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GRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| Classes Begin | for | Applications are due by |
| mid August | Fall Semester | July 15 (March 15 due date for scholarship applications) |
| early January | Spring Semester | November 15 (Sept 15due date for scholarship application) |
| mid May | Summer Semester | May 1 |
*Not all graduate programs have the same application due dates. Please refer to Graduate admissions information page for Specific Program Deadlines.
Please read this sheet carefully before submitting an application for admission. No application will be considered until all items listed below are received. ALL applicants must submit the following items:
1. A completed application form with an application fee (check or money order payable to a U.S. bank in U.S. currency. Credit card is also accepted (Visa or Mastercard). You must complete the "Application for Graduate Admission" and provide all additional information that is required by the VSU Graduate School.
THREE WAYS TO APPLY:
- Apply on-line and submit electronically . The $25.00 fee must be paid by credit card or on-line check payment system.
* Note: Social Security Number is required unless the "I-20 Needed" box is checked in the Citizenship question. - Complete the application on-line, but use your print command to print the application.This application must be mailed to VSU Graduate School with a check or money order for $20.00.
* Note: Social Security Number is required unless the "I-20 Needed" box is checked in the Citizenship question. - Visit VSU Graduate School website for detailed information and graduate program related forms. Or submit a request for an application packet by e-mail gradschool@valdosta.edu or phone 1-800-618-1878.
2. Official college and university transcripts.
If you have attended a college or university following secondary school, you must submit a transcript from each institution which shows courses taken and grades earned. All college-or university-level academic work completed outside the United States must be translated and evaluated by one of five approved international credentials evaluation services. This will assure that you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits possible. Fees for this service are to be paid by the student. Follow the transfer procedures provided here.
3. Official copies of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if the applicant's first language is other than English. NOTE: Ask ETS to send scores to school GA 5855. The minimum acceptable score is 523 , 193( if taken on the computer) or 69 on TOEFL IBT( internet-based test) . Visit the TOEFL Test site for more information.
4. One of the following standardized test scores must be submitted: Graduate Record Exam (minimum 800 verbal and quantitative) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (minimum 450). Please refer to the Graduate Bulletin for information about which test is required for your degree program. Please note that these tests are required for admission to the graduate school.
5. A completed Certificate of Finances verifying that you have access to at least $22,207.00 (for 9 months) for your educational and personal expenses. If you do not complete a certificate of finances, you cannot be admitted. The certificate must also be signed by a bank official and contain the stamp or seal of the bank. Please do not send account balance statements. The reverse side of this sheet contains further information about fees.
6. A completed medical form demonstrating proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. After you submit an application for admission, VSU will send you a medical form you can use to list dates you received the immunizations. This form must be signed by a physician. Georgia law requires that students receive an initial measles vaccination followed by a second dose thirty days later. One dose each is required for mumps and rubella. Even if these immunizations are not routinely given in your country, you must have them before you can begin classes at VSU. Please be sure the list the month (MO) and year (YR) you receive the vaccines on your immunization form. The medical form is the basis for your record at the VSU student health center. Please be sure to answer all questions completely. If these immunizations are not available in your country, please contact the Foreign Student Advisor. In addition, foreign students must purchase the VSU medical insurance plan for foreign students to cover the cost of medical treatment while in the U.S or they must show proof that they have their own medical insurance.
7. Transfer students from U.S. universities must return the Transfer Clearance Form. This is a form to be completed by international students attending a U.S. institution who seek to transfer to Valdosta State University. The "Transfer Clearance Form" allows you to move your I-20 from your old school to VSU. You should return this form to your International Student Advisor.
Please note that all test scores and transcripts must be official. This means that the scores and transcripts must be sent directly to VSU Gradschool from the school or testing service. Photocopies sent by students are not acceptable.
Once these items are received, the Graduate School makes an admissions decision. The Center for International Programs assists the Graduate School with the special needs of foreign students. Applicants should contact the Foreign Student Advisor at the address listed below for assistance with the admissions process. Admitted students will be notified by the Graduate School and will be issued the Form I-20 which is used to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The student is responsible for applying for the visa and for any visa fees. The Foreign Student Advisor provides students with information about travel to Valdosta and a special orientation for new foreign students.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND ASSISTANTSHIPS
The Center for International Programs awards full and partial scholarships for international students. These scholarships are awarded for Fall and Spring Semesters. The deadline for applying for the Fall Semester is March 15th and for the Spring Semester is October 1st. The scholarships are renewable, but the students have to meet the following strict requirements:
1) must maintain a 3.0 (B) grade point average
2) participate in international student activities throughout the semester
3) must maintain F-1 visa student status
These requirements are mandatory and apply to both full and partial scholarships. Students failing to meet these requirements will be put on probation and are subject to non-renewal of their scholarship for the following semester if they do not fulfill their scholarship obligations by the end of their current term.
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship follow the directions provided. You must submit your scholarship application with your application to Valdosta State University. Scholarships will be considered as they arrive and should be send as soon as possible. The official deadline for the scholarship application in March 15, 2004, but we encourage you to send the application early.
International Student Scholarship Application
Immunization form
You can also contact the Graduate School to check for any available graduate assistantships and how to apply. The application form is provided below:
Graduate Assistantship Application
Please direct all inquiries to:
Mrs. Irina McClellanInternational Student Advisor
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Georgia 31698 USA
Fax: (229) 245-3849
Email: ibmcclel@valdosta.edu
Admitted students should check with the Foreign Student Advisor to determine the date of registration before making any travel reservations.
NOTE: Due to the high cost of international postage and faces, all requests for application packets and additional information will be answered by email.