Graduate Admissions Process

Official transcripts from every institution attended are required. This includes dual enrollment, non-degree credits, transient coursework, and any institution where college-level credits were awarded.

FGCU Students:

• DO NOT request your FGCU transcript. Graduate Admissions will access this on your behalf.
• If you are a current FGCU student or attended FGCU within the last 5 years, check with our office before requesting previously submitted transcripts. If it has been more than 5 years since your last class at FGCU, please request new transcripts.

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Electronic Official Transcripts:

• Electronic transcripts are accepted and considered official when received directly from your institution. Electronic transcripts should be sent to grad_docs@fgcu.edu or to the FGCU Admissions Office.
• Official transcripts are required for enrollment to a graduate program.

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Physical Transcripts:

• Physical transcripts are accepted and considered official when received in the original, still-sealed envelope bearing your university crest/stamp(s). Physical transcripts should be mailed to:

FGCU Graduate Admissions

10501 FGCU Blvd S

Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

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Unofficial Transcripts:

• Transcripts with an academic key (a copy of official transcripts) submitted by the applicant are considered unofficial transcripts. Unofficial transcripts can be utilized for degree-seeking program admission to provide you a decision. If offered admission, you will be admitted on a provisional basis until official transcripts are received. 
• Records without an academic key are considered student academic records. We are unable to utilize student records for admissions decisions.

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International Transcripts:

• FGCU reserves the right to request a course-by-course US equivalent evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) company to verify bachelor’s degree.
• To verify international credits where a bachelor’s degree was not earned, a certified English translation through a NACES organization must accompany all academic documents if English is not the original language.

Graduate programs may require an entrance exam for admission purposes. Check your program’s admission requirements before committing to preparations. Test scores typically take up to 1-2 weeks after your test-taking date to be received by the institution. The following entrance exams are accepted at FGCU.

GRE – Graduate Record Examination

• More information is available online or by calling 1-866-473-4373
• Study guides are available through ETS, at local libraries, in bookstores and other online sources
• FGCU’s school code for physical therapy applicants (PTCAS) = 7693
• FGCU's school code for physician assistant applicants (CASPA) = 2066
• FGCU's school code for occupational therapy applicants (OTCAS) = 4149
• FGCU's school code for all other applicants = 5300

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GMAT – Graduate Management Admissions Test

• More information is available online or by calling 1-800-717-4628
• Study guides are available through GMAT, at local libraries, in bookstores and other online resources
• FGCU’s school code for all applicants is 5300

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Current FGCU students can access FREE entrance exam study materials through the FGCU library database. The subscription is to the Mometrix Test Prep. Access it by clicking on “databases” from the library homepage and searching for GRE or Mometrix.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in accordance with University policy and, will be required to submit satisfactory evidence to demonstrate English language proficiency based on one of the following options:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• • Computerized test: Minimum 213
  • Paper based test: Minimum 550
  • Internet based test: Minimum 79
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Minimum score: 6.5
• Duolingo English Test
  • Minimum score: 110

• Completion of English Composition I and II (ENC 1101 and ENC 1102, or equivalent) with a grade of C or higher;
• A minimum of sixty (60) credits satisfactorily completed at an accredited institution of higher education where all courses are taught in English;
• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an institution that maintains accreditation by a U.S. Department of Education-sanctioned accrediting body where instruction was in English if enrolled for at least four (4) years; or
• An English Language proficiency assessment by a certified ESL faculty. Proficiency assessment will include the following: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The certified ESL faculty will provide Graduate Admissions with a written evaluation of the assessment and their recommendation that the international student has the language skill to do full-time university work.

For more information regarding the English Proficiency Exam requirement, please contact International Admissions at internationaladm@fgcu.edu. 

If you answered “YES” to an academic or legal violation, you will need to complete and submit the Admission Clearance Conduct Reporting Form and submit all supporting documentation to the Office of Student Conduct. Please contact them directly for additional information or to follow-up with your case.

Student Conduct Phone: 239-590-7900

Student Conduct Email: AdmissionClearance@fgcu.edu

Some programs may require professional letters of recommendation as part of the admissions requirements. Check with your program’s admission requirements to verify: what recommendation types they may require and if recommenders need to follow a specific format, such as submit a program-specific reference form.

