Undergraduate Admissions

Freshman Admission Requirements

Minimum requirements include graduation from high school (secondary school) as indicated by a diploma, certificate, official examination results, etc. depending upon specific country requirements. Admission to KU is selective and meeting the minimum grade average does not guarantee admission. We use equivalent admission criteria for applicants from all countries.

Students must present official transcripts or mark sheets records showing grades and completion of a College Preparatory Curriculum.

Some programs with selective admission have additional course requirements and SAT or ACT examination score requirements.See Admissions Requirements & Deadlines Chart.

Country specific credentials and grade requirements for many countries are listed here:

  • Original or attested copy of high school transcripts and Bachillerato, with English translation. On the typical 10-point grading scale an average score of 6.5 or higher is required for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). However, because there is some variation in grading scales used, and some programs at KU may require a higher grade average, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Attested mark sheets/transcripts, and original O and/or A level results certificates (General Certificate of Education) showing at least 5 subjects passed.
  • Generally, five subjects passed is sufficient for admission, however, because some KU programs have more stringent admission requirements, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Attested copies of transcripts and of Bachillerato or Bachiller en Humanidades, with English translations.
  • 4.5 or higher...
  • Certified copies of transcripts for grades 10, 11, 12, examination results, and Certificado de ConclusEo de Segundo Grau, with English translations.
  • 6 or higher average on the standard 10 point scale is required for admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) and a higher grade average is required by some KU programs (Architecture, Engineering). Each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of the official academic records.
  • Official copies of transcripts and diploma (high school completion certificate in Nova Scotia; statement of graduation on transcript from Saskatchewan or Yukon). English translations, if applicable.
  • Because grading scales vary from province to province, and different KU programs require different grade averages, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Original or attested copy of high school transcripts and Licencia de Educacion Media, with English translations.
  • On the typical 7-point grading scale an average score of 4.75 or higher is required for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). However, because there is some variation in grading scales used, and some programs at KU may require a higher grade average, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Documents Required:
    School-attested and sealed copies of official school transcripts (for grades 9, 10, 11, 12), Graduation Exam (Huikao) or High School Proficiency Test (Xueye shuiping ceshi) and a school- attested copy of your Certificate of Graduation (Biye Zhengshu) with an English translation.
  • If you do not have your graduation certificate at the time of application, a school official must provide an official letter stating the date it will be issued to you.
  • If you have completed high school, please mail a school-attested copy of your Biye Zhengshu before your arrival.
  • You will be asked to present your original high school Biye Zhengshu and grade 12 transcript in Chinese with an English translation upon your arrival, before you will be permitted to enroll.
  • Grades Required:
    A minimum of 81% or higher average on the standard Chinese grading scale is required in college preparatory subjects for admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). A higher grade average is required by some KU programs (Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Journalism, etc.). Admission to KU is selective and meeting the minimum grade average does not guarantee admission. Each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of the official academic records.
  • Original or attested copy of high school transcripts and Bachillerato, with English translations.
  • On the typical 10-point grading scale an average score of 7.9 or higher is required for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). On a 5-point scale, an average of 3.9 or higher is needed. However, because there is some variation in grading scales used, and some programs at KU may require a higher grade average, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Attested copies of transcripts and Bachillerato or Titulo de Bachiller, with English translations.
  • Generally, an average grade of 7.5 or higher on a 10 point scale, or 13 on a 20-point scale is sufficient for admission, however, because some KU programs have more stringent admission requirements, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Attested copy of transcript and of Zeugnis or Arbitur, in German with English translations.
  • Grades must average Befriedigend or higher are required for admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) and a higher grade average is required by some KU programs (Architecture, Engineering). Each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of the official academic records.
    Documents Required
  • School-attested and sealed copies of transcripts for four years of secondary school (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 or Forms 3, 4, 5, 6) and official HKDSE results certificate sent directly from the Exams Board to KU.
  • If applicable, send an attested copy of O and A level results certificate, showing at least 5 subjects passed. 
  • If you do not have your HKDSE results certificate at the time of your application, a school official must provide a letter stating the date official results will be issued to you and your anticipated results.
  • If you have completed the HKDSE, please have the official, original results report sent.
  • You must present your official HKDSE before you will be permitted to enroll.

    Grades Required
    For students who are in the HKDSE cohort, admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences requires Level 3 or higher in Chinese Language, English Language and Liberal Studies AND Level 2 or higher in Math, PLUS Level 2 or above in two to three additional electives that fulfill the remainder of the college preparatory curriculum.

    A higher grade average is required by some KU programs (Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Journalism, etc.). Each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of the official academic records.

    Documents Required
  • If your high school is still in progress, an attested copy of the Secondary School Certificate (Grade 10), and school-attested mark sheets or progress reports from each year of secondary school (grades 9, 10, 11).
  • If you have finished Secondary School, an attested copy of the Higher Secondary School Certificate or Indian School Certificate Examination (Grade 12).
  • You will need to present your original HSC or ISCE before you will be permitted to enroll.

    Grades Required
    50% or higher average on the standard Indian grading scale is required for admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).
    60% or higher average is required for admission to the KU Schools of Engineering or Architecture. 
    Because of variations in grading scales and the higher grade average required by some KU programs (Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Journalism, etc.), each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of the official academic records.
    Documents Required
  • Official or school attested copies of high school transcripts for Grades 9, 10, 11, 12) with an English translation.
  • If you have completed Secondary School, an attested copy of the Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate, in Japanese with an English translation.
  • If your high school is still in progress, you will need to have an official final transcript and the Leaving Certificate, sent by the school, before you will be permitted to enroll.

