Anderson University look forward to supporting your international student application. We have trained admissions representatives who will be available to support and guide you during the entire application process. In order to assist you, we have created a list of frequently asked questions by international undergraduate as well as graduate applicants.
International Undergraduates Frequently Asked Questions
What programs are offered at Anderson University for I-20 issuance?
All undergraduate majors that are in person (traditional) are approved for I-20 issuance at Anderson University. Our online programs are not approved for I-20 issuance. Check the international admission brochure for a current listing of major and degrees offered.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for acceptance?
You do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores to be accepted to Anderson University. All accepted international students are eligible for a minimum of $11,500 a year in scholarships without submitting a test score.
What scholarships do you offer for undergraduate international students?
International undergraduate students who show an SAT or ACT score, as well as their high school transcript with their gpa, can receive the same scholarships as our domestic students. Please review our scholarships based upon academic performance on our financial aid and scholarship page.
What GPA is required for acceptance?
International students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Anderson University is a competitive college, but we also are supportive. Therefore, if your grade point average is less than this, please speak with an admission counselor to review your application options.
Do I need English language proficiency?
All international student must have proper English language proficiency since we do not have an English language program on our campus. Students should have a TOEFL score of 75 or higher (or another testing equivalent).
Can I send in scans of documents?
Anderson University requires all documents submitted to be official. High school transcripts must be sent directly from the school. High school transcripts must be translated into English. In addition, evaluation of foreign credentials is required.
What evaluation service do you require?
Anderson University accepts WES, Span Tran and any evaluation service that is approved by NACES. Please note that we require transfer students to obtain a course by course evaluation so that we can properly evaluate all credit transfers.
Do I need an evaluation of my high school transcripts if I went to a US high school?
You only need an evaluation of your academic documents if the school you attended was outside of the United States. IB and US Embassy schools do not require an evaluation.
Do I need English language proficiency if the school I attended was in English?
You do not need to show proof of English language proficiency if the main level of instruction in the school you attended was English and this can be documented.
Can I work on campus?
Yes, all international students can apply for on-campus employment if they are in legal F1 status. However, we recommend that for those students who have not been in the United States before, take the first semester to adjust to American culture and college life. International students can legally work up to 20 hours a week on campus and full time (40 hours a week) when school is on holiday or during the summer break. Freshman can only work 10 hours a week on campus as per Anderson University policy.
When will I get my I-20?
You will receive your i-20 in less than three days of acceptance if all the additional financial documentation and proof of support is submitted.
Can international students intern off campus?
International students in legal F1 status can intern legally off campus as long as the academic program includes an internship class which you are required to register. You cannot intern and work legally off campus if your major (academic program) does not have an internship required as part of the academic program.
Where is Anderson University located?
Anderson University is located in Anderson, South Carolina. We are about 4 hours from Atlanta, Georgia and only an hour away from Greenville, South Carolina. The airport we suggest students fly into is Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) airport which is only about 40 minutes away. Atlanta (ATL) airport looks close to Anderson on a map, but it is much further away from Anderson University (approximately 4 hours or more).
Can I waive the mandatory health insurance fee?
All international students in F1 visa status will be charged a mandatory health insurance fee each semester. Unfortunately, this charge cannot be waived for any reason. If you already have purchased insurance, or if you have a policy from your home country you still cannot waive it. Insurance is mandatory for F1 international students.
What financial support am I required to show for I-20 issuance?
Each undergraduate student will be informed of the scholarship they are awarded and then the amount required to show in a financial statement. If the student has a sponsor, they must complete a sponsorship form which admissions will provide to them. Showing proof that you or your sponsor has the financial means to support their education helps us to verifying your financial support with Anderson University and also prepares you for demonstrating to the US Embassy/Consulate that you can afford your education. Demonstrating that you have sufficient funding is important to a successful application for an F1 visa.
Can I have more than one sponsor?
Yes, you can have more than one sponsor. However, each needs to complete a sponsorship form and show their financial statements as well.
How do I obtain an F1 student visa?
Once you are accepted and show proper financial documentation, sponsorship form, and we obtain a copy of your passport, you will be issued an I-20 by the Center for Global Engagement. You pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before you schedule a visa appointment with the US Embassy in your home country. The Center for Global Engagement will provide you with steps to take to pay the SEVIS fee, how to apply for a visa, and other pre-departure assistance when you are sent your I-20.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is the system used to create and maintain immigration records for F1 students.
How can I meet other international students?
Since you will be taking classes in person with your peers, you will have the opportunity to make friends with a wide variety of American students on campus. There are also groups and organizations you can join to help you become socially engaged. However, all international students are automatically members of the International Students Organization (ISO) and you receive email communication regarding events that bring together the entire campus community. The ISO is a student led group which is open to all members of the student community and includes domestic students as well. They sponsor coffee nights, dinners, and help celebrate American traditions so that international students can become engaged with the larger campus community.
