International Students Admission Procedures

Students applying for admission who are not permanent residents or U.S. citizens and will require a student visa are considered international students by the Admission Office. These students should refer to the first-year or transfer sections for general instructions. In addition to the requirements stated in those sections, the following documents are required:

  1. Certified original copies of all transcripts, accompanied by official translations.
  2. Demonstration of English proficiency is required of all applicants for whom English was not the language of instruction in the schools they attended. Scores from English proficiency exams must be submitted directly from the testing agency to the Admission Office. Minimum test score requirements are:
  • TOEFL: 79 (internet), 213 (computerized) or 550 (paper)
  • IELTS: Band 6.5
  • ITEP: 3.8
  • APIEL: 3
  • PTE-A: 54

Note: Students who score 510 or higher on the Evidence Based Reading & Writing section of the SAT or have received a "C" grade or better in a college-level, non-ESL English composition course at an accredited U.S. college or University are exempt from the proficiency test score requirement.

Once the application is received, an International Financial Form will be sent to the student. This document must be submitted in addition to the application for admission. Official verification of bank funds must also be submitted along with an English translation.

Students transferring from an ESL program or another U.S. college or university must comply with all immigration regulations necessary for transfer.

If the applicant is admitted to Mount Saint Mary’s University, she/he will be required to submit a non-refundable tuition deposit to secure their space in the class.

The I-20 form will be sent to the prospective F-1 student after:

  1. Tuition deposit has been received and processed.
  2. The MSMU Designated School Official has determined that all required documents are in satisfactory order.
NOTE: It is the student's responsibility to obtain the proper student visa to enter the United States. Students on a valid U.S. work visa are not classified as international students and will not receive an I-20.