Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Graduate College provides guidance and information to students to assist them in complying with admissions and enrollment management requirements. However, the final responsibility to comply with academic regulations and to be familiar with the information contained in the university catalog rests with the student.

To learn more, please click on the question(s) you would like answered to expand contents.

What is FAU’s code for standardized tests (GRE, TOEFL, and GMAT)?

The FAU standardized test school codes are listed below:

  GRE TOEFL GMAT
GradCAS 5229 B886 9LX
EngineeringCAS 5229 B887 9LX
CSDCAS 7808 5229 N/A
College of Business 5229 5229 9LX
  • IELTS  – No code; designate FAU Graduate College.
  • Duolingo  – No code; designate FAU Graduate College.
Do all programs require the GRE or GMAT?
No, not all degree programs require a standardized test for admissions.  Click here  to view admission requirements for each degree program.  Note:  Considering COVID-19 and the additional challenges the pandemic is posing for applicants to graduate programs, the FAU Graduate College is waiving the GRE and GMAT for  selected graduate programs  for 2022 applications.  Click here  to view those programs that still DO REQUIRE the GRE or GMAT.
How long are test scores valid for admission at FAU?
  • GRE – 5 years
  • GMAT – 5 years
  • TOEFL – 2 years
  • IELTS – 2 years
  • Duolingo – 2 years
What are the other admission requirements?
The admission requirements for FAU's graduate programs vary.  Click here  to view the admission requirements for each graduate degree program. For any questions specific to a graduate program, please refer to the department contact information provided and contact them directly.
How do I apply to one of FAU's graduate programs?
All prospective students must complete the Graduate College application online. Detailed application instructions for domestic and international students are provided on the Graduate College website. To view these instructions please  click here .
Can I complete part of the online application and finish it later?
Applications can be completed at your own pace. The application can be saved and completed at a later date. However, incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.
I have a degree from outside the United States. What should I do?

Foreign Credential Evaluation: Graduate applicants who completed all or part of their education abroad are required to have their foreign credentials evaluated. Depending on the program, the evaluation required will be a “general” or a “course-by-course” evaluation with a grade point average from each institution attended. Applicants have two options for obtaining foreign credential evaluations:

  • Option 1) Florida Atlantic University will evaluate transcripts internally FREE of charge. Note: Evaluations completed by FAU are only valid for FAU admission purposes. If you choose this option, official transcripts and English translations must arrive 30 days prior to your application deadline date. To find more information on internal evaluations, visit fau.edu/graduate/apply/foreign-credential-evaluation/.
  • Option 2) Choose an independent evaluating company who is a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member and send your transcripts directly to the evaluating company. Evaluations done by a NACES member organization must be completed with authenticated documents. Evaluations completed by a NACES member should be sent directly to GradCAS and EngineeringCAS; hard copies should be sent to Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Graduate College, SU-80, Room 101, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991.  
    • All application portals (GradCAS, EngineeringCAS and College of Business) provide the option to have FAU complete the evaluation of your translated transcripts.
Can I apply to more than one graduate degree program?

Yes. You must complete a separate application and pay the application fee for each degree program to which you apply.

How do I send my transcripts?

GradCAS:  College of Arts and Letters, College of Education, College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Science, College of Social Work and Criminal Justice.
https://help.liaisonedu.com/GradCAS_Applicant_Help_Center

US and English-Canadian Transcripts

  • Electronic (preferred):  GradCAS accepts electronic transcripts from Credentials Solutions, Parchment, and National Clearinghouse.
  • Hardcopy:  Send hard copies of transcripts to the address below.
    GradCAS Transcript Processing Center
    PO Box 9217
    Watertown, MA 02471
  • International Transcripts:
    For internal evaluations,  FAU only accepts international transcripts in hardcopy.  Send to address below. For policy information on the submission of transcripts and translations,  click here.
    Florida Atlantic University
    777 Glades Road
    Graduate College, SU 80, Room 101
    Boca Raton, FL  33431-0991
  • NACES evaluations - send directly to GradCAS

EngineeringCAS:  College of Engineering and Computer Science
https://help.liaisonedu.com/EngineeringCAS_Applicant_Help_Center

US and English-Canadian Transcripts

  • Electronic (preferred):  EngineeringCAS accepts electronic transcripts from Credentials Solutions, Parchment, and National Clearinghouse.   
  • Hardcopy:  Send hardcopy of transcripts to address below
    EngineeringCAS Transcript Processing Center
    PO Box 9121
    Watertown, MA 02471
  • International Transcripts:
    For internal evaluations,  FAU only accepts international transcripts in hardcopy.  Send to address below. For policy information on the submission of transcripts and translations,  click here.
    Florida Atlantic University
    777 Glades Road
    Graduate College, SU 80, Room 101
    Boca Raton, FL  33431-0991
  • NACES evaluations - send directly to EngineeringCAS. 

