Admissions

Occupational Therapy Schools for International Students

By · Updated October 9, 2026 · Sources: program admissions pages; NBCOT

International students can study OT in the US at any program that admits them. Expect a foreign credential evaluation, an English test such as the TOEFL (the median OT minimum we verified is 80), and proof of funding for an F-1 visa.

What you’ll usually need

  • A bachelor’s degree evaluated as equivalent to a US degree (course-by-course evaluation from a NACES member such as WES or ECE).
  • OT prerequisite courses, which may need to be taken at a US college if missing.
  • English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or PTE, depending on the school.
  • Financial documentation for the I-20 / F-1 visa.

TOEFL minimums by program

#ProgramStateDegreeTOEFL iBTSource
1 Itawamba Community College, Tupelo Campus MS OTA associate degree 61 school site
2 Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell NM OTA associate degree 61 school site
3 Casper College WY OTA associate degree 61 school site
4 Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus NJ OTD 70 school site
5 American International College MA master's 72 school site
6 Central Penn College PA OTA associate degree 72 school site
7 Spokane Falls Community College WA OTA associate degree 74 school site
8 Gannon University-Florida Campus FL OTD 79 school site
9 Westfield State UniversityCandidacy MA OTA bachelor's degree 79 school site
10 University of North Carolina at Pembroke NC master's 79 school site
11 Gannon University PA master's 79 school site
12 Del Mar College TX OTA associate degree 79 school site
13 University of Texas at Tyler TX master's 79 school site
14 West Virginia University WV OTD 79 school site
15 Carroll University WI master's 79 school site
16 Northern Arizona University AZ OTD 80 school site
17 University of Illinois Chicago IL OTD 80 school site
18 Notre Dame of Maryland University MD OTD 80 school site
19 Western New England University MA OTD 80 school site
20 Iona University NY master's 80 school site
21 Mercy UniversityProvisional candidacy NY OTD 80 school site
22 St. Bonaventure University NY master's 80recommended school site
23 University of Pittsburgh PA OTD 80 school site
24 Tarleton State UniversityPreaccreditation TX OTD 80 school site
25 Keck Graduate Institute CA OTD 85 school site
26 Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions MA OTD 89 school site
27 Concordia University Ann Arbor MI OTD 89 school site
28 Concordia University Wisconsin WI master's 89 school site
29 Eastern Washington UniversityApplicant WA OTD 92 school site
30 Eastern Washington University (OTM) WA master's 92 school site
31 University of Wisconsin-Madison WI OTD 92 school site
32 Rochester Institute of TechnologyCandidacy NY OTD 94 school site
33 DePaul University IL master's 96 school site
34 University of South Alabama AL OTD 100 school site
35 University of New HavenPreaccreditation CT OTD 100 school site
36 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey NJ OTD 100 school site
37 Yeshiva University-Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus NY OTD 100 school site

Internet-based TOEFL minimums quoted from each program; many also accept IELTS or Duolingo. Confirm with the international admissions office.

Frequently asked questions

Can international students study occupational therapy in the US?

Yes. Many OT programs admit international applicants, who usually need a credential evaluation of foreign transcripts, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or similar) and, for an F-1 visa, proof of funding. Requirements differ by school.

What TOEFL score do OT programs require?

Among the 30 OT programs whose TOEFL minimum we verified, the median is 80 on the internet-based test (range 70–100).

After graduating, can I work as an OT in the US?

Graduates of ACOTE-accredited programs take the NBCOT exam and apply for a state license like any other graduate; your right to work depends on your immigration status.

I already studied OT abroad. Do I need a US degree?

Not necessarily. Internationally educated OTs can apply to NBCOT for exam eligibility through its credential review process, then apply for a state license. Check NBCOT’s requirements for internationally educated applicants.