Graduate Application Requirements for International Applicants

We appreciate your interest in Colorado School of Mines.

We know that as an international applicant you have many choices in graduate education. You will feel comfortable here with us as we have a long history of international student success. Please feel free to visit our International Student and Scholars Office.

Links and Downloadable Forms

International Student and Scholars Office

Academic Calendar

Graduate application

Application instructions for international students

Deadlines

International student financial statement

Recommendation form

Below is a listing of required documents that you must submit to the graduate office along with the application for admission.

For your convenience you can download this checklist here: Application instructions for international students

Please ensure that all application materials are received by the deadline date. Applications will be reviewed with unofficial transcripts and test scores. If you are accepted into the program the official credentials must be received by the Graduate Office before you can register for classes.

One (1) official transcript from all current and previous institutions (unofficial transcripts can be used for the review process). You may upload copies of transcripts through the online system.
- Transcripts are marked 'unofficial' if your program is not complete and still 'in progress'
- Transcripts are marked 'unofficial' if they are not in a sealed envelope from the University
- International transcripts are marked 'unofficial' if there is not a certified and stamped legal translation

Three (3) letters of recommendation (*PDF file): We encourage you to have your recommenders submit your letters through the online application system or by email to: grad.credentials@mines.edu

Test Scores

GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test scores (Colorado School of Mines institution code: 4073): All graduate degree programs at Mines require completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We will accept GRE scores from tests taken within the past five years. Students applying to the applied Physics (M.S. or Ph.D.) program and for financial aid must submit general GRE and the Physics Subject Test GRE scores. If you are not applying for aid within the physics department, you are only required to submit general GRE scores. The Division of Economics and Business will accept GMAT Graduate Management Admission Test scores in place of GRE scores.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores (Colorado School of Mines institution code: 4073): Students whose native language is not English must submit acceptable TOEFL scores as part of the application process. Mines requires a minimum score of 550 paper-based test or 79 internet-based test with minimum section scores as shown below. Tests must have been taken within the past two years to be accepted. Applications that do not have valid TOEFL scores will not be released to the Department for review.

	Internet TOEFL (iBT)	Paper TOEFL (PBT)
Reading	20	54
Listening	21	55
Writing	17	55
Speaking	21	N/A
Total	79	550

If you have completed a university degree program in the United States or in an English speaking country within the previous two years, you do NOT have to submit TOEFL scores. We also recommend students submit TWE scores, however this is not a requirement. If the TOEFL test is not offered in your country, we will also accept the IELTS exam. Mines requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Please note that TOEIC exam results cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

Statement of Goals: The purpose of the statement of goals is to introduce yourself to the Graduate Admissions Review Committee. In the statement, you should address professional and personal goals, as well as why Colorado School of Mines would be the best place to achieve those goals. It is typically about one page in length.

Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

International Student Financial Statement (*PDF file): Your application can be reviewed by the department without your financial statement. However, before enrolling at Mines, non U.S. citizens must show proof of financial resources to cover the first year of studies (minimum of U.S. $44,575 for a single student. You must add $5,500 per year for your spouse and $3,500 per year for each child. If funding for a degree program is provided by a sponsoring agency, please include a letter from that agency indicating the amount of support that will be furnished. If funding is from a personal source, please send a certified bank statement showing activity in the account for the past six months. Non- U.S. citizens can apply for financial aid. If aid is awarded you will be notified in your admission letter and/or in a letter from the department. Then the financial statement required will be only for the amount not covered by the aid award. All documentation must be original copies and come from the bank holding the funds or the person or institution supplying the funds. All documentation is required before the processing of visa paperwork can begin.

A non-refundable application fee is required of all applicants. Our online application will only accept fees paid by credit or debit card. If it is necessary to send a check or money order, please make payable to "CSM Graduate School" and send to the address listed below. Applications will not be processed until the fee is received. (If you see an incorrect application fee during the submission process, please STOP, and correct the errors before submitting. Be sure you have NOT checked the GEM or McNair boxes under the Educational section (Only U.S. students are eligible for these programs). If you are only submitting one application your answer to the ‘..second application..’ question will be NO. Once you have saved your changes you should see the correct fee and can complete the submission process).

Send all supplemental materials to:
Colorado School of Mines Graduate School
1500 Illinois St.
Golden, Colorado USA 80401-1887

In order to speed up the admissions review process, copies of test scores and transcripts will be accepted until official paperwork arrives. Official scores and transcripts are required for registering into classes should you be accepted.

Once your application is successfully submitted you will receive a confirmation e-mail. Please ensure the e-mail address within your online application profile is the appropriate and correct e-mail. Once you have received confirmation you will be able to check the application status through your online application's homepage. (You will not be able to track an unsubmitted application online). When all the required credentials have been received by the Graduate Office your application will be complete and released to the department for review. An e-mail notification will be sent to you when your application has been sent for review. Please keep in mind that you can submit the online application without having the additional required credentials. We will update your application packet as we receive credentials and release it when all the required credentials have been received.

Colorado School of Mines
engineering the way

Graduate School
1500 Illinois St.
Golden, Colorado USA 80401-1887
(303) 273-3247
(800) 446-9488 x3247

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