address the following points:

1. An overview of your educational and life experiences.

2. What you plan to do after completing your education.

3. Why you wish to return (or not return) to your home country.

4. Description of ways you have positively impacted your community.

Because the content of the essay is an important part of evaluating a student for admission, it is to your advantage to add detail.

The essay may be uploaded to your application portal once you have submitted the online application above.

3. Copy of official secondary school records

These documents may include leaving exam results, A-Level results, O-Level results, National Higher Diploma results, or West African Examination results. Please provide academic records that demonstrate you have completed all secondary school requirements for your home country. Academic records should be translated into English and the copies certified by school officials.

4. One Teacher Recommendation Form

Whenever possible, you should request that person writing a recommendation on your behalf submit the official form provided via the online application portal. You may also download the form here and upload the completed form to your online application portal.  We will accept written recommendations, preferably typed, which are not completed using our official form. All recommendations should be written in English.

5. Financial Resource Recommendation Form

This form should be completed by a school administrator, employer, religious leader, or another individual who can make a statement about your personal and financial resources, as well as barriers, as they relate to your pursuit of higher education. This form may NOT be completed by a close relative. The Financial Resource Recommendation Form should be written in English.

6. Official Test Scores

All international applicants must submit a test report less than two years old from one of the following exams: IELTS, Duolingo, TOEFL, SAT or ACT. This requirement includes students from English-speaking countries. You must provide a copy of your test report as part of your online application, even if you have requested an official copy be sent to Berea from the testing center.  International applicants may NOT apply test-optional.

Minimum Required Test Scores

ACT: 19 (Berea's School Code 1492)

SAT: 980 (Berea's School Code 1060)

TOEFL (Berea's School Code 1060)

-- iBT: 68

-- PBT: 520

-- ITB: Not Accepted

DUOLINGO: 95

IELTS: 6.0 (Must have a minimum of 5 in all subscores)

7. International Financial Questionnaire

All applicants must submit the questionnaire via their online application portal. We will not accept the CSS Profile or ISFSAA in lieu of the Berea College form. 

Additional Information

Costs and Financial Aid

Previous International Applicants: If you have previously applied to Berea and wish to apply again, a new online application must be submitted, including all supporting materials (test scores, transcripts, recommendations, etc.) Please be sure to tell us of any college or university coursework you are currently pursing or have completed since your last application. 

Available for international students, join us for our virtual Worldwide Wednesdays! This visit is designed to allow international students the chance to learn more about Berea College and the application process. Worldwide Wednesdays feature a 20-minute information session with an Admissions Counselor and a 60-90 minute live virtual tour of campus. Dates will be posted soon!