International Student Admissions Policy — SGCS

All applicants to the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must comply with the admission requirements as listed below. The requirements must be met before the University may issue an I‑20 form to an international applicant. Specifically, the conditions are as follows:

1. The prospective student must complete and return a written international student application to the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. When all required information is received, the application file is evaluated and an admission decision is made. The applicant is notified, and instructions for further action are sent to the applicant.
2. The prospective student must have all official transcripts sent directly from each school attended to satisfy the University that the applicant has successfully completed a course of study equivalent to that required of a US-educated applicant to the same program. All records submitted must be official transcripts certified by the appropriate school official and should list the subject taken, grades earned, or examination results in each subject, as well as all certificates or diplomas. These documents must be accompanied by an official English translation and an "Educational Credential Evaluators Report" secured at the applicant’s expense if the transcripts are from a school outside the U.S. All records must be submitted at least six months prior to the expected enrollment date.
3. The University requires that the prospective student demonstrate possession of adequate English language proficiency to pursue a course of study on a full-time basis. A minimum score of 500 on the paper-based test, 173 on the computer-based test, or 61 on the internet-based test is required on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of all new undergraduate international students. A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 79 on the internet-based test is required for graduate international students. If English was the medium of instruction throughout formal education, a TOEFL score may not be needed. Students with more than 48 academic semester units from U.S. colleges/universities taken just prior to attending Olivet may be able to waive their TOEFL requirement for admission.
4. The prospective student is required to provide a notarized affidavit of financial support along with a current bank statement to confirm that he/she will be able to provide for his/her full program (tuition and fees, books, living costs, etc.) at the University without resorting to unauthorized employment. Payment of tuition and fees for the first year will be required before the applicant is eligible to receive the I‑20 form.
5. It is the responsibility of an international student on an F-1 visa to maintain full-time status.
6. The applicant must take a physical examination and present medical history records. In addition, the student is required to purchase a college health insurance policy or provide proof of adequate coverage. The international student should also provide the name and address of a friend or relative in the United States who is empowered and willing to make decisions on behalf of the student in case of an emergency.
7. The applicant may not proceed any further in the application process unless the above conditions are met and the student’s I‑20 form is signed by the appropriate school authority. All questions concerning admission and status of international students seeking admittance into the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies should be referred to the Director of Admissions and Student Services.