Application Checklist

Applications for graduate admission are processed through an online centralized application service.

1. Complete and submit your application

  • Create your PLU application account at choose.plu.edu/apply.
  • Select ‘Pacific Lutheran University Application 2026’, then ‘Graduate Application 2026’ & ‘Create Application’
  • You’ll select your program on Page 2 of the application.

3. Submit transcripts

Transcripts from ALL colleges/universities you’ve attended

  • You may upload official OR unofficial transcripts to the application, or send them to gradadmission@plu.edu.
    • If you are a PLU student or alum, you do not need to submit your PLU transcripts.
  • Note: While we will accept unofficial transcripts at the application stage for domestic students, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities before you enroll in a PLU graduate program.

Official transcripts from ALL colleges/universities you’ve attended

  • Official transcripts must be sent before you enroll in a PLU graduate program. Submit all US and English-Speaking Canadian institutions you listed in the College Attended section of your application.
  • Official international and French Canadian transcripts must be sent to PLU Graduate Admission Office.
  • Electronic transcripts are only accepted from Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse. If your school does not offer either of these services, your transcript must be sent by mail. Transcripts sent via email are not accepted.

4. Submit test scores (if required by the program you are applying for)

  • MAE: WEST-B* results to be sent to PLU. The PLU code is 225
  • MBA and Nursing: GRE and/or GMAT test scores are optional

Additional requirements for international students

If you are an international student, we strongly recommended you submit your application at least TWO months prior to your intended start term to allow enough time for the issuance of the I-20 and the student visa application.

  • Official Transcripts & Credential Evaluation
    • You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. International transcripts must be translated to English, and must be submitted for international credential evaluation by any organization on the AICE list or NACES list before being sent to PLU.
    • The Evaluation Company (formerly called SpanTran) is listed as a NACES-approved international credential evaluator and has created a custom application for Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. You can access their application here: Evaluation Request Form – Pacific Lutheran University.
    • International Education Evaluation (IEE) is a member of NACES. You can use their custom application for Pacific Lutheran University applicants to receive a discounted evaluation within 3 business days. Here is the custom application: International Credential Evaluation – Pacific Lutheran University
    • PLU reserves the right to request further evaluation by an approved credential evaluation agency.
  • Degree Diploma
    • You must provide official proof of your bachelor’s degree completion.
    • English translations provided by PLU approved translation services if the transcripts and documents are in a language other than English.
  • Proof of University-Level English Proficiency
    • Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at PLU. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.
    • Minimum TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo requirements
    • The English proficiency requirement can also be met if applicants have completed one of the following:
      • A bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally-accredited institution in the United States.
      • A baccalaureate degree or higher from a recognized college or university in an English-speaking country or region, including United States, Australia, Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago, United Kingdom, Botswana, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Malta, Monserrat, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Turks & Caicos Islands, Vanuatu.
      • Secondary school diploma from an institution in countries where English is the general medium of instruction as listed above.
      • A recognized Intensive English Program (IEP) in the United States and received an English proficiency level equivalent to the required minimum TOEFL/IELTS scores of the applied program.
  • I-20 Processing
    • An I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) will be issued only after the student has been admitted and paid the non-refundable $300.00 tuition deposit and has returned all required acceptance forms. The I-20 form should be taken to the U.S. Consulate when requesting a visa to come to the United States for a graduate program. The following items are not required for the application to be considered for admission, but are required prior to issuance of an I-20.
    • To expedite admission processing, applicants should consider submitting the following with application documents:
      • Copy of passport picture page
      • Address and associated phone number to which to send the I-20 via courier service
      • Declaration of Finance Form (sent to the student after tuition deposit has been paid). This process requires proof of financial support dated within 12 months. English translation is required if the documents are not issued in English. Certification of finances from banks or embassies is permissible.

International Admission Checklist