To apply to the University of Missouri as a degree-seeking student, please see the International Admissions website.

Admission requirements

1. You must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. (That is, you must have completed secondary school by the time you enroll in the IEP.)
2. You must provide documents that demonstrate you have enough money for all of your expenses while studying in the IEP.

How to apply

1. Obtain an application form in one of three ways:
   • Apply online (easiest and fastest way to apply)
   • Complete, print and mail the online application
   • Email iepmu@missouri.edu to request an application via email or regular mail
2. Complete the application form. You may complete it in ink or by computer. Be sure to spell your full name correctly and provide your date of birth. If you have a passport, be sure that your name and birth date are exactly the same as they are on the passport.
3. Read the financial guarantee section of the application and put a check mark in the circle to show that you agree with the financial guarantee statement.
4. Obtain a bank statement or bank letter from your bank or from the bank of your sponsor (for example, a family member or employer). An example of this bank letter is available below.
   • The bank statement or bank letter must be written in English on the bank letterhead and include:
     • Name of the account holder
     • Account number
     • Statement period
     • Date it was printed
     • Account type
     • Exact amount of money currently available in the account (this amount needs to be approximately $42,051 USD for one year of study in the Intensive English Program) 
   • If the funds are from family or friends, you must complete an affidavit of support. The name of the sponsor on the affidavit of support must match the name of the account holder on the bank statement or bank letter.
   • If you have a scholarship, the letter of support must specify the terms and amount of the scholarship as well as an address in the U.S. for billing.
5. Pay the $65 application fee. The quickest and easiest way to pay is online using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). You can also pay the application fee by check, money order or traveler’s check, payable in U.S. dollars to the University of Missouri. Applicants with a scholarship are not required to pay the $65 application fee.
6. Pay $200 non-refundable tuition deposit. A link and instructions will be sent to you on how to pay the $200 non-refundable tuition deposit. The deposit must be paid before your I-20 or DS-2019 is sent to you. The $200 will be applied toward your tuition of the term for which you are applying.
7. Return the completed application by:
   • Online submission
   • Email
   • Fax
   • Mail

     If you do not want to pay the application fee by credit card, you must mail the $65 check, money order or traveler’s check.

8. Send all required documents to iepmu@missouri.edu.
   • Financial documents — Send one of the following:
     • A bank statement or bank letter showing sufficient funds for one year of study in the United States –OR–
     • If you have a scholarship, send a copy of the scholarship agreement, including the terms of the award.
   • Passport — Send a copy of the biographical page of your passport (with your name, date of birth and picture).
   • Proof of high school graduation — Send a copy of your official high school diploma or transcript, or your most recent college diploma or transcript; you must provide an official English translation, if necessary.

Mailing address and contact information

Intensive English Program
University of Missouri
208 McReynolds Hall
Columbia, MO 65211 USA

phone: +1 573-882-7523
fax: +1 573-882-0360
email: iepmu@missouri.edu

Official acceptance

As soon as we have received your application, we will let you know that we have received it. After we have examined your application and you are accepted into the program, we will send you a letter of acceptance and, if needed, an I-20. Shipping fees may apply if your acceptance letter and I-20 are sent via express mail; we will tell you how to pay these fees in advance if necessary.

You should review the Study in the States website to learn about the process and rules for studying in the United States as an international student. Select “STUDENTS” at the top of the page for more information about applying for a visa, paying the SEVIS fee and maintaining your student status.

Sample bank letter

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter certifies that the account [account #] of [name of student, family member or other person] have a current balance of USD $[amount] as of [today’s date] to pay USD $[amount] for the educational and living expenses for [name of student] to study in the United States.

Sincerely,