Through a new partnership with The WorldGrad, students from around the globe have the opportunity to begin their studies remotely before attending ETSU in-person to attain their degree.

East Tennessee State University is partnering with The WorldGrad to give more international students the opportunity to study abroad in Appalachia.


The WorldGrad is a global education provider with an innovative approach to curriculum, degree models and cost structures for students looking to study abroad. They partner with institutions like ETSU to help students succeed academically through flexible, affordable and adaptive routes.


"We are thrilled to partner with The WorldGrad to empower academically prepared international students to thrive at ETSU. Together, we are offering students a cost-efficient opportunity to pursue a college degree in the U.S. and will equip them with the resources they need to transition seamlessly into life as a student at ETSU," said Dr. Sam Mayhew, associate vice president for Student Life and Enrollment.


Spearheaded by the Office of International Enrollment and Services, the university will offer a 1+3 model bachelor's degree in which students will enroll in their first year online from their home country. This model allows students to save on tuition and living expenses during their first year and then complete the remainder of their education on ground in Johnson City, Tennessee.


The WorldGrad currently enrolls students predominantly from India and plans to expand into other parts of Asia and Africa in the near future.


The WorldGrad partnership pairs well with ETSU’s other programs that ease the transition for international students, including New Student Orientation and International Buccaneer Buddies (IBB). The IBB program pairs new students with a current ETSU student, allowing the student to have an immediate contact point and an on-campus friend.


“ETSU is a university that really prioritizes accessible education and a student-centered approach. This partnership demonstrates both values through affordability and a student-first approach,” said Caleb Bennett, director of International Enrollment and Services.


To learn more about the WorldGrad Degree Pathway at ETSU, visit the program page. For additional information, email international@etsu.edu or call (423) 439-8321. 

East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

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