You must request the recommendation directly from the recommender. Recommenders can either submit their recommendations by emailing them to grad_docs@fgcu.edu or they can send them to you (the applicant). You can either email them to grad_docs@fgcu.edu or upload them directly to your application through your Future Eagles Account status page.

Graduate programs may require a personal statement or a statement of career goals. Check with your program’s admission requirements to verify statement specifications or if offered a specific prompt.

If there are vague specifications, statements often are 1-2 pages. Statements typically cover your professional goals, how the graduate program will help you achieve your goals, and why FGCU.

Individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and intend to pursue a graduate degree at FGCU.

Full time status – enrollment in 9 or more credit hours

Part time status – enrollment in fewer than 9 credit hours

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Step 1 — Apply to Grad School

• Review the application deadline and entry term for your program.
• Submit the Graduate (Masters/Doctoral) Application and $30 fee.
• CAS Applicants:
  Applicants to DPT, MPAS, MSOT, MSHS, MSN, DNP, and CRNA must submit their application only through their designated CAS system (PTCAS, CASPA, OTCAS, HAMPCAS, Nursing CAS). Materials submitted outside CAS will not be processed.
  

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Step 2 — Submit Required Documents

Upload required documents to your Future Eagles Account or email them to grad_docs@fgcu.edu (PDF format preferred).

Submit:

• Official transcripts from every institution attended
• Official test scores (if required)
• Additional program-specific materials (letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume/CV, etc.)

Note:

• Transcripts uploaded by the applicant are considered unofficial.
• Official transcripts and scores must be received before enrollment.

Processing Times:

• 24–48 hours for emailed documents
• 10 business days for mailed documents

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Step 3 — Check Your Application Status

Log into your Future Eagles Account to view received materials, missing items, and your admission decision.

Individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree and wish to enroll in a credit-bearing certificate for professional development or specialized training.        

Step 1 — Apply to a Certificate Program

• Confirm the entry term for your certificate program
  (via the Graduate Programs Directory).
• Submit the Graduate Non-Degree Application and $30 fee.

Important:
On the application Enrollment Plans page, choose:

• Applicant Type: Graduate – Non-Degree & Certificate
• When do you plan to enroll?: The next available entry term for your certificate of interest
• Academic Major: Select the specific certificate program

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Step 2 — Submit Required Documents

• Official transcripts are required and must come directly from the issuing institution.
• Send official transcripts:
  • Email: grad_docs@fgcu.edu 
  • Mail:
    FGCU Graduate Admissions
    10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
    Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565
• Submit any additional program-required documents via your Future Eagles Account.

Processing Times:

• 24–48 hours for emailed documents
• 10 business days for mailed transcripts

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Step 3 — Check Your Application Status

Monitor your Future Eagles Account for updates and decisions.

Individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree and wish to enroll in credit courses, but not enrolled in a degree-seeking program, may do so as a graduate non-degree applicant. Students may apply as a post-baccalaureate non-degree status while seeking admission into a graduate program.

Step 1 — Apply for Non-Degree Status

• First, verify the course is open and available using the Course Schedule Search.
• Submit the Graduate Non-Degree Application and $30 fee.
• On the application Enrollment Plans page, select:
  • Applicant Type: Graduate – Non-Degree & Certificate

Important Notes:

• Non-degree students may be limited to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework.
• Some courses require instructor or program permission prior to enrollment — applicants are responsible for verifying eligibility before applying.

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Step 2 — Submit Required Documents

• Official transcripts are required and must come directly from the issuing institution.
• Send official transcripts:
  • Email: grad_docs@fgcu.edu 
  • Mail:
    FGCU Graduate Admissions
    10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
    Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565

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Step 3 — Check Your Application Status

Log into your Future Eagles Account to track your application and next steps.

Applicants who require an F1 student visa. International students must refer to the International Student Graduate Admissions Guide for admission process guidelines. International students may not enroll as non-degree seeking students due to federal regulations. Additional information is available at the International Students webpage and the Global Engagement Office website.

Step 1 — Apply

• Review the International Graduate Admissions Guide for eligibility and requirements.
• Submit an International Graduate Application and $30 fee.
• CAS Applicants:
  Applicants to DPT, MPAS, MSOT, MSHS, MSN, DNP, and CRNA must submit their application only through their designated CAS system (PTCAS, CASPA, OTCAS, HAMPCAS, Nursing CAS). Materials submitted outside CAS will not be processed.

