International Student Guidelines

If you earned your degree at an institution outside of the United States, you'll need to submit additional documentation to complete your Relay application. This guide walks you through exactly what's required based on your location.
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What You'll Need to Submit

All applicants with international transcripts must submit a course-by-course evaluation. Depending on your Relay location, you may also need to submit an official transcript or an unofficial transcript.

Course-by-Course Evaluations

A course-by-course evaluation translates your international transcript into the American system. We only accept evaluations from organizations that are members of NACES or AICE. If you submit an evaluation from a company outside these networks, we won't be able to accept it and you'll be asked to resubmit.

Recommended evaluation services include SpanTran and WES.

Official Transcripts

An official transcript is an original copy of your academic record sent directly from your former international institution, or a copy submitted directly from your approved evaluation company that accompanies your evaluation.

Transcripts that don't meet these requirements won't be accepted, and you'll be asked to resubmit.

Unofficial Transcripts

An unofficial transcript can be a photocopy, picture, or unsealed physical transcript submitted directly by you. Unofficial transcripts are only accepted for Pennsylvania applicants.

Requirements by Relay Location

State	Course-by-Course Evaluation Required?	Official Transcript Requireed?	Unofficial Transcript Accepted?
Colorado	Yes	No	No
Connecticut	Yes	Yes**	No
Delaware	Yes	No	No
Georgia	Yes	No	No
Illinois	Yes	Yes**	No
New Jersey	Yes	No	No
New York	Yes	Yes**	No
Pennsylvania	Yes	Yes*	Yes*
Rhode Island	Yes	No	No
Tennessee	Yes	Yes**	No
Texas	Yes	Yes**	No
Washington, D.C.	Yes	No	No

*Pennsylvania applicants may submit an unofficial transcript instead of an official one.

**Students in Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Tennessee, and Texas may be provisionally admitted after we receive your course-by-course evaluation, pending our receipt of your official international transcript.
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Submitting a Course-by-Course Evaluation

A course-by-course evaluation translates your international transcript into the American system. This is required for all applicants with international credentials.

What Must Be Included

Your course-by-course evaluation should include:

Name of the institution(s) you attended
Dates of your attendance
Credentials received
The U.S. equivalent of your degree or credential earned
Courses taken
A U.S. equivalent of your credit value and grade for each course
A U.S. equivalent grade point average (GPA)
Proof that the degree is equivalent to U.S. accreditation

How to Submit

Evaluations must be sent directly from the evaluation company. Evaluations may also be mailed directly from the applicant, provided they are in a sealed envelope from the evaluation company. You can submit:

Digitally: Email to edocs@relay.edu

REMINDER: We only accept evaluations from NACES or AICE member organizations. Find member lists here:

Submitting an Official Transcript

If your Relay location requires an official transcript (see the table above), it must be sent directly from your former international institution or from your approved evaluation company. Transcripts that aren't sent directly from the institution or evaluation company won't be accepted, and you'll be asked to resubmit.

How to Submit

Digitally: Email to edocs@relay.edu

Paper version: If your institution does not permit digital copies, please email support@relay.edu.

Submitting an Unofficial Transcript

Unofficial transcripts are only accepted for Pennsylvania applicants.

Unofficial transcripts can be photocopies, pictures, or unsealed physical transcripts submitted directly by you. Transcripts that don't meet these requirements won't be accepted, and you'll be asked to resubmit.

Requirements

Your unofficial transcript must:

Be fully legible
Contain the full academic record of your time at that institution

How to Submit

Digitally: Email to edocs@relay.edu

FAQs

What if I studied abroad as an undergraduate?

If you studied abroad while attending your undergraduate institution, you don't need to submit a separate transcript for that experience—as long as the study abroad credits appear on your undergraduate transcript.

Will I need a visa?

If you need a visa to work in the United States, you might. To be eligible for admission to Relay, you must secure a teaching position with one of our school partners. If you require visa sponsorship, you'll need to connect with your employer about next steps.

If you'd like to study as a full-time student in the United States, you'll need a student visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States, commonly known as F and M visas. Visit the USCIS website for details on student visas.

Does Relay sponsor student visas?

No. Relay does not play a role in sponsoring international student visas. Please connect with your employer regarding visa sponsorship.

Getting Help

We understand that these additional steps can be confusing. We're here to help.

Email us: support@relay.edu

Additional resources:

Study in the States: A website from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that helps international students navigate the student life cycle. Includes simple articles explaining federal rules and regulations, as well as step-by-step guides for schools and students.