    Grades Required
    3.5 GPA or higher average on the standard Japanese grading scale is required for admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). A higher grade average is required by some KU programs (Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Journalism, etc.).
    Each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of the official academic records.
  • Attested copies of high school transcripts. Arrange with KNEC to have an official transcript, showing at least 5 subjects passed, sent directly to KU. If applicable, an official Cambridge certificate, showing at least 5 subjects passed.
    Documents Required
  • Official or school attested copies of high school transcripts for Grades 9, 10, 11, and if you have finished high school, Grade 12, with an English translation.
  • If your high school is still in progress, you will need to have an official final transcript, showing graduation, sent by the school, before you will be permitted to enroll.

    Grades Required
    A 75% average score in college preparatory courses is required for admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Ranking is also considered in the admission decision. A higher average score is required by some KU programs (Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Journalism, etc.). Each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of official transcripts.
    Documents Required
  • Official or school attested copies of transcripts for grades 9, 10, 11 and General Secondary School Leaving Certificate, with English translations.
  • If your high school is still in progress, you will need to present your original General Secondary School Leaving Certificate before you will be permitted to enroll.

    Grades Required
    On the typical Kuwaiti grading scale an average score of 75 or higher is required for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). However, because there is some variation in grading scales used, and some programs at KU may require a higher grade average (Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Journalism, etc.), each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Attested copies of transcripts for three years of secondary school (Grades 10, 11, 12 or Forms 3, 4, 5) and one of the following: Senior Secondary School Certificate, Curso Complementar dos Liceus (with and English translation), or General Certificate of Education at O-level showing at least five subjects passed. Submit A-level results, if applicable.
  • The equivalent of a 2.5 GPA on the 4.0 scale will be calculated by the KU admission officer based on the particular type of credential for admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). A higher grade average is required by some KU programs (Architecture, Engineering). Each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of the official academic records.
  • Attested copies of transcripts and of SPM, showing at least five subjects passed, with English translations. If applicable, an attested copy of Cambridge School Certificate showing at least five subjects passed.
  • Official, certified copies of transcripts and of Bachillerato, with English translations. If admitted, you will be asked to show the originals for comparison upon arrival.
  • Because several grading scales are commonly used, and because some KU programs have more stringent admission requirements, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Attested copies of coursework and an official WAEC results certificate. West African Exams Council results certificates must be official. Contact WAEC to arrange for a certificate to be sent directly from WAEC to KU, or be prepared to grant us permission to check your WAEC results online by emailing Corrie Thompson, the Admissions Officer, at cthompson@ku.edu with the exam number, year, serial number, and PIN.
  • Generally, five subjects passed is sufficient for admission, however, because some KU programs have more stringent admission requirements, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Note: If academic records are not mailed to us by the school, then they will need to undergo a time-consuming verification process. Applicants from Nigeria are encouraged to make their applications as early as they can.
  • Note: KU does not employ any agents. If someone offers to handle your application for you, and claims to be working on behalf of KU, please notify us at issapps@ku.edu before you enter into any kind of arrangement with that person.
  • Attested copies of transcripts and Bachiller or Bachillerato, with English translations.
  • Generally, an average grade of 2.5 - 3 on a five point scale (or 4 or higher on a 10 point scale) is sufficient for admission, however, because some KU programs have more stringent admission requirements, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Attested copy of or original high school transcripts and Bachiller or Certificado de Estudios de Educacion Secundaria, with English translations.
  • On the typical 20-point grading scale an average score of 11.5 or higher is required for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). However, because there is some variation in grading scales used, and some programs at KU may require a higher grade average, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
    Documents Required
  • An MOE-attested copy of the Leaving Certificate for Intermediate School, with an English translation.
  • If you have finished Upper Secondary School, an MOE- attested copy of the Leaving Certificate,
  • If your high school is still in progress, you will need to present high-school attested transcripts for each completed year (grades 9, 10, 11) with English translations.
  • You will need to present your original Secondary School Leaving Certificate, with an English translation, before you will be permitted to enroll.

    Grades Required
    75% or higher average on the standard Saudi grading scale is required for admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). However, because some subjects are weighted higher than others and a higher grade average required by some KU programs (Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Journalism), each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of the official academic records.
  • Attested copies of mark sheets for three years of high school (grades 10, 11, 12) and of diploma or certificate of graduation from high school, in Chinese with an English translation.
  • 65% or higher on the standard Taiwanese grading scale is required for admission to the KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). However, because of variation in grading scales and a higher grade average required by some KU programs (Architecture, Engineering) each application is evaluated for admissibility after review of the official academic records.
  • Attested transcripts showing courses taken and marks earned for each year, and Secondary School leaving certificate, with English translations. The Science section is considered to be the college-preparatory curriculum required for admission to KU.
  • Generally, and average score of 75% or higher in the Science section is sufficient for admission, however, because some KU programs require higher grade averages, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Attested copies of transcripts and of Bachiller, and English translations.
  • Typically, an average grade of 11 or higher on a 20 point scale is sufficient for admission, however, because some KU programs require higher grade averages, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.
  • Attested copy of Baccalaureat II (Bang Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc or Bang TuTai Hai) and of record of courses/subjects taken and grades/marks earned, and English translations.
  • Typically, an average score of 6.25 or higher on a 10 point scale is sufficient for admission to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), however, because some KU programs require higher grade averages, each application is evaluated for admissibility upon receipt of the official academic records.

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