To be eligible, an applicant must hold or expect to hold prior to matriculation a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or an equivalent degree from a recognized non-U.S. institution of higher education. At minimum, the applicant needs to demonstrate above average academic performance (B average, usually a 3.0 on a 1.0-4.0 scale) for undergraduate course work and for any post-baccalaureate or graduate course work.

All international applicants are required to submit one transcript or academic record from each institution of higher education attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs. Applicants may submit unofficial copies of transcripts while applying for admission. However, admitted students are required to submit official transcripts in order to enroll at UHM.

Official transcripts or academic records must be sent to Graduate Division Student Services directly from the issuing institution(s), or in sealed institutional envelopes if submitted with the application. Non-English transcripts or academic records must be issued in the original language and be accompanied by English translations. English translations must be exact word for word translations of the original document.

Translations issued by the institution must bear the official seal or stamp of the institution and be attached to the official transcript or academic record. Translations by professional translators must bear the translator's original signature and be accompanied by a copy of the original language documents. Transcripts or academic records must indicate all dates of attendance, course titles, credits or hours, and grades received. If any course title is not descriptive in terms of content, attach a course syllabus to the transcript or academic record.

.The minimum score for the TOEFL is 100 with sub-scores of 25 for Speaking and 25 for Listening. For the IELTS the minimum score is 7.0.