How to Apply?
Application
Interview & Evaluation
Enrollment
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
High School Applicants
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Motivation Letter:
A brief essay (250–500 words) explaining why you want to study at Agora University. This is an opportunity for the Admissions Committee to get to know you better. Your letter should explain your reasons for choosing Agora University, how our academic programs align with your future goals, and why you are interested in joining the Agora University international community. - Proof of English Proficiency:
Applicants who are not native English speakers and whose high school education was not conducted in English must provide proof of English proficiency at the C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or through one of the following exam scores:- IELTS Academic: 7.0
- Cambridge: CAE (A–C), CPE (A–C)
- TOEFL iBT: 95
- TOEFL Essentials: 10
- Duolingo English Test: 130
- Two Letters of Recommendation:
Applicants must submit at least two academic letters of recommendation from teachers or professors who are familiar with their academic work. - Personal Interview with the Admissions Committee.
- SAT/ACT Exam Scores (Waived):
- ACT: 20–30
- SAT: 1100–1300
- High School Transcripts and Records:
Applicants must demonstrate completion of high school (or equivalent) through one of the following pathways:
- US/Canada/European Credentials:
- High School Diploma (GPA 2.5 or above)
- GED Diploma (Score 165 or above)
- International Baccalaureate (Score 24 or above)
- IGCSE (Grade C or above)
- French BAC Diploma (Score 12.5 or above)
- Egyptian National Diploma (Score 75% or above)
- Homeschooling:
- Standardized test scores (e.g., Stanford Achievement Test or CLT)
- Self-certification form
- Homeschooling transcript provided by a virtual school or through the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), the Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV), or an equivalent institution.
Transfer Students
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Motivation Letter:
A brief essay (250–500 words) explaining why you want to transfer to Agora University, how our academic programs align with your academic and career goals, and your interest in joining the Agora University international community. - Proof of English Proficiency:
Required for non-native English speakers whose previous education was not conducted in English. Accepted scores:- IELTS Academic: 7.0
- Cambridge: CAE (A–C), CPE (A–C)
- TOEFL iBT: 95
- TOEFL Essentials: 10
- Duolingo English Test: 130
- Two Letters of Recommendation from professors or instructors familiar with your academic work.
- Personal Interview with the Admissions Committee.
- SAT/ACT Exam Scores (Waived):
- ACT: 20–30
- SAT: 1100–1300
- High School Transcripts and Records:
Same requirements as listed for first-year applicants. - College Credit Transfer:
Transfer students may transfer up to 60 credit hours at the discretion of the Admissions Committee through the following:- Official transcripts from previously attended accredited colleges, universities, or Sophia Learning ACE credit.
- Official AP, IB, or CLEP transcripts.
- All transfer students must meet the General Education core requirements.
- Students who do not meet General Education requirements may complete the required courses through Sophia Learning (https://agora.sophia.org) with a minimum grade of C or above.
Tranfer Credit
Undergraduate Level Programs
For students who did not finish all their general education requirements or who wish to acquire elective coursework to qualify for transfer into the Degree Completion at Agora University can finish these courses through our partner Sophia Learning. Please visit https://agora.edu/general-edu/ for more information.
Students transferring into the BAT degree completion program must fulfill the following general education coursework as measured in semester units to graduate whether at Sophia Learning or any other accredited community college or university. The following list of relevant courses available through Sophia Learning will satisfy these requirements:
- Written & Oral Communication – 6 Units
- Quantitative Principles – 6 Units
- Natural and Physical Sciences – 6 Units
- Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 Units
- Humanities and Fine Arts – 6 Units
- Foreign Languages – 6 Units
- Civics – 6 Units
A maximum of 70% of undergraduate coursework can be transferred. A minimum of 30% of undergraduate coursework must be undertaken at Agora University.
Interview Process
Upon submitting all required items and completing the application form, the Director of Admissions will send an email within 3 business days to schedule a Zoom Interview. Usually interviews are 20-30 minutes. The Interview Committee consists of the Director of Admissions and two other faculty/staff members. After the interview, the Committee will make a decision. Decisions may take up to 3 weeks.
Decisions
Agora will notify the applicant of its decision of the interview and application by email. This notification is usually made within 10 days of the completion of the Application and Interview Process, but it could take up to 3 weeks depending on the number of candidates being interviewed. The admission status made is either full admission or denied admission.
Full Admission
Full admission is offered to the applicant for which Agora has received all admission documentation as required or requested, no additional demonstration of qualification is needed, and the applicant appears to be the kind of student who would benefit from study at Agora.
Denied Admission
An applicant denied admission does not meet the qualifications for admission.
