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Office of Admission
Undergraduate Admission
International – Undergraduate
A Journey of Faith & Learning
Anderson University welcomes students from around the world to our campus. International students can enter AU as first-time college students or as transfers from other colleges and universities. We work hard to ensure that the transition for all our students is as smooth as possible.
Find Your Journey
There are many paths in higher education, but the most important is yours. Search or browse to discover where Anderson University can take you.
Find Your Journey
There are many paths in higher education, but the most important is yours. Search or browse to discover where Anderson University can take you.
Steps to Enrollment
It’s time to take the next step of applying to Anderson University. You’ll see that we’ve made the process clear and relatively simple, but we’d love to answer any questions you have! Just contact your Admission Counselor, and they will reach out to you in no time!
Apply
Required Documents
Cost of Attendance
Apply
1. Apply
- The undergraduate application can be completed online
- You can monitor the status of your application by logging into your portal
- You should review your application and account as you add supplemental items to your application
Required Documents
2. Required Documents
- $40 application fee (non-refundable)
- A scan or photocopy of your passport. This can be uploaded into the portal
- Official documentation of English language proficiency
Acceptable Forms of Proof of English Language Proficiency
Anderson University requires English language proficiency. Proof of English proficiency must be sent directly from the testing agency to Anderson University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions or dataentry@andersonuniversity.edu.
Please submit ONE of the following scores to show English language proficiency:
- A TOEFL score of at least 550 paper-based or 75 internet-based or above
- A band score of 6 on IELTS or above
- A Duolingo English Test score of 100 or above
- Successful completion of level 112 of the Intensive English for Academic Purposes Program from an ELS (English Language Center)
- Please note that Anderson University must receive an official Academic Report and copy of the ELS Certificate directly from ELS.
- Agape level 5 (Agape is an English Language Center)
- Pearsons PTE of 50 or above
- iTEP of 3.7 or above
- SAT Evidenced Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher for freshman applicants only
- Graduation from a high school where English is the primary language of instruction
- Successful completion of two semesters at an accredited US institution as a full-time student, and completion of two semesters of English composition with a grade of C or higher (online English composition courses are not accepted)
- SAT/ACT Scores Optional
- SAT and ACT examinations are not required for international students but are recommended for the potential of additional scholarships.
- Transcripts
- All official documents must be sent directly from the issuing institution, examining body, evaluation or translation service. We cannot accept transcripts for application sent directly from the student.
- Evaluation of Academic Credentials
- All undergraduate applicants must submit secondary and college or university credentials from non-U.S. institutions to a foreign credential evaluation for a course-by-course evaluation with grade point average calculation.
Recommended Evaluation Service
We accept any evaluation service listed with the National Association of Credential Services. The credential evaluation report must be sent directly from the evaluation service to Anderson University’s Office of Admission and include the cumulative GPA. Such agencies like WES, ECE, or any NACES approved evaluation are accepted.
For an evaluation service that is recommended and can offer expedited services, we recommend SpanTran. It is an evaluation service with a custom portal for Anderson University international students to help you obtain a course-by-course evaluation with grade point average calculation. This includes a discounted rate since you are applying to Anderson University. You can apply with their custom SpanTran Evaluation Application.
Once completed, SpanTran will send an official, electronic copy of your evaluation to Anderson University. (Transfer students are required to submit a course-by-course evaluation for proper credit evaluation and credit transfer review.)
We cannot accept transcripts sent directly from the student or university. We require official evaluations of academic documentation.
- Bank Statement
- Once you are informed of your scholarship by our international admissions department, please see the scholarship summary for additional information and estimated amount required for I-20 issuance.
Cost of Attendance
Undergraduate Cost & Financial Assistance
We have the fees for the academic year, as well as scholarships that may be available to you. Your I-20 will confirm the exact amount that you are receiving.
Potential Scholarships
Once you apply, you will be notified of any scholarships.
- Scholarships for international undergraduate freshman include:
- Merit-based scholarship ranging from $10,000 to $16,000
- Out-of-state grant of $3,000
*Please note that international students can submit SAT/ACT scores for additional scholarships and can receive the same academic scholarships as domestic students
- Scholarships for international undergraduate transfers include:
- Merit-based scholarship ranging from $9,000 to $11,000
- Out-of-state grant of $3,000
You will be notified of your scholarship by our admission office. They will notify you of your award total.
For more information and scholarship opportunities, visit our undergraduate aid page.
I-20 Cost of Attendance
The I-20 figure is not the exact cost of attendance. You do not need to pay it up front. The I-20 figure is the estimated cost of attendance at Anderson University for one academic year. It includes additional costs that US Homeland Security mandates us to include so that you understand how much it would cost to live in the USA for at least one year. If financial statements are not in your name, we will need an additional sponsor statement on file of the person or persons who will be your sponsor while you are studying. This form will be given to you once you apply and are accepted. Please review our 24/25 international I-20 cost of attendance for additional information below.
I-20 Issuance – Expedited!
We are excited to assist you with your international application! Once you are accepted, your I-20 will be issued to you within two to three days! (Acceptance, passport, bank statement, and sponsorship form must also be submitted before I-20 can be issued.)