Is there on campus support for international students?
The Center for Global Engagement advises international students with immigration regulations and assists students with their adjustment to American culture, and the larger campus community. They also support international students by helping them navigate life in the United States as a college student. They also sponsor events geared towards the needs and interests of the international student community such as: international student orientation program, immigration workshops, cultural events, international coffee nights, and more!
Who should I contact with additional questions that I have?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mr. Lucas Moore in undergraduate international admissions at LMoore@AndersonUniversity.edu.
International Graduate Applicants Frequently Asked Questions
What programs are approved for I-20 issuance?
The current academic graduate programs that are approved for I-20 issuance are the MBA, MOL, MAT, and the MDIV programs. Please see the international admission brochure for a list of all graduate programs.
Can I obtain an I-20 for a graduate program that is all online?
US Homeland Security regulations prohibit international students from entering the USA on an F1 visa for programs that are online. International students can apply for online graduate programs that are not eligible for I-20 issuance and remain in their home country to study.
Is on campus housing available for graduate students?
On campus housing is not available for graduate students. International students who apply for I-20 eligible programs and enter the USA will need to find housing off campus.
Are there graduate scholarships or assistantships available?
Unfortunately, there are no scholarships or graduate assistantships available to graduate international applicants.
Do you require proof of English language proficiency?
Anderson University requires proof of English language proficiency. International students must submit a TOEFL score of 75 or above, or an equivalent.
Can I send in a scan of my materials for my application?
All academic materials must be official and sent from the institution directly to Anderson University. We also require an English translation of academic credentials and an official evaluation of all foreign academic credentials.
When will I get my I-20?
You will receive your i-20 in less than three days of acceptance if all the additional financial documentation and proof of support is submitted.
Can I work on campus as a graduate student?
You can work legally on campus for 20 hours a week and full-time (40 hours) a week when school is not in session. You can research on campus employment opportunities at the Center for Career Development for student aide positions that are available.
Can I work off campus while in school on an F1 visa?
While you are on an F1 visa, you cannot work legally off campus. You can only work legally off campus if your graduate degree program has an available internship course which you are required to take for credit. The Center for Global Engagement can assist you with additional information about internships if your program offers it.
What financial support am I required to show for I-20 issuance?
Each graduate student will be required to provide a recent financial statement to show enough financial support for their studies for at least one year. If the student has a sponsor, they must complete a sponsorship form which admissions will provide to them. Showing proof that you or your sponsor has the financial means to support their education helps us to verifying your financial support with Anderson University and also prepares you for demonstrating to the US Embassy/Consulate that you can afford your education. Demonstrating that you have sufficient funding is important to a successful application for an F1 visa.
Can I bring my family with me to study?
If you wish to bring your family, they must be dependents and you would need to show additional funding in a financial statement in order to prove that you can provide for them while studying in the USA and not working.
Can I have more than one sponsor?
Yes, you can have more than one sponsor. However, each needs to complete a sponsorship form and show their financial statements as well.
How do I obtain an F1 student visa?
Once you are accepted and show proper financial documentation, sponsorship form, and we obtain a copy of your passport, you will be issued an I-20 by the Center for Global Engagement. You pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before you schedule a visa appointment with the US Embassy in your home country. The Center for Global Engagement will provide you with steps to take to pay the SEVIS fee, how to apply for a visa, and other pre-departure assistance when you are sent your I-20.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is the system used to create and maintain immigration records for F1 students.
How can I meet other international students?
Since you will be taking classes in person with your peers, you will have the opportunity to make friends with a wide variety of American students on campus. There are also groups and organizations you can join to help you become socially engaged. However, all international students are automatically members of the International Students Organization (ISO) and you receive email communication regarding events that bring together the entire campus community. The ISO is a student led group which is open to all members of the student community and includes domestic students as well. They sponsor coffee nights, dinners, and help celebrate American traditions so that international students can become engaged with the larger campus community.
Is there support for international students on campus?
The Center for Global Engagement advises international students with immigration regulations and assists students with their adjustment to American culture, and the larger campus community. They also support international students by helping them navigate life in the United States as a college student. We also help students obtain their SC driver’s permit and license, as well as assist with obtaining a social security number, and verification of student status. The Center for Global Engagement also sponsors events geared towards the needs and interests of the international student community such as: orientation, immigration workshops, cultural events, bowling nights, Thanksgiving Dinner, international coffee nights, and more!
Who should I contact with additional questions that I might have?
If you have any questions regarding graduate international admissions, please feel free to contact us at Enrollment@AndersonUniversity.edu.