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Step 2 — Submit Required Documents

• Official NACES-accredited course-by-course US equivalency evaluation with transcripts or certified English translations (if credits not issued in English, but degree not awarded at institution)
• English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or qualifying coursework)
• Additional program-specific materials

• CAS Applicants:
  DPT, MPAS, MSOT, MSHS, MSN, DNP, and CRNA submit materials only through their designated CAS system.

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Step 3 — Check Your Application Status

Log into your Future Eagles Account to track your application and next steps.

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Visa Documentation

Once admitted, international students must work with International Admissions to submit visa-required documents. For more information, please visit the International Graduate Students page

Former FGCU graduate students who have not enrolled for at least one year (three consecutive semesters) and have not completed their graduate degree.

Step 1 — Verify Eligibility & Submit a New Application

• Contact the program coordinator to discuss the applicability of previous coursework and any updates to curriculum.
• Submit the Graduate Application and $30 fee.
• CAS Applicants:
  DPT, MPAS, MSOT, MSHS, MSN, DNP, and CRNA must reapply through their CAS systems, not through FGCU’s application.

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Step 2 — Submit Required Documents

• If last admission was after 2016, FGCU Graduate Admissions will pull previously received official transcripts to your new application.
• Additional admission requirements must be submitted through your Future Eagles Account or email to grad_docs@fgcu.edu. If you wish to utilize previously uploaded materials, email us your request to graduate@fgcu.edu.

Processing Times:

• 24–48 hours for emailed documents
• 10 business days for mailed documents

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Step 3 — Check Your Application Status

Log into your Future Eagles Account to track your application and next steps.

Florida residents age 60+ auditing courses through FGCU.

How to Enroll

Senior citizen applicants follow a separate audit registration process, not the graduate application. To proceed with the auditing process, please visit FGCU Senior Citizen 60+ Auditing Registration

For questions regarding the auditing process, please contact the Office of Records & Registration.

To officially reserve your place at FGCU, you must confirm your intent to enroll.

How to complete this step:

• Log into your Future Eagles Account using the email and password used during your application.
• Select Secure Your Spot.

• Complete the Decision Reply Form.

Residency classification is a state-mandated requirement for all incoming graduate students.

To submit your residency form:

1. 1. Log into your Future Eagles Account
   2. Select the “Application” tab
   3. Select Residency, then open the Residency for Tuition Purposes Form.
   4. Complete and submit the form with supporting documentation, if required.

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Additional Information:

• Residency must be submitted after admission, not during the initial application.
• Reaffirming residency is also required for returning graduate students, as residency for tuition purposes is not automatically carried forward after long breaks in enrollment.
• Independent Students: At the graduate level, incoming master’s/doctoral students can use their own documents.
• Dependent Students: If you do not have your own documents and you’re claimed on a parent’s taxes, they can use be the claimant. They must complete the form, provide their documents, and include a copy of their most recent tax return showing you as a dependent.

All incoming students enrolling in on-campus, hybrid, or FLEX graduate programs must submit required immunization documentation before they can register for classes.

Important details:

• Students in fully online graduate programs are not required to submit immunizations.
• All records must be submitted to Student Health Services.
• Processing times vary; students are encouraged to submit records early to avoid registration delays.

For more information, please visit the Student Health Services – Immunization Requirements page

International students must complete visa requirements after admission to secure eligibility for enrollment and travel.

Required next steps include:

• Working with the International Admissions team to submit visa documentation (page 9-12 on the International Graduate Admissions Guide).
• Prepare financial and identity verification materials as required by U.S. immigration regulations.

Helpful Links:

Graduate International Students
International Student Graduate Admissions Guide

Returning students (not enrolled for one year or more) must reapply for admission and complete some post-admission steps again.

Returning students should:

• Confirm admission by submitting the Decision Reply Form.
• Complete residency for tuition purposes.
• Consult their program coordinator to determine how previously earned credits will be applied toward degree completion.

Returning students are typically not required to resubmit immunization records, unless informed otherwise.

Further Next Steps for Admitted Students

For more information on the next steps to enroll in your graduate program, please visit our Next Steps page>

If you are in a doctoral or specialty program, be sure to check with your program coordinator to verify program-specific next steps.