International Graduate Student Admissions
If you’re an international student interested in applying to a graduate program at Southern Adventist University, we know you have a unique set of questions to ask. Read on for the information you need to know about application requirements, necessary travel documents, and more.
Quick Links
All non-U.S. transcripts must be submitted through one of the following approved credential evaluation agencies:
- SpanTran: use this link to send to Southern
- Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc (ECE): www.ece.org
- World Education Services: www.wes.org
Evaluations are to be sent directly to Southern, Graduate Studies, by the service. All evaluation reports are considered to be advisory. Southern reserves the right to make final equivalency decisions.
Certification of English proficiency.
See School specific requirements in the Graduate Catalog. Scores are valid for two years from the test date. Learn more at:
Submit Declaration of Finances.
International students must have financial resources sufficient to support themselves for the calendar year, in addition to an international-student deposit of $3,000 (USD). Download Form
- To be issued an I-20 Form, students must also provide a letter from financial sponsors (including their name and address), as well as copies of bank statements for the last three months showing the balance history for the student's account or the financial sponsor's account.
Online Programs for International Graduate Students
Since international students enrolling in programs offered completely online do not travel to the United States, they are not required to obtain the Form I-20 or F-1 Student Visa, and they do not have to submit the Declaration of Finances. The degrees that are available completely online are:
- Master of Business Administration
Emphases are available in:- Accounting (for students who have already taken Intermediate Accounting 1 and 2)
- Healthcare Administration
- Management
- Master of Science in Education—Instructional Leadership
- The Instructional Leadership emphasis is offered online, except for a mandatory two-week on-campus intensive in the summer (usually in the second year). This program is available to international students, provided they can attend the on-campus intensive.
- Master of Science in Education—Literacy Education
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Nursing—Nurse Educator emphasis
- Master of Nursing + Master of Business Administration (dual degree)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
Programs Not Available to International Graduate Students
Since the following programs are offered only as summer intensives, the part-time schedule does not meet student-visa requirements for international students:
After all qualifying documentation is received, Southern Adventist University issues a letter of acceptance and the Form I-20. The letter and form must be presented to the U.S. consular officer when applying for a student visa. Only students approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service for attendance at Southern may enroll.
- An admission letter of acceptance from Southern Adventist University
- Form I-20 issued by Southern Adventist University
- A valid passport
- A valid F-1 Student Visa to travel to the United States
- Sufficient funds for the first year at Southern Adventist University
Learn More About Southern’s Graduate Program Experience
Check out the Graduate Studies blog to learn more about our programs and being a graduate student at Southern Adventist University.
How to Advance Your Career With a Bachelor’s Degree
It is natural to be curious about the value of a bachelor’s degree in today’s world, and you might find yourself pondering whether or not furtheringtrue