International Applicants

All international applicants must submit a completed application for admission through the Crown Family School’s online application system. A completed application ensures that your materials are eligible for review by the Admissions Committee and includes the following components:

• Personal Information: Provide your full legal name, contact details, citizenship information, and other biographical data as requested in the application form.

• Academic History: List all post-secondary institutions attended, including dates of enrollment, degrees earned or in progress, fields of study, and any academic honors. You must upload transcripts for each institution (see “Transcripts” below for more information).

• Statement of Purpose: Submit a statement that describes your academic background, professional experience, and motivations for pursuing graduate study in social work, social policy, or social administration. Be sure to explain your long-term goals and how the Crown Family School will help you achieve them.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include a current resume or CV that outlines your academic background, work experience, research or volunteer activities, and any relevant achievements or certifications.

• Transcripts: Upload scanned copies of official academic transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended. If your transcripts are not in English, you must also upload a certified English translation. If admitted, you will be required to submit official transcripts sent directly from the institution.

• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants should request letters from individuals who can provide meaningful insight into their academic abilities, professional experience, and potential for success in graduate study. Strong recommenders may include professors, research advisors, supervisors, or colleagues who are familiar with your intellectual strengths, work ethic, leadership skills, and commitment to social work, policy, or social justice. Letters should be current and tailored to the program to which you are applying. Be sure to give your recommenders adequate time and clear instructions on how to submit their letters through the application system.

We strongly recommend that all application materials be submitted well in advance of the deadline to ensure timely processing. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. For a full checklist of requirements and helpful resources, please visit master's application requirements or doctoral application requirements.

International applicants who have completed post-secondary education outside of the United States are required to submit a credential evaluation as part of their application. This evaluation ensures that academic records are accurately interpreted and aligned with U.S. educational standards.

Applicants must obtain a course-by-course evaluation from a recognized credential evaluation agency. The evaluation should include:

• Verified transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• U.S. equivalency of each credential
• Cumulative GPA converted to a 4.0 scale
• English translation of documents, if applicable

The Crown Family School accepts credential evaluations from the following recognized agencies:

• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• Educational Perspectives (EP)

Please ensure that the evaluation is sent directly to the Crown Family School or uploaded through the application portal by the stated deadline. Applications will not be considered complete until the credential evaluation has been received.

Applicants to the graduate schools and divisions of the University of Chicago who do not meet the criteria below must submit proof of English language proficiency. This policy applies to all graduate programs; the score level required for admission varies by program. Only the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic tests are accepted as proof of proficiency.

Waiver Criteria:

• English has been a primary language of communication and schooling for you since childhood; or
• You were enrolled for at least one academic year in full-time status in a course of study at an accredited English-medium post-secondary institution in one of the following countries or territories within the past ten years: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, the United States.
• Education in English-medium institutions in other countries or territories does not qualify for the exemption.
• Only full-time coursework in a degree program at a college or university in one of these countries or territories qualifies. Remote study, lab or research work, non-degree programs, intensive English language courses, or high school/secondary school do not qualify. The qualifying academic year must be completed – i.e., if you are now in a program and are planning to have completed a year by the time you enroll, it will not meet the requirement.

The minimum required score for the TOEFL is 104 overall (IBT) with a sub-score of 26 in each category. The minimum required score for the IELTS is 7 overall, with sub-scores of 7 in each category. Check the TOEFL and IELTS sites for more information about the test. The results of the test will be sent to the University by the Testing Service. Official reports of any required scores must be received in order for a decision to be issued. Committees will use unofficial scores for review purposes if an official score report is not available, but you should provide official reports of any required scores as soon as they are available. Applications will not be given final consideration until the results of the test have been received. The University of Chicago Institutional Code for TOEFL is 1832; the department code for Crown Family School is 95.

International students applying to the Crown Family School must demonstrate their ability to finance their education and living expenses while studying in the United States. This section outlines the financial documentation required and the types of support available:

• Proof of Financial Support: U.S. immigration regulations require international students to provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for at least the first year of study. This may include:

  • Bank statements
  • Affidavits of support
  • Scholarship or fellowship award letters
  • Employer sponsorship letters

• Estimated Cost of Attendance: A detailed breakdown of tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses is provided annually. Students should review this information carefully when preparing financial documents.

• Crown Family School Scholarships: The Crown Family School offers merit-based scholarships. All applicants are automatically considered during the admissions process. 

• External Funding Resources: International students are encouraged to explore funding opportunities from their home governments, international organizations, and private foundations.

Pre-Arrival & Immigration Support: Support for international students and scholars, including visa services, I-20/DS-2019 processing, orientation programs, and resources for adjusting to life in the U.S.

Academic Support Resources: Access writing help, ESL support, and advising tailored to Crown students.

UChicagoGRAD: Explore fellowships, career development, and wellness resources.

International House & Cultural Programs: Connect with global peers through events and housing.

Funding for International Students: Learn about scholarships, assistantships, and financial documentation.

Living in Chicago: Find tips on housing, banking, furniture, and Hyde Park life.

Campus and Student Life: Explore services for health, wellness, and community engagement.