College of Business:  All College of Business applications.

  • Electronic (preferred):  FAU accepts electronic transcripts from Credentials Solutions Parchment, and National Clearinghouse.    
  • Hardcopy:  Send hardcopy of transcripts to address below.
    Florida Atlantic University
    777 Glades Road
    Graduate College, SU 80, Room 101
    Boca Raton, FL  33431-0991
  • International Transcripts:  For internal evaluations,  FAU only accepts international transcripts in hardcopy.  Send to address below. For policy information on the submission of transcripts and translations,  click here.
    Florida Atlantic University
    777 Glades Road
    Graduate College, SU 80, Room 101
    Boca Raton, FL  33431-0991
  • NACES evaluations – send to address above or  graduatecollege@fau.edu.
Do I need to send my transcripts from every school I have attended?
Yes, the Graduate College needs to receive official transcripts from all the institutions you have attended.
Does FAU accept unofficial transcripts?
No. FAU only accepts official transcripts.
How will I be notified of an admissions decision?
Completed applications are evaluated by the department/program in which the applicant expects to enroll. The department/program admits or denies an applicant based upon the program’s specified criteria. Once a decision has been made, the Graduate College will notify the applicant by email to check their admissions decision online.
Where do I get an I-20 form?
Once you are  admitted  the Center for Global Engagement office will contact you about processing your I -20. More information is available on the Center for Global Engagement website  here .
Where can I get more information about military benefits?
The Military and Veterans Affairs office offers numerous resources for veterans. To learn more about military benefits please  click here .
Where can I get information about graduate housing?
The Department of Housing and Residential Education offers on-campus housing options and off-campus housing options across campuses.

 

Admitted Students

I have been admitted into a graduate program, what should I do next?
Please visit our  Newly Admitted Student webpage  for newly admitted student information and helpful tips to get you started, including a new student checklist, registration information, and MyFAU account log-in instructions.
Is there a new student orientation? Is it mandatory?
Yes, the Graduate College does host New Student Orientations. The orientations are not mandatory, but all students are strongly encouraged to attend. All students are assessed a non-refundable $35.00 orientation fee.

Some academic programs also host new student orientations, which may be mandatory. All new students should contact their graduate degree program with regard to mandatory, program-specific orientations.
How do I get my NET ID and password for MyFAU?
Please visit the Graduate College  Orientation Manual  for detailed instructions regarding logging into MyFAU.
What is a “Z” number?

A “Z” number is a student ID used for identification purposes within the FAU system. A “Z” number is assigned as follows:

GradCAS:  When an admission decision is made on your application, you will receive an email from the Graduate College with your “Z” number and portal link to access the status of your admission decision.  

EngineeringCAS:  When an admission decision is made on your application, you will receive an email from the Graduate College with your “Z” number and portal link to access the status of your admission decision. 

CSDCAS:  When an admission decision is made on your application, you will receive an email from the Graduate College with your “Z” number and portal link to access the status of your admission decision.

College of Business:  A “Z” number is assigned once you submit an application.

How do I establish in-state Florida Residency as a graduate student?
For all information on in-state Florida Residency for graduate students,  click here .
Are there Graduate Assistantships and Tuitions Waivers available to graduate students?
Yes. For more information, contact gabenefits@fau.edu or 561.297.2428. You may also visit our Graduate College Financing Your Eduation page: fau.edu/graduate/resources/financing-your-education/.
My question is not answered - What should I do?

If you have any additional questions feel free to contact the Graduate College by telephone at 561-297-3624 and by email at  gcadmissions@fau.edu.

For more information on FAU Financial Aid,  click here.

 

If you have any additional questions feel free to contact the Graduate College by telephone at 561-297-3624 and by email at gcadmissions@fau.edu.

For more information on FAU Financial Aid, click here.