The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University

International applicants with a non-English speaking background must take the TOEFL and have the results forwarded to us. Our code number is 5532. There can be no decision on your application without a TOEFL score on file. If your TOEFL score is less than 79-Internet (or 213-C) it will result in a review of your application. You may be required to successfully complete ESL classes as part of your program, or you may be offered acceptance to a diploma program (graduate) or certificate program (undergrad), which will enable you to concentrate on your ESL classes while continuing your musical development in your major. In either case, your ESL study will extend the time it takes to complete a degree. Those international students who are required to submit a TOEFL score will be tested for ESL placement (or exemption) during orientation, so intensive ESL study before arriving at school can shorten both the length and the cost of your degree.

If you are from a school or country where English is not the language of instruction, we require an official TOEFL score in your application folder. If you have graduated with at least two years at a school where all classes are taught in English, transcripts from the school, SAT scores or ACT scores can substitute for a TOEFL score. It is your responsibility to alert us to your special situation. A sheet of paper with the word "TOEFL" at the top, and a brief explanation of your background will be helpful.

Current Peabody Students completing a BM or MM degree and applying for a new program are not required to submit a TOEFL score.  International students with a non-English speaking background who are completing a Performer's Certificate or a Graduate Performance Diploma at Peabody, and who are applying for a degree program, must meet the stated TOEFL requirements.

If your TOEFL score is below our published standard, your application will be carefully reviewed. If accepted to the school, you may be required to take ESL classes as a part of your program, or you may be required to begin your studies as a GPD (graduate) or Performer's Certificate (undergraduate) student while you are studying English. Having to take ESL classes may prolong your course of study, so if you are accepted, either with required ESL classes, or in a diploma (or certificate) program, we urge you to begin English study in your home country or in the United States as soon as possible.

The Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) program has a strong academic component, and requires the ability to compose scholarly papers in English. The number of DMA openings is limited, so acceptance to the program requires English writing skills typical of applicants raised in an English-speaking environment. In addition to the required TOEFL score, your ability to thrive in an English-speaking academic environment will be part of the on-campus evaluation.

Dealing with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can seem complex, but as with most governmental functions, it really helps to get the paperwork right. Here is how it works:

Along with your acceptance letter to Peabody, you will be sent two copies of an Affidavit of Support. This document is the one you use to verify that you have the financial means to attend Peabody. We have our own version of the document to make it as easy as possible to understand.

Return the Affidavits to us as instructed, along with your tuition deposit. We will then send you an immigration form called an "I-20." Take the I-20 to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your area in order to apply for an F-1 Student Visa. This is the Visa you will need in order to enter the United States. Further details are beyond the scope of this FAQ, but you can find out more at the International Student Affairs web site.

If you have questions more specific to Peabody, you can contact Peabody's international Student Advisor, Ms. Susana Rodrigues, via e-mail at srodrig1@jhu.edu