Enrollment
Upon receiving a Letter of Admission from Agora University, the Student will also receive an Enrollment Agreement which must be signed and returned to the University for the Admissions process to be finalized. Upon receiving the signed Enrollment Agreement, the University Registrar will enroll students in their respective courses.
Number of Credit Hours
The student must complete:
- 120 credit hours to satisfy the bachelor program requirements.
Audit Change of Status
A student who is registered in a single course and participates in the course in which no assessment of student work is graded. University fees do not apply to auditing students. Audit students pay their full tuition.
Auditing students may petition the instructor to have their work and participation graded. Students who have successfully audited a course and earned a passing grade and provided all application materials may submit a change of status request to the registrar (registrar@agora.edu) to be regarded as a regular student.
Upon a change of status from being an auditing student to a regular student, Library and Technology fees will be billed to the student account.
Types and Regulations of a Leave of Absence
- Personal Leave: for students who plan to take leave for one or a maximum of two semesters for personal reasons (health, financial, work-related, etc.).
- Military Service Leave: for students who are called to active duty with the Military. Students may leave for the duration of their military assignment in active duty.
- Study Leave: for students who are planning to take specialized pre-approved courses at another accredited institution to supplement their studies or satisfy other academic requirements of Agora University. The duration of this leave of absence is determined and pre-approved by the Dean and cannot exceed two semesters for a master’s program and cannot exceed four semesters for the doctoral program.
It is the responsibility of students to keep the Registrar apprised of their activities and to ensure that the Registrar is aware of their enrolments and progress. Any leave of absence must be approved by the Dean and submitted to the Registrar for proper filing.
Enrolment Status
- Enrolled
- On Leave (officially recognized after petitioning the Dean)
- Withdrawn (were once enrolled but have not been for one or more semesters)
- Dismissed (officially acted upon by the Dean)
- Suspended (due to outstanding financial obligations to the University)
- Graduated (once all requirements have been met and verified by the Registrar, the Director of Finance, and the Dean)
Student with Disabilities
Students must register their disability status at the time of the admission application. If a diagnosis is received after the student has been enrolled, the student must inform the registrar of the disability status. Students diagnosed with and possessing appropriate documentation of a learning disability (or other disability impairing some aspect of distance learning) are given additional time added to the due dates of assignments and examinations without penalty.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be assessed against academic and non-academic selection criteria. Methods of assessing applications vary between courses but may include: prior and predicted academic achievement, references, personal or supporting statements, and a personal interview. Applicants may not omit any requested or relevant information, make any misrepresentation (for example, through plagiarism) or give false information at any point of the application process including after an offer is made. Should this occur the University reserves the right to dismiss the application, or withdraw an offer of admission.
Technology Requirements
This policy was established to aid in the planning of computer purchase(s) throughout the completion of the Agora University programs.
The University strongly recommends that students entering our programs have appropriate and updated mid-range consumer-grade laptop. Students should consider using a laptop that is already owned or another existing computer if possible. If you do not have access to a laptop already and must purchase a new one, we have some recommendations below. Again, please note that if you already have a laptop it does not need to meet the specifications below. These specifications are only for people who don’t already have access to a laptop and must purchase a new one. Some courses in the university may require a more robust system, so be sure to verify any class/software requirements before making a purchase. The University will update these specifications on an annual or biannual basis to match advances in software and hardware requirements.
Example minimum hardware specs:
- Intel ® Core™ i5 (4 cores recommended)
- 4GB Memory
- 256GB Hard Drive
- 15.6′′ HD Widescreen LED Display
- Wireless Network Adapter
- Microphone
- Webcam
Software Requirements:
- Operating System of Choice (i.e.. Windows or Mac)
- Word Processor of Choice (ex. Microsoft Word)
Student participation in coursework is a program level requirement. You must have access to a computer connected to the internet. If you are reading this, you probably already meet the requirements. Dial-up connections will be sufficient for accessing readings in most classes, but all courses have substantial video materials, which will display better if you have a DSL or cable connection. You may use any of the common browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Most of our course reading materials are in PDF format. There is a link to three free PDF readers on our public information page. The PDF pages are designed for full size computers; tablets may provide an adequate display, but the materials may be difficult to read on smaller devices. We require that you have a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word. Free word-processing programs are also suitable. We require that you also have a webcam with a microphone, for identity verification and live session participation. Your internet connection must be able to transmit video. Students cannot be admitted without these technologies available. Should they lose access, they may request an incomplete (see Incomplete Policy) or a leave of absence, otherwise they shall be dropped from the program.