If you have any questions concerning the application requirements please contact Undergraduate International Admissions.
Federal compliance notice – As per 8 CFR § 214.3 (j): This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students.
Student Voices
Don’t just listen to what we have to say. Here is Mariano Carpena, a student from Cali, Colombia to talk about his time at Anderson University campus to complete his bachelor’s degree.
Meet Your Counselor
Cooper Reynolds
Admission Counselor
Transfer, International, & Specialty Students
864.760.1145 | Email
Dr. Ann-Margaret J. Themistocleous, Ph.D., PDSO
Director
Center for Global Engagement
864.231.2141 | Email
FAQS
Admission Documents
I-20 Issuance
Visa
At Anderson University
Admission Documents
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 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. Specific academic programs do require a minimum test score for transfer students.
What GPA is required for acceptance?
International students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher for freshmen and 2.5 or higher for transfers.
Do I need English language proficiency?
Anderson University requires English language proficiency. Proof must be sent directly from the testing agency to Anderson University’s Office of Undergraduate Admission. See a complete list of English proficiency tests we accept here.
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 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. If you attended a high school, college, or university in the United States or an IB or US Embassy school, your academic documents do not require an evaluation.
I-20 Issuance
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 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.
Visa
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.
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.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the system used to create and maintain immigration records for F1 students.
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.
At Anderson University
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.
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.
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!
What are the important dates that I need to know?
- Seated Fall classes begin on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Online & Hybrid classes begin on August 19, 2024 for the 7a term and October 14, 2024 for the 7b term.
- International student move in is Friday, August 16, 2024.
- Orientation (Base Camp) will be held on Saturday, August 17th. For additional information on orientation, please contact Student Involvement at studentinvolvement@andersonuniversity.edu. International orientation information will be provided with your I-20.
- Fall classes end on Tuesday, December 10th.
- Final exams take place from Thursday, December 5th to Tuesday, December 10th. Please plan to stay in the USA until all exams are completed.
- If you are an Anderson University athlete, your arrival and departure dates each semester may be affected by your game or practice schedule. Check with your coach before scheduling your air transportation. You should plan on arriving at Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) Airport. Please do not fly into Atlanta, GA (ATL) since it is almost 4 hours away from campus. Transportation from GSP to campus is available via Uber or Lyft for approximately $80-$100 USD.
Funding Your Education
International students entering the United States to study abroad at Anderson University on an F1 visa are required to show proof of financial support in order to be able to be issued an I-20. This is because while on an F1 visa international students are not eligible to work legally off campus while on a F1 visa and therefore need to have adequate funding to prove they can afford up to one year of funding for their education in the USA. Many students on an F1 visa have their parents or family members assist to support them with their educational journey. Below is a list of funding sources for you to consider.
FUNDING SOURCES
Institutional Aid
Anderson University for Undergraduates and Transfer Student Scholarships – All undergraduate international applicants, whether freshmen or transfers are eligible for scholarships to attend. Students who submit an ACT or SAT score may be eligible for additional scholarships. Transfer students with a qualifying GPA may be eligible for one of three transfer merit scholarship levels. Your admission counselor can assist you with the scholarship and admission process.
Private Loans
Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund – OAS (Organization of American States) – OAS offers low interest loans to eligible international students from countries who are members from the Caribbean, Central and South American region. To see if your country is listed, please contact the Rowe Foundation for additional information.
Private Student Loans with a Co-signer – Most international student loans require a co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident of the Untied States. This way, if you do not repay the loan, the co-signer is responsible to make payment and its impact’s their credit score. Anderson University’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can direct you to the options available.
Personal Resources
Parents and Extended Family in Home Country – Most international students receive some form of support from their parents or extended family. Remember that you can have more than one sponsor when financial documentation is required. However, all sponsors must complete a sponsorship form promising to support you while you study in the USA. They also need to show proof of their financial support in the form of bank statements, investments, and liquid assets.
Relatives/Friends in the USA or a US Host Family – Many international students have friends or family in the USA who wish to help them with their room and board expense. If you have a relative or friends in the USA who want to support you, they will still be required to complete a sponsorship form and show proof of financial support even if they are supporting you for room and board only. In addition, many times it does not help your F1 visa application if they know you have close family or relations in the USA. It is better to show strong family support in your home country when you apply for your F1 visa at the US Embassy.
Outside Grants and Scholarships
Institute for International Education (IIE) – IIE has a portal to help international students research funding for their studies.
Education USA – If you are researching additional scholarships for your education in the USA, you should contact your local Education USA office in your home country. They can assist you with your application and additional scholarships that might be available to you. Each country has a unique Education USA office who understands your educational system and additional scholarships you might be eligible for. Education USA is sponsored by the US Department of State and all advisement is free to international students.
Abroad Planet – This organization has a listing of scholarships for a broad range of majors designed for international students.
P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund – The PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for selected international women for graduate study in the USA and Canada. The students must promise to return to their countries within 60-days of completion of their degree to pursue their professional career.
Center for Global Engagement
The Center for Global Engagement assists new and continuing students with issues ranging from immigration-related concerns to adjustment to American culture and life in the United States. We offer a supportive environment where students from more than 35 countries receive counseling and assistance in an understanding and caring environment.