US application process

We make applying to a US university simpler for international students thinking of studying abroad in the USA. 

How to apply

  1. Complete an application form

    Submit your application and supporting documents today, or save your application and return to it later.

  2. Have your application reviewed 

    Kaplan reviews your documents and submits your application to the university. After submission, you can access your university portal.

  3. Get an offer of admission 

    Receive an admission decision from the University to which you applied.

  4. Accept your offer 

    Choose to accept your offer by paying your deposit (if needed) and submit your proof of finances to receive your I-20.

  5. Apply for a US student visa 

    After receiving your I-20 document from your university, you can then apply for a US student visa.

Start your application today

Application deadlines for US universities

 Application deadlines vary by university and program. Some universities have flexible policies for international students — you can see the application dates for the university you’re interested in by clicking the tiles below. 

Document checklist 

For a complete application, you’ll need to upload some documents along with your application form. Specific required documents will vary by university and degree program. Some required documents may include: 

  • Academic transcript(s), including translations if your original transcripts aren’t in English 

  • Proof of English language proficiency 

  • Personal statement 

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé  

  • Letters of reference/recommendation 

  • Copy of your passport 

  • Financial proof showing you can cover your study and living expenses 

  • Graduate admission test scores 

If you’d like some extra support with this process in your home country, we can recommend a trusted local Education Agent. 

How we help you apply for a US degree 

You don’t need to feel nervous about applying. Our friendly team is here to help and, no matter your educational background, we will support you in finding a study option that works best for you.   

Additional support 

For students with a medical condition or disability 

It’s important for you to let your university know about any medical condition or disability you may have, so they can ensure you get the support you need. This will not affect your admissions assessment. All US universities are required to make an environment that’s accessible to students with disabilities. This includes: 

  • accessible classrooms, housing, labs, libraries and transportation 
  • guidance on requesting support, such as sign language, interpreters, alternative formats, note-takers and extra time on tests 
  • extra academic advising 
  • mental health and wellbeing support

For students who want to earn a US high school diploma 

ASU Global Academy is an accredited online US high school diploma program created by the USA’s most innovative university, Arizona State University. The program has been built with international students in mind, inviting global learners to join the US education system from anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection!

US university admission decisions

Here’s some help with questions you might have about an admission decision from a US university.  

When will I receive an admission decision? 

This varies a lot depending on when you apply and the university/program you apply for. At the University of Connecticut, the majority of decisions are released together on March 1. At our other US university partners, typical decision times vary from five working days to around one month from the date your application is considered complete by the University. 


What does unconditional admission mean? 

An unconditional offer means that there are no conditions you need to meet, but you may still need to send financial documents as part of the visa application process. 


What do I need to do if I have conditional admission? 

If you need to improve your English proficiency, you will be conditionally admitted to a degree or pathway program. You must then submit a qualifying language score or join an English preparation program, before you start your academic program. 

If you have received a conditional offer for a graduate program then you will need to complete any pre-requisites in order to be admitted.


What happens if my application is unsuccessful? 

If your application is not successful, we can look at alternative or more suitable study options for you, based on your qualifications and circumstances. For example, the university may offer you an alternative program if you are not admitted to your preferred major. 

Important dates  

Some of our US university partners have multiple intakes per year. We always recommend applying as early as possible, so that you have enough time to arrange your US student visa and student housing. 

Spring 2026 semester deadlines

UniversityProgram/admission typeApplication deadlineI-20 request deadline
Arizona State UniversityBachelor’s degrees
Graduate degrees
ASU-USA Pathways
Nov 17, 2025
Oct 28, 2025
Nov 29, 2025
December 12, 2025
University of ConnecticutSchool of Business master’s degreesDec 17, 2025December 20, 2025
University of OregonBachelor’s first-year
Bachelor’s transfer
Oct 15, 2025
Nov 15, 2025
December 5, 2025
Pace UniversityBachelor’s degrees
Global Pathways
Graduate degrees
Nov 15, 2025
Nov 15, 2025
Oct 1, 2025
November 15, 2025
Simmons University Bachelor’s degrees
Graduate degrees
Nov 28, 2025
Oct 15, 2025
December 19, 2025
Some programs and admission types have different deadlines. For exact dates, please check the relevant summary sheets.

Summer 2026 semester deadlines

UniversityProgram/admission typeApplication deadlineI-20 request deadline
Arizona State UniversityBachelor’s degrees
Graduate degrees
March 28, 2026
March 10, 2026
April 15, 2026
University of OregonBachelor’s first-yearFebruary 15, 2026February 28, 2026
Pace UniversityGlobal PathwaysApril 1, 2026April 11, 2026
Some programs and admission types have different deadlines. For exact dates, please check the relevant summary sheets.

Fall 2026 semester deadlines

UniversityProgram/admission typeApplication deadlineI-20 request deadline
Arizona State UniversityBachelor’s degrees
Graduate degrees
ASU-USA Pathways
June 23, 2026
May 29, 2026
July 13, 2026
July 20, 2026
University of ConnecticutBachelor’s first-year (Storrs campus)
Bachelor’s transfer (Storrs campus)
Bachelor’s admission (other campuses)
School of Business master’s degrees
Jan 31, 2026

April 1, 2026

May 1, 2026

July 22, 2026
July 31, 2026
University of OregonBachelor’s first-year
Bachelor’s transfer
Aug 15, 2026
June 30, 2026
August 28, 2026
Pace UniversityBachelor’s degrees
Global Pathways
Graduate degrees
July 15, 2026
July 15, 2026
May 31, 2026
July 15, 2026
Simmons UniversityBachelor’s degreesJuly 3, 2026July 17, 2026
Some programs and admission types have different deadlines. For exact dates, please check the relevant summary sheets.